On 19 March 2020, the Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) published a decree on the tax measures in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Taxpayers who can demonstrate that they are directly and significantly affected by the coronavirus can apply for a reduction in the trade tax base for prepaid trade tax purposes until 31 December 2020. The tax authorities may defer taxes if the collection would constitute a significant hardship. Taxpayers can submit an application for deferral of taxes due or becoming due by that date until 31 December 2020. A waiver of enforcement measures or penalties for late payments is to be granted until 31 December 2020. The next advance payments dates are 10 June 2020 for income tax and corporate tax, and 15 May 2020 for trade tax.
Related Posts

Germany: Federal Court clarifies scope of tax assessment amendments in constructive dividend cases
Germany’s Federal Fiscal Court has held that the power to amend a final, binding tax assessment under § 32a (1)
Read More
German diesel drivers receive only part of temporary fuel-tax cut
Germany’s diesel drivers are receiving only part of the temporary fuel-tax cut introduced by Chancellor Friedrich
Read More
Germany seeks funding for electricity tax cuts
Germany’s federal government said on Friday, 16 October 2026, that it remains committed to cutting electricity taxes
Read More
Germany proposes updates to tax haven defence rules following EU list changes
Germany’s Ministry of Finance has published a draft ordinance on 12 October 2026 proposing amendments to the Tax
Read More
Germany clarifies mandatory B2B e-invoicing rules
Germany’s Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) issued a supplementary letter on mandatory domestic business-to-business
Read More
Germany: Federal Cabinet proposes excise tax on sugar-sweetened drinks
Germany’s Federal Cabinet approved a legislative proposal on 14 October 2026 to introduce a sugar-sweetened beverage
Read More