About this tool
With the German commuter allowance (Entfernungspauschale or Pendlerpauschale) you deduct your way to work from your taxes. For each working day the one-way distance to your first workplace counts, no matter how you get there. Since 2026 it is 38 cents from the first kilometer; from 2022 to 2025 it was 30 cents for the first 20 km and 38 cents from km 21.
The calculator adds the commuter allowance, the home office allowance and other work expenses and subtracts the employee lump sum of €1,230 that everybody gets anyway. Whatever is above lowers your taxable income – multiplied by your marginal tax rate this gives the estimated saving.
How it works
- Choose the tax year and enter the one-way distance to work in kilometers.
- Enter your commuting days and, if any, home office days and other work expenses.
- Adjust the marginal tax rate to estimate the tax saving.
Frequently asked questions
Which distance counts?
The shortest road connection between home and the first workplace, one way only and full kilometers only. A longer route only counts if it is obviously more convenient and used regularly.
Is there a cap?
Yes, €4,500 a year – but only if you do not drive your own or a company car, e.g. by bus, train or bike. By car there is no cap. If your actual ticket costs are higher than the allowance, you can deduct those instead.
Is the allowance worth it for short commutes?
Only once all work expenses together exceed the employee lump sum of €1,230. With 220 working days that is the case in 2026 from about 15 km. What the trips actually cost in fuel is shown by the Fuel Cost Calculator.
How accurate is the tax saving?
It is an estimate with your marginal tax rate, without solidarity surcharge and church tax. For average incomes it is usually between 25 and 35 %. What remains of your salary is shown by the Gross to Net Salary Calculator (Germany). If you drive a company car, the Company Car Calculator calculates the taxable benefit.