Can I, as an employee, have different tax classes in various jobs?
May 6, 2024 | 45,00 EUR | answered by Friedhelm Peters
Dear tax advisor,
My name is Paula Becker and I currently work in two different jobs. In my main job, I work full-time as an employee in an office, while in my side job, I work as a waitress on weekends. So far, I have been assigned tax class I in both jobs.
However, I am concerned whether it is possible to have different tax classes in my two different jobs. I wonder if it would be financially advantageous to have a different tax class in my side job, as I earn less there than in my main job.
I also wonder how different tax classes would affect my tax return and if it is possible to adjust the tax classes in my two jobs to take advantage of tax benefits.
Could you please explain to me if it is possible to have different tax classes in different jobs and what steps I would need to take to achieve this? I would appreciate a comprehensive answer to my questions.
Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
Paula Becker
Dear Mrs. Becker,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the possibility of having different tax classes in your two jobs and the potential impact this could have on your tax return.
In general, it is possible to have different tax classes in different jobs. The tax class is usually determined by the employer, based on information about the employee's personal situation. In your case, you have tax class I in both jobs, which is common for single employees without children or other special tax circumstances.
Since you work full-time in your main job and earn less as a waitress on weekends in your side job, it may be financially advantageous for you to have a different tax class in your side job. Tax class I deducts the highest taxes, while tax classes II, III, IV, and V have different allowances that can result in lower tax burdens.
To adjust the tax class in your side job, you would need to submit a request for a tax reduction to the tax office. In this request, you can specify that you have tax class I in your main job and wish for a more favorable tax class in your side job. The tax office will then review your information and determine the new tax class.
It is important to note that different tax classes can affect your tax return. Having a more favorable tax class in one job may result in you having to pay less income tax. However, you should also consider the possibility of having to make a repayment if you have paid too little tax in one job.
I hope this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions or need assistance with applying for a different tax class, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Friedhelm Peters
Tax Advisor
