Commuter Allowance Calculator
Work out your deductible commuting allowance for the drive to work, with the flat 0.38 Euro per kilometre from the first kilometre (as of 2026) and the stepped rates of earlier years. Local and GDPR-compliant.
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Commuter Allowance Calculator: the German Entfernungspauschale
Driving to work every day costs both time and money. The good news: if you commute to your primary workplace, you can claim the travel expenses as a commuter allowance in your German tax return. This calculator helps you work out the deductible amount quickly and reliably based on your details.
You simply enter the one-way distance between home and work in kilometres, your working days per year, and the year you want to calculate for. The calculator then returns the annual allowance you can claim. Especially if you commute far or have many working days, this often adds up to a noticeable saving.
Note: This calculator is for orientation and does not replace professional tax advice. Whether the allowance is recognised depends on your individual situation and the rules in force. Please verify the current tax regulations with your tax office or tax advisor. As of: September 2026.
How it works
The commuter allowance applies to the one-way distance to your primary workplace, not to the round trip together. For the year 2026, under the Steueränderungsgesetz 2025, it is uniformly 0.38 € per kilometre from the first kilometre onwards. In earlier years, a stepped rate applied instead, which differed by period.
- Enter the one-way distance between home and work in kilometres.
- Enter your working days per year, typically between 220 and 230 days.
- Select the year, because the rate can differ depending on the year.
- The annual allowance is kilometres × working days × the rate for the selected year.
What it can and cannot do
The calculator is suitable for employees and workers who commute to a primary workplace, whether by car, bicycle, or public transport. It reflects the one-way commuter allowance and, depending on the year, can account for the stepped rate of earlier years. Not included are special cases such as business trips, disability-related extra costs, or individual caps that may apply in particular situations. For a reliable assessment, always check the current legal situation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the commuter allowance?
The commuter allowance, known in German as the Entfernungspauschale or Pendlerpauschale, lets employees deduct the cost of getting to work as a business expense. The one-way distance between home and the primary workplace is claimed.
How high is the allowance in 2026?
For 2026, under the Steueränderungsgesetz 2025, a uniform rate of 0.38 € per kilometre applies, starting from the first kilometre. In earlier years a stepped rate applied instead, which you can account for through the year selection in the calculator.
Does the round trip count or only the one-way distance?
Only the one-way distance between home and work counts. The commuter allowance refers to the simple way, even though you naturally drive there and back on a given day.
Who qualifies for the commuter allowance?
Employees and workers who regularly commute to a primary workplace qualify, regardless of the means of transport. It can be claimed when using your own car, a bicycle, or public transport.
What is a primary workplace?
The primary workplace is the place where an employee permanently and mainly performs their work, usually the company’s own workplace. Only journeys there fall under the commuter allowance, not trips to changing locations.
Does this help with my tax return?
It gives you a reliable indication of the amount you can claim. Since tax rules can change and special cases are possible, you should check the figures with your tax office or a tax advisor.