Two Year Tax Exemption in German Schools

[markinship]

Does anyone have any up-to-date information on whether or not American citizens who live and work in Germany for less than two years can receive a refund on income taxes they paid while working in Germany. I have had a good deal of trouble getting a straight answer on this question. Apparently, in the past, it was standard. Now, perhaps, things have changed?

[Monroe]

As of very recently if you left after 2 years you could retrieve the amount paid into the German pension system. But you had to wait several years to apply for the refund. If you stayed 3 or more years I don't believe you could actually apply for it.

The income tax situation might be different depending on the school. At JFK in Berlin if you left after two years you did not pay all the German taxes.

Hope this helps.