Berlin Lunchtime Meeting

In Germany, 200 to 400 billion euros are inherited or donated every year. Inheritances are unevenly distributed, with wealthy households receiving far greater inheritances than poor households, and inheritances and gifts are taxed only lightly compared with earned income. As inequalities are increasing, particularly since the onset of the COVID crisis, and governments are under pressure to find new sources of revenues, the taxation of inheritances has come into focus. At the same time, especially in Germany, large fortunes are often tied into family businesses and higher taxation can have an impact on their economic performance. The new OECD study Inheritance Taxation in OECD Countries analyses how inheritance taxation can reduce wealth inequality and how taxation can be fair and efficient. We will discuss the issue on the basis of this study.

The event language will be English. After roughly one hour and 10 minutes of the webinar we will offer the opportunity to meet the panellists for an informal exchange in various breakout rooms.