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Exemption order: collect interest and dividends tax-free

Interest, dividends, and capital gains are subject to withholding tax. But a certain amount per year stays tax-free: the saver's lump-sum allowance. For the bank to take it into account, you need an exemption order.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Up to the saver's lump-sum allowance (1,000 euros for singles, 2,000 euros for jointly assessed married couples) your capital income stays tax-free. With an exemption order at your bank, no withholding tax is deducted up to this amount.
You can split the allowance across several banks, but overall you can only use the maximum amount. If too much tax was withheld (no/too low an exemption order), you reclaim it through your tax return (Anlage KAP).

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Estimate your income

    How much interest/dividends do you expect at which bank?

  2. 2

    2. Grant the exemption order

    Set up an exemption order at the bank up to the appropriate amount.

  3. 3

    3. Split it

    With several banks, distribute the allowance sensibly (do not exceed it overall).

  4. 4

    4. Paid too much? Reclaim it

    Reclaim tax withheld without an exemption order through Anlage KAP in your tax return.

Frequently asked questions

What is an exemption order good for?

With it, the bank takes your saver's lump-sum allowance into account (1,000 euros for singles, 2,000 euros for jointly assessed couples): up to this amount, capital income is not charged withholding tax. Without an exemption order, the bank remits the tax automatically, and you would have to reclaim it later.

What if I did not submit an exemption order?

Then the bank probably withheld withholding tax even though your income was below the allowance. You can reclaim the overpaid tax through your tax return by entering the capital income in Anlage KAP. For the future, you should set up an exemption order.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.