Thuringia can expect a strong increase in taxes this year. According to Finance Minister Taubert, large leaps are not possible.
Erfurt (dpa/th) – Despite the energy crisis and the uncertainty resulting from the Ukraine war, Thuringia can expect a sharp increase in tax revenue this year. According to the autumn tax estimate presented by Finance Minister Heike Taubert (SPD) in Erfurt on Wednesday, the state coffers will receive EUR 750 million more than budgeted for this year. Compared to the last tax estimate in May, this is an increase of 276 million euros.
This means that a withdrawal from the reserve to balance the budget can largely be dispensed with. “The forecast additional income does not increase our scope for action,” Taubert clarified. In view of the uncertain economic situation, the Free State needs an appropriate financial buffer in order to be able to react to unforeseeable events in the future. “If inflation lasts longer, further relief packages may also be necessary.”
This year, 500 million euros from the reserve should be used to finance the state budget. In addition, there are another 350 million euros from the reserve for the special fund that has already been decided on during the energy crisis. For the coming financial year, the income expectations from the May tax estimate can now be increased by 70 million euros.
According to the latest forecast, tax revenue will also increase nationwide and in the Thuringian municipalities. In the current year, the estimated additional income for the municipalities in the Free State is 114 million euros and in the coming year 93 million euros. One reason for this lies in the trade tax, the revenue of which has been corrected noticeably upwards in the current estimate.
