We've all been there: Daily life is packed, the to-do list never gets shorter, and somewhere between work, family, and other obligations, the housework simply piles up. Sure, you can work your way through the endless tasks step by step. Or you can outsource them.
Yes, good support in your own home can not only save time and stress, but also improve your quality of life. But how do you actually find people who are reliable, work under fair conditions, and with whom everything is covered in case of an emergency?
Many seek support through local classified ads or recommendations from their network. This is a valid approach and can often work well.
However, many private helpers who come through these channels want to be paid in cash. Often they are not "part of the system" and therefore not covered by our social security systems.
This not only has financial disadvantages for you: Without an official invoice and proof of electronic payment to the helper, you cannot deduct your expenses from your taxes . Furthermore, the helpers lack any insurance coverage and potentially the basic social security they are entitled to. So what would happen if something serious happened? For example, if the helper strained their back while carrying something, or the cleaner fell off a ladder while cleaning windows?
Therefore, anyone who wants to play it safe and keep a close eye on their helpers should rely on official and registered support in their own home or office . This should include insurance, an invoice, and fair terms for all parties involved.
At Helferei , we do exactly that: We connect you with local helpers in Berlin, Cologne, Leipzig, and Munich – for household chores and family support, small and large repairs, or assistance with carrying and computer tasks. You tell us what you need – we take care of the rest. Everything is official and transparent for everyone involved.
Is it running at the Helferei Sometimes things don't go according to plan? Yes, incidents happen to us too. They're rare, but they do happen. Therefore, we too may not be able to keep our promises in individual cases. What's crucial, in our view, is how we handle these situations. And here we assure you that we take all concerns seriously and always strive to find a solution tailored to your specific situation.
For example, your tax return has a separate section for "Household-Related Services." There, you can claim 20% of your expenses for household support. This reduces your total tax liability by exactly that amount. It's important to note: this applies to your total tax liability, not just your taxable income.
Furthermore, there are other options if you work from home or occasionally rent out your living space, for example the advertising expenses section in the annual tax return.
An invoice is therefore worth real money. For more details about your individual situation and the tax deductibility of your expenses for household-related services, it's best to speak with tax experts: your tax advisor, the payroll tax office, or you can use tax software to find out more.
That's a pretty broad definition. Here are just a few examples* for which you can seek help and claim tax deductions:
It is always important that the support service takes place in your own household, is officially invoiced, and is paid by electronic bank transfer. Tax offices no longer accept cash payments.
The helpers we work with are all registered and have health insurance. We ensure they are paid fairly and therefore use transparent minimum hourly rates, which everyone can view online. And you will always receive an invoice, so you're on the safe side.
We believe that transparency in dealings and communication with both customers and service providers makes many things easier. This way, everyone knows what to expect – and for whom the service might not be the right fit.
In our view, support should not feel like a guilty conscience, and a lack of trust should not be a barrier.
You don't have to do everything alone. Especially when everyday life is far too hectic, reliable support in your apartment, house, or office can be a real game changer . And if there are tax advantages involved – all the better.
If you are currently looking for such support or simply want to find out more:
www.die-helferei.de
And if you're unsure whether and how you can deduct household-related expenses in your specific case: your tax advisors are the best people to contact – each case needs to be examined individually. It's almost always worth having your case reviewed.
