Rejection of an application to increase the commuter allowance (recommendation)

Another proposal from the AfD parliamentary group was rejected in the Bundestag, which provides for comprehensive tax relief for commuters. The core of the application is a significant increase in the so-called commuter allowance (distance allowance) for journeys between home and work. For journeys by car, this flat rate should be increased to 50 cents per kilometer from the first kilometer onwards. In addition, the previous upper limit of €4,500 for tax deductions will no longer apply, so that even longer, regular commutes can be fully taken into account. In addition, the application proposes to differentiate the flat rates more clearly according to means of transport. While car drivers should be given greater relief, flat rates for other means of transport should be adjusted; There is no longer a flat rate for footpaths. In addition, the flat rates will in future be automatically adjusted to price developments in order to take rising costs into account, for example due to inflation or higher energy prices. Low-income earners should also benefit from the changes by expanding the so-called mobility bonus and granting it from the first kilometer. There was also a recommendation for a resolution from the Finance Committee for the application, which recommended rejection. The recommendation for a resolution was adopted with 448 yes votes to 136 no votes, with no abstentions.