German CFD brokers with automatic Abgeltungssteuer
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as tax advice. We are not tax professionals. Please verify with your broker if they offer Abgeltungssteuer, as policies may vary. For specific guidance on your tax obligations, consult your broker or a qualified tax advisor. |
In the world of online trading, particularly with CFDs (Contracts for Differences), understanding the tax implications is crucial for German traders. CFD brokers with automatic Abgeltungssteuer (withholding tax) offer a convenient solution by handling tax deductions automatically. This means traders do not have to manually calculate or declare their tax obligations to the German tax authorities, as the broker manages this process on their behalf.
What is The Abgeltungssteuer?
The Abgeltungssteuer is a flat tax rate of 25% on capital gains, plus the solidarity surcharge and, if applicable, church tax. By opting for a broker that provides this service, traders can ensure their tax obligations are efficiently and accurately handled without the need for additional administrative work.
It is important to note that only brokers with a local office in Germany are typically able to offer this automatic Abgeltungssteuer deduction service. This is due to the regulatory framework in Germany, which requires these brokers to be in direct contact with the German tax authorities in order to facilitate the automatic deduction and reporting of taxes.
Before choosing a CFD broker, it's important to verify that the broker offers this automatic tax handling. It's also essential to ensure that the broker is regulated by the BaFin (Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht) in Germany or other reputable financial authorities, such as the CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) in Cyprus. Both the BaFin and CySEC are well-known regulators that provide oversight to ensure that brokers operate with transparency and in line with financial laws.
In this article, we will explore a selection of CFD brokers operating in Germany that are likely to ensure the accurate handling of Abgeltungssteuer for their clients. We will examine their regulation, available trading platforms, account types, and other relevant features. The brokers listed here are: Pepperstone, XTB, CMC Markets, IG, and FXCM. These brokers are selected based on their regulatory status, their trading fees, available trading platforms and their offerings for traders in Germany.
Pepperstone
Pepperstone is an internationally recognized CFD broker with a strong reputation in the industry. Licensed by both the CySEC in Cyprus and BaFin in Germany, Pepperstone is authorized to operate within the European Union and Germany, ensuring adherence to strict regulatory standards of transparency and client protection.
Pepperstone offers a range of popular platforms, including MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), TradingView and cTrader, which are highly regarded for their user-friendly interfaces and advanced trading features. Traders can access various assets including CFDs on forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies.
Regarding account types, Pepperstone offers the Standard Account, where spreads start from 1.0 pips on major forex pairs with no commissions. Additionally, the Razor Account provides spreads as low as 0.0 pips on forex majors, with a low commission based on the platform the trader uses.
One of the standout features of Pepperstone for German traders is its automatic Abgeltungssteuer service, which simplifies tax reporting. This service automatically handles the tax deductions, ensuring that German traders don’t have to manage their tax payments themselves. However, as always, traders should verify this feature with Pepperstone directly before making any trading decisions. Pepperstone’s local office is located at Friedrichstraße 95, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
75.9% of retail CFD accounts lose money
XTB
XTB is a leading CFD broker regulated by BaFin in Germany and CySEC in Cyprus, ensuring that the broker adheres to stringent European financial standards and provides a secure trading environment for its German clients.
XTB offers an intuitive and feature-rich platform, xStation 5, which comes with advanced charting tools, real-time market data, and customizable features for a personalized trading experience. XTB provides a Standard Account, where spreads start from 0.8 pips with no commissions paid. The broker offers CFDs on a variety of asset classes, including forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
For German clients, XTB ensures automatic Abgeltungssteuer deductions, simplifying tax compliance. However, it is recommended that traders verify this feature directly with XTB before engaging in trading activities. XTB’s local office is located at Friedrichstraße 184, 10117 Berlin, Germany, offering convenient access for German traders who wish to manage their accounts locally.
74-76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
CMC Markets
CMC Markets is a well-established CFD broker regulated by BaFin in Germany and CySEC in Cyprus. This regulation provides German traders with confidence that the broker is compliant with both local and European financial laws.
CMC Markets offers two platforms: the CMC Markets Next Generation platform and MetaTrader 4 (MT4). The proprietary Next Generation platform is known for its fast execution, advanced charting features, and comprehensive trading tools. A mobile app is also available for traders who wish to manage their accounts on the go.
CMC Markets provides several account types, including the Standard Account and the Active Trader Account, which is ideal for traders who require lower spreads and additional trading tools. For those wanting to practice before going live, CMC Markets also offers a Demo Account.
For German clients, CMC Markets provides automatic Abgeltungssteuer deductions, ensuring that tax obligations are handled seamlessly. This feature helps to simplify the tax reporting process, making it easier for German traders to focus on their trading activities. It is recommended that traders check with CMC Markets to confirm this feature before they begin trading.
CMC Markets’ local office is located at Bockenheimer Landstraße 83, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany, ensuring that German clients can access local services.
IG
IG is a global CFD broker with a strong presence in Germany, where it is regulated by BaFin. IG is also licensed by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) in the UK, providing additional regulatory oversight. The broker offers a wide range of products, including CFDs on forex, stocks, indices, and commodities.
IG offers access to its proprietary platform, IG Trading, which features advanced charting tools, risk management options, and the ability to trade directly from charts. Additionally, IG supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4) for those who prefer a more traditional platform, and mobile apps are available for trading on the go.
IG offers Standard Accounts and Professional Accounts. The broker also provides a Demo Account for new traders who wish to practice without risking real money. For German traders, IG offers automatic Abgeltungssteuer deductions, simplifying the tax reporting process and ensuring compliance with German tax laws. It is recommended that traders check with IG to confirm this feature before they begin trading. IG’s local office is located at Rheinstraße 5, 65203 Wiesbaden, Germany, where it serves the needs of German traders.
71% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
FXCM
FXCM is an internationally recognized CFD broker regulated by both BaFin in Germany and CySEC in Cyprus. FXCM is well-known for its wide range of trading instruments, including forex, indices, and commodities. The broker provides access to multiple platforms, including Trading Station (FXCM's proprietary platform), MetaTrader 4 (MT4), and Zulutrade, a social trading platform.
FXCM offers several account types, such as the Standard Account, Active Trader Account, and Mini Account. The Active Trader Account is designed for high-volume traders, offering tighter spreads and reduced fees.
For German clients, FXCM provides automatic Abgeltungssteuer deductions, ensuring that tax obligations are automatically managed, making it easier for traders to comply with German tax regulations. It is recommended that traders check with FXCM to confirm this feature before they begin trading.
FXCM’s local office is located at Kaiserstraße 16, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany, where it provides local support for German traders.
Conclusion
Choosing the right CFD broker is a critical decision for traders in Germany, particularly when it comes to handling Abgeltungssteuer. The brokers listed above, including Pepperstone, XTB, CMC Markets, IG, and FXCM, are expected all to offer the benefit of automatic tax deductions, making it easier for German traders to focus on their trading without worrying about tax calculations. However, it is recommended that traders check with their broker to confirm this feature before they begin trading.
These brokers are all regulated by BaFin and/or CySEC, ensuring a high level of security and compliance with European financial regulations. Each broker offers a variety of trading platforms and account types to suit different trading styles and needs. However, it is always recommended that traders verify the details of tax handling and account features directly with the broker to ensure everything is in order before starting to trade.
Regulated Brokers
The table below contains links to 3rd party websites of our top partners from whom we receive compensation at no additional cost to you.