real example - hope this helps
posted by Age Presnism in Germany forum
Let me give you my personal example.
I am an American who moved to Germany and I have been working in Germany for 5 months now.
My total annual income is 170,000 Euro, my tax rate is 45%, I calculated every paycheck I got, this is the actual deduction.
I am married with one child, becuase my spouse is still working in US, and have not moved here, I am not qualifed for "Married" tax status, my child deduction is only around 160 - 170 Euro a month (means you only make 160Euro less per paycheck get if no child)
My advice is: if you have a high income level and you cannot be qualified for "married" bracket, and you have none or few kids, DO NOT move to Germany. PERIOD. You will be ripped off by the government everyday, because you pay much more than the benefits you will get, and your tax is going to subsidize the rest of the country. At higher income level, all benefits go away, for example, Kindergarten fee is based on income. Economically this is a black and white situation. The other alternative is to have your employer equalize your tax when you move so you don't get ripped off by the government, they still rip off your employer but at least you are protected.
Hope this helps somewhat