Politics · Germany · 2 hrs ago
German business groups oppose ending inheritance tax relief for companies
Leaders of two German business groups have called for tax relief on inherited business assets to remain in place.
They include Rainer Kirchdörfer, head of the Foundation for Family Businesses, and Peter Adrian, president of the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
The relief applies to assets such as factories, machines and patents when businesses pass to new owners.
Adrian said it comes with conditions, including continuing to run the business or keeping jobs.
He warned that without the relief, tax could reach up to half the transferred value.
He said some heirs might then have to sell part or all of a company to pay the bill.
The business leaders argue that higher taxes could leave companies with less money to invest and put jobs at risk.
German business groups are opposing the removal of inheritance-tax relief for business assets.
Rainer Kirchdörfer, head of the Foundation for Family Businesses, warned that ending the rules would be a catastrophe for Germany as a business location.
Peter Adrian, president of the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce, said the relief protects investment and jobs.
The groups said that without relief, heirs could face tax bills of up to 50 percent of the transferred value.
- Who
- Rainer Kirchdörfer of the Foundation for Family Businesses and Peter Adrian of the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
- What
- They defended inheritance-tax relief for business assets and warned against ending it.
- When
- The statements were reported on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Germany.
- Why
- They said higher taxes could reduce investment, threaten jobs and force heirs to sell parts or all of a business.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
If these rules were abolished, it would be a catastrophe for Germany as a business location.
The relief is not a subsidy, but is subject to fixed requirements such as continuing the business or retaining jobs.
It is tied up in machines, halls and innovations.
- Publication date
- October 12, 2026
- Potential tax rate
- Up to 50 percent of the transferred value
- Rainer Kirchdörfer
- Head of the Foundation for Family Businesses
- Peter Adrian
- President of the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce
Sources
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