Everything That Changes in Germany in September 2024
September 2024 is poised to bring a host of significant changes across Germany, affecting various aspects of daily life, from tax deadlines and elections to travel regulations and seasonal shifts. Below is an in-depth look at the most important developments and Everything that Changes in Germany in September 2024.
Tax Return Deadline Approaches
The end of August marks the official deadline for mandatory tax declarations in Germany. However, since August 31st falls on a Sunday this year, the deadline has been extended to Monday, September 2nd, 2024. This extension provides a brief but crucial window for those who are required to submit their tax returns. While the majority of employees in Germany are not obligated to file a tax return, certain groups—including those with secondary sources of income or self-employment—must complete and submit their declarations annually. For those who collaborate with a tax advisor (Steuerberater) or an income tax association, there are extended deadlines, offering additional time to fulfill these obligations.
A Crucial Month for Elections
September 2024 is a pivotal month for German politics, with three significant elections scheduled to take place. On September 1st, voters in Thuringia and Saxony will head to the polls to elect new state parliaments (Landtagswahlen). Later in the month, on September 22nd, Brandenburg will hold its parliamentary elections. These elections are expected to be particularly consequential, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party anticipated to make notable gains, according to recent polls. In contrast, the federal government’s parties may experience a decline in support. Voting is open to all German citizens aged 18 and over, although some states like Brandenburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Bremen, Baden-Württemberg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Hamburg permit voting from the age of 16. However, German citizenship remains a prerequisite for participation.
End of School Holidays and Bundestag Resumption
As September begins, school holidays are drawing to a close across Germany, with students and teachers in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg being the last to return to the classroom. Lessons are set to resume around September 8th, marking the end of the summer break. Meanwhile, in the political arena, the German Bundestag will reconvene on September 9th. This session is expected to be particularly significant as it coincides with the traditional budget week—a period that has sparked considerable debate and controversy in recent times. The resumption of parliamentary activities will likely set the stage for intense political discussions and decisions.
Regional Holiday and the Onset of Autumn
Thuringia is set to observe a regional holiday on September 20th, in celebration of World Children’s Day. This public holiday will provide residents with a day off work, allowing them to participate in various events and activities dedicated to children. Additionally, September marks the transition from summer to autumn in Germany. While meteorologists recognize September 1st as the official start of autumn, the astronomical beginning of the season will occur on September 22nd, when the day and night are of equal length. This change heralds cooler temperatures and the vibrant colors of autumn foliage across the country.
Liquids Limits Reinstated at EU Airports
Travelers flying through EU airports, including those in Germany, should be aware of a significant change starting September 1st, 2024. The European Commission (EC) has announced the temporary reintroduction of limits on liquids carried in hand luggage. This decision stems from concerns about the reliability of new CT scanners, which are part of updated security systems. Frankfurt Airport, among others, had begun phasing out liquid limits, but will now revert to the previous restrictions. According to a notice on Frankfurt Airport’s website, “Starting September 1st, 2024, an EU-wide restriction on taking liquids in carry-on luggage will be applied again for all passenger security checkpoints (including CT scanners).” Passengers will be allowed to carry only liquids in containers no larger than 100 milliliters, and these must be placed inside a re-closable bag with a maximum capacity of 0.1 liters.
Organ Donation Declaration via Health Insurance App
By September 30th, 2024, residents of Germany will have the option to declare their intent to donate organs after their death using their health insurance app. This development builds on a system introduced in March, which allowed individuals to enter their organ and tissue donation preferences into a central online register using the online function of their ID card. The ability to make this declaration via an app is designed to simplify the process, making it more accessible and convenient for people to express their wishes regarding organ donation.
End of Reservation Requirement for International Trains
As of September 1st, 2024, travelers in Germany will no longer need to make reservations for most long-distance international train journeys. Deutsche Bahn had temporarily implemented a reservation requirement for nearly all long-distance connections over the summer, primarily due to the high demand expected during the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament held in June and July. However, with the tournament concluded, this requirement is being lifted. It’s worth noting, though, that the reservation requirement for the Munich-Zurich route will remain in place until October 5th, 2024.
Berlin Airport S-Bahn Service Interruption
Travelers relying on S-Bahn services to and from Berlin’s BER Airport should prepare for a disruption starting on September 13th, 2024. Maintenance work will result in the temporary closure of the S9 and S45 lines for approximately two months. While these lines are out of service, passengers can still access the airport via the airport express FEX and regional trains. The S-Bahn lines are expected to resume normal operations in early November 2024.
Submission of Receipts for Heating Subsidies
Homeowners who applied for KfW heating subsidies can begin submitting their invoices and receipts for completed projects at the end of September 2024. The first group eligible to submit their documents includes owners of single-family homes who use the house as their primary residence. Once the documents have been reviewed and verified, payments are expected to be disbursed by the end of October 2024, according to a spokesperson for the state development bank KfW.
Final Accounts for Covid Aid Due
Recipients of state-provided coronavirus economic aid have until the end of September 2024 to submit their final accounts. These accounts are necessary to reconcile the grants originally applied for with the amounts to which recipients are actually entitled. This reconciliation process may result in back payments or repayments, depending on the discrepancies identified between the initial application and the final amount owed.
Ban on the Purchase and Sale of R44 Child Seats
Starting in September 2024, the purchase and sale of child seats labeled with the abbreviation ‘R44’ will be prohibited in Germany. These seats, which do not meet the latest safety standards, have already been discontinued in terms of manufacturing. However, retailers were allowed to sell off existing stock until this deadline. While the sale of these seats will be banned, those who already own an R44 child seat may continue to use it in their vehicles.
Disney+ Ends Account Sharing
Disney+, following in the footsteps of Netflix, is set to end the option of account sharing in Germany beginning in September 2024. This move is part of a broader strategy initiated by Disney and its CEO Bob Iger to encourage users to create their own accounts, thereby increasing subscription revenues. Users who have been sharing accounts will now be required to register for individual accounts to continue accessing Disney+ content.
Oktoberfest Returns
Despite its name, Oktoberfest, Germany’s most famous folk festival, traditionally begins in September. The 2024 edition of Oktoberfest will kick off on Saturday, September 21st, and will run until October 6th. Held in Munich, this iconic event is expected to attract millions of visitors from around the world. Attendees can look forward to a festive atmosphere filled with traditional Bavarian music, food, and, of course, endless liters of beer.
By being aware of these changes, residents and visitors in Germany can prepare for a smooth transition into September 2024.
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