Regular AfA (§ 7 paragraph 4 EStG) | Monument copy (§ 7i EStG)
Base of assessment | EUR 130,000 | EUR 120,000
Depreciation rate/AfA level | 2 % per year / EUR 2,600 | 9 % per year / EUR 11,700
Total AfA deductible as advertising costs | EUR 14,300 (EUR 2,600 + EUR 11,700)
Germany and many other countries within the European Economic Area have a centuries-long history. It is particularly evident in historically remarkable city and landscape pictures. Corresponding buildings and structures are therefore often listed as monuments, because the legislature attaches great importance to the preservation of this substance. With the depreciation of monuments in income tax law, the self-employed, landlords and private individuals also benefit from various advantages.
1. In what ways does the legislature promote monuments?
Monuments characterize the cityscape in many places. Historic old towns in particular, for example in Munich, are often largely listed as monuments. With the respective state monument protection laws (DSchG), legislators ensure that monuments may not be changed, demolished or extended without further ado. Measures shall be subject to the agreement of the competent authority.
The background is more or less obvious. The respective federal states also want to preserve the history associated with the individual buildings and ensembles in visual and haptic terms. It should not only exist “on paper” or in pictures, but actually be tangible on site.
Numerous monument objects are in the hands of private individuals. Behind all measures are also subject to official approval, at the same time there are numerous funding possibilities. One of these is the monument depreciation according to the Income Tax Act (EStG), but in addition the following measures are considered:
This article does not replace tax or legal advice in an individual case. Facts, current law, jurisdiction, documentation and implementation remain decisive.