[ivanche]

It's true that the capital gains taxes are really high. But there are at least some exempts: 1) first 801€ for an individual or 1602€ for a couple are tax free (every year); 2) if you invest in ETFs that invest primarily in stocks first 30% of capital gains are tax free

[allendoerfer]

> 2) if you invest in ETFs that invest primarily in stocks first 30% of capital gains are tax free

Citation needed.

I would argue the point is actuallly the opposite: Capital gains taxes are actually lower than income taxes on your salary. Properties do have an unfair advantage, though, because they can be sold tax free after 10 years.

We do need something like a 401k. But if you read the election manifestos of different parties for September, they are indeed in there.

[ivanche]

> Citation needed

Here are 2 links that explain in detail [0] [1]. I'm sorry I misinformed you about Steuerbescheinigung - it's not visible there, but it is when you do Steuererklärung with smartsteuer.de.

[0] https://www.lohnsteuer-kompakt.de/fag/2020/2895/was_ist_die_...

[1] https://www.fondsclever.de/ratgeber/lexikon-investmentfonds/...

[allendoerfer]

Interesting, I was only aware about "Vorabpauschale". I read that this one ("Teilfreistellung") evens out, because in turn taxes for fonds increased.

[ivanche]

> Citation needed.

I will try to provide a screenshot from Steuerbescheinigung that Scalable Capital sent me a few days ago.

Also, if something like 401K (with matching, hehe) is really implemented one day in Germany, it will be a big step ahead. Right now people are constantly robbed with various corporate pension plans that just pour money into Allianz and other insurance companies for "only" 2% TER.