The days are getting longer, temperatures are rising – spring is finally here! As the sun sends its first warm rays through the windows, layers of dust and streaks that have accumulated over the winter months often become visible. It is no wonder that many feel the urge for a thorough spring clean. Whether it's vacuuming, window cleaning, or garden maintenance – now is the time to polish everything to a high gloss. But did you know that you can even secure tax relief in the process? Because those who hire professional help can deduct part of the costs from their taxes.
Which cleaning tasks are tax-deductible
All recurring tasks in the house and garden undertaken by a household help or a cleaning service count as haushaltsnahe Dienstleistungen (household-related services) and can be claimed for tax purposes. These include, for example:
In the house: Window cleaning, carpet and upholstery cleaning, washing curtains, floor maintenance
In outdoor areas: Cleaning walkways, cutting hedges, removing moss from paving stones
The decisive factor is that the commissioned company issues a proper invoice on which labour costs, travel costs, and machine costs are listed separately. You can deduct up to 20 per cent of these costs (maximum 4,000 Euro) directly from your tax liability – this represents a noticeable tax saving. Material costs, on the other hand, are not deductible.
Mini-job or service provider? The correct settlement counts!
A registered household help in a mini-job can also bring tax advantages. Anyone who employs a cleaner on a mini-job basis and registers them with the "Minijob-Zentrale" can receive a tax bonus of up to 510 Euro per year. Important: The Finanzamt only recognises payments made via bank transfer – cash payments are excluded.
Maximum tax savings of 4,510 Euro possible
The best part: Both tax advantages – household-related services and mini-jobs – can be combined. Thus, the potential tax savings can add up to 4,510 Euro per year. A further plus point: An owner-occupied second home or holiday flat within the EEA area also benefits from this regulation. It does not matter whether you are a tenant or an owner.
Conclusion: Spring cleaning pays off twice
Not only will your home shine in new splendour after the spring clean – your wallet can also benefit! Those who rely on professional support and cleverly declare the costs in their tax return can secure a tidy tax bonus. So, why not use the start of spring and let someone take the work off your hands?
**Note
**This article is for general information purposes and was carefully prepared by the Lexo.Tax editorial team. Personal tax advice can only be provided within the framework of a membership with Lexo.Tax – and exclusively to the legally permitted extent according to § 4 Nr. 11 StBerG (Tax Consultancy Act).