The year 2023 will bring many changes and innovations for consumers. Among other things, there is a new standard for the car first aid kit, Netflix wants to abolish sharing and pensioners can look forward to an increase in pension. Here we present you with an overview of the most important changes in 2023.
After many years, the AU certificate will be abolished and replaced by the eAU. In concrete terms, this means that from January 2023 employees will no longer have to present the yellow slip to their employer if they receive a sick note. From the New Year, this will be sent electronically from the doctor’s office to the insurance company, which in turn will forward the health insurance certificate to the employer.
You can read more detailed information on electronic sick leave here: Change in the AU – document will be abolished – what will change in sick leave from 2023
In the new year, midi jobbers can earn 2,000 euros per month. Until the end of 2022, the earnings limit was 1600 euros per month. As a midi-jobber, social security contributions are due, but significantly lower than for full-time or part-time employees.
From January 1st, early retirees may earn unlimited additional income in addition to their old-age pension.
The additional income limits are also changing: If pensioners receive a disability pension, they may earn 17,823.75 gross per year. In the case of a pension due to a partial reduction in earning capacity, the earnings limit is EUR 35,647.50.
From 2023, taxpayers can claim 5 euros for every calendar day that was worked at home in the home office. From January, the maximum limit is 210 days and 1260 euros per year, previously it was 600 euros and a maximum of 120 home office days.
Every employee in the home office can claim this for tax purposes, even if they do not have their own office.
The Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has stipulated that from January 1st, 2023 the citizen’s allowance will replace Hartz IV. The change brings financial advantages for those in need, because the monthly basic security increases for them to more than 50 euros. Single people receive 502 euros per month from 2023.
The protective assets have also been increased for savings: up to 15,000 euros per person remain protected. You can find detailed information about the citizens’ allowance online.
The saver allowance or saver allowance will be increased from 801 euros to 1000 euros in the new year. For spouses, it increases from 1,602 euros to 2,000 euros.
From January 1, 2023, the health insurance contributions for those with statutory health insurance will increase. Contributions will be increased by 0.3 points to an average of 16.2 percent of gross wages to absorb the high costs of the pandemic in the healthcare sector. The Ukraine war and the energy crisis are also listed as reasons for the sharp increase.
A pension increase is planned for July. More detailed information will follow in the spring when data on wage developments are available. It is known that pensions will increase by 3.5 percent in western Germany and by 4.2 percent in eastern Germany. In addition, pension contributions can be completely tax-deductible from 2023.
You can find more changes to do with your finances here: Taxes, pensions, child benefits – this will change for your wallet in 2023
In the new year, the subsidy for plug-in hybrids will be dropped. E-cars are also only subsidized to a limited extent. Private individuals will then receive a subsidy of EUR 4,500 for the new electric car instead of the previous EUR 6,000 if the car has a list price of up to EUR 40,000. A list price of up to 65,000 euros is supported with 3,000 euros, until the end of 2022 the support amounts to 5,000 euros.
The new standard for car first aid kits 2023 has actually been in force since February 1, 2022. However, a transitional period was agreed with a deadline for February 1, 2023. From then on, the new DIN standard 13164:22 will apply. This states that the first aid kit must also contain two face masks. The triangular cloth and bandage cloth can be omitted.
This year, the government decided on an energy price brake to relieve citizens’ financial burden, which will apply from March 2023. The months of January and February are also capped retrospectively, but are not paid out or settled until March.
The price brake for electricity is 40 cents per kilowatt hour, for gas 12 cents per kilowatt hour. The district heating price is capped at 9.5 cents per kilowatt hour.
The energy price brake refers to 80 percent of the consumption compared to the previous year’s consumption. The remaining 20 percent is remunerated at the provider’s fixed price.
Families will receive more child benefit from 2023. So far, the rule has been that the first two children receive child benefit of 219 euros and the third 225 euros. From January, child benefit of 250 euros per month will be paid out for each child.
From January, the child allowance increases
From January 1, 2023, the child allowance will increase by EUR 404 to EUR 8,952. Next year there will be a further increase of 360 euros.
In the new year, the tobacco tax will be increased, so that a pack of cigarettes will be around 10 cents more expensive.
In 2023, the minimum wage for nursing staff will be increased in two stages (May and December):
From January 2023, every gastronomy must offer take-away food and drinks in reusable packaging. The to-go products must not become more expensive. However, the company can charge a deposit on the packaging.
There is one exception: Small companies with fewer than five employees and a shop area of less than 80 square meters are exempt from the returnable packaging obligation. However, if a customer brings their own containers, they must be used by the snack bar or kiosk on request.
From 2023 Netflix wants to get serious and no longer allow account sharing, each sub-account should cost money in the future. This is justified with a lack of income, which according to the company should arise due to the sharing. Netflix will start with the new subscription guidelines in America. It is unknown when exactly password sharing will be banned in Germany.
Read more about this here:
TV and streaming – Big Netflix change from 2023! Account sharing no longer allowed
