Magdeburg. – Not an April Fool’s joke: the normal VAT rate will apply again from April onwards for gas and district heating and smoking weed is legal under certain conditions. What else will change in April – an overview.
Normal VAT for gas and district heating
On Gas and district heating From April 1st, the normal VAT rate of 19 percent is due again. To ease the burden on consumers, the rate of 7 percent temporarily applied.
Also interesting: VAT cut on gas could expire at the end of March
Cuts in parental allowance
The income limit for parental allowance changes for births from April 1st. Parents who stay at home after the birth of a child are entitled to parental allowance up to a taxable annual income of 200,000 euros.
This limit is also planned for single parents. If both parents stay at home at the same time, it is only possible to receive the so-called basic parental allowance at the same time for a maximum of one month and within the child’s first twelve months.
also read: Difficult undertaking: 5 tips for applying for parental allowance
Cannabis law should come into force
From April 1st, cannabis will be legal for adults on a limited basis. People aged 18 and over should generally be allowed to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis for personal consumption. Three live cannabis plants should become legal in your own home and up to 50 grams of cannabis for personal consumption.
also read: Cannabis legalization: limits and rules for drivers
Shorter return times on Amazon
Amazon shortens the return period for certain products from 30 days to the legal minimum of 14 days. The rule takes full effect from April 25th. Cameras, computers, other electronic devices and video games are among those affected.
also read: “Amazon pallets” – The truth about the cheap return packages
Germany ticket for students
Students at many universities receive a discounted Germany ticket for 29.40 euros at the beginning of the summer semester per month and can therefore use buses and trains nationwide. However, some universities are not yet participating or not participating at all – for example where the current semester ticket is cheaper.
also read: Cheaper Germany ticket for students divides country
Entrance fees for Venice
Venice, one of the top travel destinations in the world, will now ask day visitors to pay on selected dates. The start is on April 25th. The money should flow into the preservation of the city and nature.
also read: Entrance fee Venice – booking platform activated
Qualification money
Companies and employees should receive greater support because of the structural change: intervention will begin on April 1st Qualification money as a wage replacement. This means that employees in affected sectors can be released so that they can complete further training and at the same time keep their jobs.
also read: “Creating a new beginning”: How politicians want to secure skilled workers
Career orientation internship
Anyone who is still undecided about their career choice may be eligible for a funded career orientation internship from April. The state covers travel and accommodation costs for short, even national, internships.
also read: Chambers and job exchanges: This is how students get internships
Mobility grant for trainees
Trainees whose company is far from home can receive a mobility grant from April. In the first year of training, two family trips home are taken care of per month.