Erfurt (dpa/th) - Thuringia's SPD leader Georg Maier has called for an increase in the top tax rate to finance the relief for citizens in the energy crisis. "It is a requirement of fairness and justice that high earners make a solidarity contribution in the interests of society as a whole," Maier said on Monday in Erfurt.
The urgently needed relief for private households and companies leads to a heavy burden on public budgets. "If some new debts have to be taken on for this, that reduces future opportunities to invest in the transformation of the economy and energy supply." Maier spoke out in favor of raising the top tax rate - at least for a limited time if no majority could be found for a general increase.
The top tax rate is currently 42 percent. People with higher incomes have to pay it. The limit is currently 58,597 euros for taxable annual income. Only recently, in a package for tax relief, the Bundestag had newly regulated that from next year the top tax rate will only apply from the limit of 62,827 euros on taxable income. In 2024, this benchmark would rise to 66,779 euros.
