Can I deduct the costs for the creation of an energy certificate from my taxes?
May 18, 2022 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Lorenzo Hartmann
Dear tax advisor,
My name is Paula Heck and I have been renting out an apartment for several years. It is now time to renew my energy certificate, as my current one has expired. I am unsure whether I can claim the costs for the creation of the energy certificate on my taxes and how to proceed.
The previous energy certificate for my rented apartment has expired, and I need to create a new one to comply with legal regulations. The cost of creating the energy certificate amounts to a three-digit sum, so it is important for me to be able to claim these expenses on my taxes.
My concern is that I may not be able to deduct the costs as advertising expenses for the rental of my apartment, leading to additional financial burdens. I would like to know if it is possible to deduct the costs for the creation of an energy certificate on my taxes, and if so, how I should proceed to ensure that I do not make any mistakes.
Could you please help me and advise me on whether and how I can claim the costs for the creation of an energy certificate on my taxes? I would be very grateful for your support and guidance in this matter.
Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
Paula Heck
Dear Mrs. Heck,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the tax deductibility of the costs for obtaining an energy certificate in connection with renting out your apartment. I would be happy to provide you with detailed information on this matter.
In general, the costs for obtaining an energy certificate are tax deductible as advertising expenses in the context of renting out real estate. The energy certificate is used to evaluate the energy consumption and efficiency of a property and is therefore a necessary tool to comply with legal requirements. Therefore, the costs for obtaining the energy certificate should be considered as operating expenses or advertising expenses in the context of rental activities.
In order to claim the costs for the new energy certificate as a tax deduction, you should carefully keep the invoice from the energy consultant or issuing authority and include it in your tax return. The costs can then be deducted as advertising expenses in the context of rental income. It is important that the invoice clearly specifies the exact amount for obtaining the energy certificate and clearly indicates that it is related to the rental of your apartment.
If you have not yet applied for the new energy certificate, I recommend doing so promptly to comply with legal requirements and avoid any financial sanctions. You can then indicate the costs for the energy certificate in your tax return in the corresponding form under advertising expenses for rental activities.
I hope this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your trust and your inquiry.
Sincerely,
Lorenzo Hartmann
Tax Advisor
