Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Texas to Germany
Texas residents pay $0 in state income tax while Germans pay approximately $28,000 in federal income tax at a $100,000 USD equivalent income. Germany's progressive system starts at 14% and rises to 45% at higher incomes, with an additional solidarity surcharge on top. Beyond income tax, German employees pay mandatory contributions to statutory health insurance (~7.3%), pension insurance (~9.3%), and unemployment insurance (~1.3%) — not included in these figures but adding substantially to the total burden. Texas has no state income tax but US federal rates still apply, meaning Americans in Texas pay around $17,400 federal at $100,000 — still well below Germany's total obligation.
No State Income Tax
Constitutional prohibition on state income tax — Texas cannot levy a personal income tax without a statewide referendum.
High Progressive Tax
Federal progressive rates from 0% to 45% plus solidarity surcharge; mandatory health and social contributions add further to total burden.
At $100,000 income:
Germany's income tax is approximately $28,000 at $100,000 USD equivalent — nearly double the US federal-only burden. Texas has $0 state tax but US federal applies. Germans and Americans comparing: Germany includes statutory healthcare contributions (~7.3% employee) not counted in these income tax figures.
| Income | TX Tax | DE Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $0 | $9,000 | -$9,000 Germany costs more | -$90,000 |
| $75,000 | $0 | $18,000 | -$18,000 Germany costs more | -$180,000 |
| $100,000 | $0 | $28,000 | -$28,000 Germany costs more | -$280,000 |
| $150,000 | $0 | $48,000 | -$48,000 Germany costs more | -$480,000 |
| $250,000 | $0 | $85,000 | -$85,000 Germany costs more | -$850,000 |
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Transfer Money Internationally →Yes — US citizens owe federal income tax on their worldwide income regardless of where they live. An American working in Germany must still file an annual US federal tax return. The US-Germany tax treaty and the foreign tax credit mechanism are designed to prevent double taxation: German taxes paid can generally be credited against the US tax liability on the same income. Because German income tax rates exceed US rates for most income levels, the foreign tax credit typically eliminates the US tax bill entirely. However, FBAR and FATCA reporting for German bank accounts and financial assets remains mandatory.
German employees pay four major mandatory contributions deducted from gross salary. Health insurance (Krankenversicherung) is approximately 7.3% employee share (employer matches). Pension insurance (Rentenversicherung) is 9.3% employee share. Unemployment insurance (Arbeitslosenversicherung) is 1.3%. Long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung) is approximately 1.7-2.0%. In total, mandatory social contributions can add 18-20% to the employee's effective tax burden on top of income tax — making the true total deduction from gross pay significantly higher than income tax figures alone suggest.
Yes — Americans living and working in Germany can claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555) if they meet the Bona Fide Residence or Physical Presence tests. The 2025 FEIE amount is $126,500. However, most Americans in Germany find the Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116) more beneficial, because German income and social contribution rates typically exceed US federal rates — meaning the credit fully offsets US taxes. Using FEIE instead would mean forgoing the excess foreign tax credits. A US expat tax specialist familiar with German law is strongly recommended.
Yes — the US-Germany Double Taxation Convention (updated 2006, with protocols) is a comprehensive treaty covering employment income, business profits, dividends, interest, royalties, and pension income. Key provisions for expats include rules on which country has primary taxing rights for different income types, reduced withholding tax rates on cross-border dividends and interest, and provisions for US citizens living in Germany to receive treaty benefits. The treaty also contains a 'saving clause' under which the US retains the right to tax its citizens as though the treaty did not exist — a critical provision for Americans abroad.
Germany's income tax structure is significantly more aggressive at mid-level incomes than the US federal system. Germany's basic allowance (Grundfreibetrag) for 2025 is approximately €12,084 — income below this is tax-free. Above that, rates rise progressively from 14% to 42% (Spitzensteuersatz) at around €68,430, and a top rate of 45% (Reichensteuer) applies above €277,826. The solidarity surcharge (Solidaritätszuschlag) adds up to 5.5% on income tax owed. By contrast, US federal brackets reach 22% at $47,150 and 24% at $100,525 for single filers, making Germany considerably more expensive at incomes above $60,000 USD equivalent.
Texas has become a significant destination for German professionals and entrepreneurs, particularly in the Houston energy sector, Austin tech scene, and Dallas financial services. The zero state income tax represents immediate take-home pay improvement for Germans accustomed to a combined 45-50%+ tax burden. Additionally, Texas has no state capital gains tax — a major advantage for German investors and business owners. The cost of housing in Houston or San Antonio is dramatically lower than Munich, Frankfurt, or Hamburg. The German-American community in Texas (especially Houston) is well-established, with German schools, cultural organizations, and business networks.
The solidarity surcharge (Solidaritätszuschlag or 'Soli') was originally introduced in 1991 to fund German reunification. As of 2021, Germany eliminated the surcharge for approximately 90% of taxpayers by raising the income threshold at which it applies. However, the surcharge continues to apply to higher earners — those with income tax liability above approximately €18,130 (individuals) or €36,260 (jointly assessed couples). At these levels, the Soli adds 5.5% on top of the income tax owed. For a German professional earning $100,000 USD equivalent, the solidarity surcharge still applies, adding to the overall effective tax rate shown in these figures.