Tax reform: More justice for working women in Berlin

Tax reform: One step towards more equal opportunities for women

Berlin (ots)

The continued debate about the tax classes in Germany not only raises questions of fairness, but also has a direct impact on the professional motivation of many women. Particularly married women who work part -time often see themselves in a financially disadvantageous position when they submit a tax return together with their partner and chose the tax classes 3 and 5.

origin of the problem

In this constellation, the feeling that your own workload is hardly worthwhile, since the partner with the lower income benefits noticeably less from the common income. The choice of tax classes clearly shows their disadvantages, especially for women who are in part -time employment relationships. A common result is the decision not to increase working hours because additional hours are perceived as economically unattractive.

reforms in tax law

The Federal Government under the traffic light coalition now brings a breath of fresh air to this topic. A fundamental reform is initiated that maintains the existing spouse splitting, but wants to abolish the current tax classes 3 and 5 in the medium term. In the future, tax class 4 should become the rule using a factor procedure. This new regulation ensures that the tax advantage is distributed more evenly to the two partners, so that both benefit from taxation every month.

Why this reform is important

This reform approach is no coincidence. Institutions such as the EU Commission and the OECD have increasingly pointed out the need to promote the acquisition potential of women. In view of the existing shortage of skilled workers in Germany, it is all the more important to open the labor markets for all talents and to encourage women in particular to switch to full -time or to better paid positions. Such a tax reform can be the key to reduce these barriers and maximize the labor offer.

The way forward

The first step is done, but that must be the beginning of further, far -reaching reforms. Germany will continue to be confronted with the challenges of a shortage of skilled workers, which must be addressed by a combination of qualified immigration, improved childcare and intensive training and further education. However, tax reforms are a central component. This is the only way to bring about a sustainable change that is advantageous not only for women, but for the entire society.