Pensions are increasing, VAT is falling, the obligation to report corona-infected pets is likely to come: a lot will change from July. Here you will find a large overview.
After the recent outbreaks in North Rhine-Westphalia and Berlin, the number of corona infected people in Germany is increasing again. Nevertheless, all federal states have recently relaxed contact restrictions, shops are open again – normality is returning.
From July, therefore, some regulations will expire, particularly those in the tenant Corona-Krise should help. The main change starting in July, however, is the reduction in value added tax. It is part of a multi-billion stimulus package that is supposed to get the corona-stricken economy going again.
But what will change from July 1st – or in July? t-online.de gives a great overview.
Lower VAT
From July 1st you can consumer rejoice: VAT drops from 19 to 16 percent. This also applies to the reduced rate, which applies to books or groceries, for example. This falls from seven to five percent.
The changes are part of the Corona stimulus package, which the leaders of the grand coalition agreed on in early June. The lower VAT rate will apply for half a year – until the end of 2020. From January 1, 2021, the conventional rate will again apply.
However, experts fear that many retailers will hardly pass on this low VAT rate to customers. Because they are not obliged to do so.
Higher pensions
The approximately 21 million pensioners in Germany will get more money from July. As a result of the annual pension adjustment, benefits increase by 4.2 percent in the east and 3.45 percent in the west.
The so-called standard Interest grows to 1,538.55 euros in the west (plus 51.37 euros) and 1,495.35 euros in the east (plus 60.30 euros). The standard pension is a comparative figure and means that someone who had been an average earner for 45 years and paid contributions to the pension fund would receive this standard pension.
The basis for the annual pension adjustment is the wage development of the past year. The development of contributions and the ratio of contribution payers to pensioners also play a role.
Because of the corona crisis, many people have earned less – were or are in Short-time work. There are also fewer contributors than in previous years. However, a reduction in the pension is not possible, which prohibits a protective clause.
Pension increase in the West could fail in 2021
Therefore, the Pension increase fail in the west next year. This was the last assessment by Alexander Gunkel, CEO of Deutsche Rentenversicherung. In the east, pensions could only increase by 0.7 percent next year.
End of deferral for certain contracts
Because of the Corona crisis, consumers recently had a so-called right to refuse performance for primary care contracts that were concluded before March 8. So they could postpone payments for electricity, gas, or the phone line – for three months. This special rule expires on July 1st.
This also applies to special rules for certain small loans that were closed before March 15. So far, consumers have also been able to pay interest or repayments over three months. Loans that were closed from July 1st must be repaid on time. You can find more information here.
The deferral of rent expires
Allowed in the corona pandemic landlord do not cancel the tenant if the tenant is unable to pay the rent from April 1. Tenants were able to defer these payments for hours.
This possibility ends on July 1st. In return, this means: As a tenant, you have to pay rent as normal again. The deferred payments must be made up by the tenants by June 30, 2022. Otherwise they may face termination.
Corona reporting requirements for pets
It probably doesn’t happen very often, but it does happen: Certain pets and zoo animals can also be infected with the corona virus. In order to better research this, there will soon be an obligation to report corona cases in animals.
The Federal Council will vote on this on July 3. It is not yet clear when exactly it will apply. In any case, it is questionable whether pets can infect people. But one thing is clear: The obligation to report does not mean that pet owners have to have their cats or dogs tested by a veterinarian.
Relaxation of the entry stop
The entry of people from third countries into the EU should be possible again from July. The EU is currently still discussing the exact criteria.
A possible prerequisite could be the number of new Covid 19 infections within the past two weeks. Citizens from badly affected countries such as the USA, Russia or Brazil are therefore likely to be left out initially.
To curb the coronavirus pandemic, all EU states except Ireland and the non-EU states Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland agreed in mid-March to initially ban travel to the EU that was not absolutely necessary. This entry stop had been extended several times.
New rules in online trading
From July 12, a new EU-wide regulation comes into force: the so-called “Platform-to-Business” regulation (“P2B” regulation). This should ensure that companies get more rights on online platforms.
Smaller and private sellers in particular benefit from this: In the future, platforms such as Amazon or Ebay will have to provide more transparent information about their terms and conditions – and provide reasons why they are banishing a dealer. The regulation also applies to social networks, app stores or price comparison portals on the Internet.
Insurance card changes color
A car accident abroad can sometimes lead to problems – even if there was only one sheet metal damage. It is therefore all the more important to be able to prove that you are covered by liability insurance.
There is an agreement within the EU that the license plate is sufficient to prove this insurance protection. However, in some countries such as Italy – or non-EU countries such as Turkey or Albania – additional proof may be necessary. This is evidenced by the previously green insurance card.
Green card turns white
From July 1, it will change color – and will henceforth be printed on white paper. The advantages are, among other things, that the card can now also be sent as a PDF and printed out by the customer himself, according to the Association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV).
So far, the insurers have sent the cards or made them ready for collection at their representatives. Important: It is only valid when printed out on paper; the mere presentation of the PDF document does not apply.
In a transition period until the end of the year, insurers will distribute both versions – on classic green, but also on white paper. Anyone who already has a card can continue to use it until the end of its validity, according to the GDV.
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