Income and expenses
Tax is based on rental income less qualifying expenses, not on gross rent alone. Financing interest, repairs, management and depreciation can be relevant; loan principal is not an expense.
Allocation matters
Land is not depreciated, so purchase price and acquisition costs must be allocated between land and building. Private use and vacancy periods need separate treatment.
- Purchase agreement and allocation.
- Loan interest statements.
- Rental contracts and service charges.
- Repair and improvement invoices.
Non-resident filing
Foreign owners can have a German return obligation even without other German income. Treaty rules generally preserve Germany’s right to tax German real estate.
Frequently asked
Do non-residents pay German tax on rent?
Generally yes for rent from German real estate.
Can mortgage payments be deducted?
Interest may qualify; repayment of principal does not.
Is German property depreciation available?
The building portion may be depreciated under the applicable rules; land is excluded.
This guide is general information on German tax law, not advice on your individual case. Rules and figures change with each tax year.