Church tax
Source: BUS Rheinland-PfalzAnyone who is a member of a religious community that levies church tax and has their domicile or habitual residence in Germany is liable to pay church tax. The main form of church tax is church tax on income. There is also church tax on property, as well as the general and special church tax.
In Rhineland-Palatinate, church tax on income is levied by the dioceses of the Roman Catholic Church, the Protestant regional churches, the Old Catholic Church, the Jewish religious communities of Bad Kreuznach and Koblenz, the Free Religious Community of Mainz, the Free Religious Community of Palatinate and the Free Religious Community of Alzey.
Beginning of church tax liability
Membership of a Protestant regional church or the Roman Catholic Church is established by the act of baptism. The obligation to pay church tax begins on the first day of the month following the start of membership and the establishment of residence in Rhineland-Palatinate.
Termination of church tax liability
The obligation to pay church tax is terminated by death, moving abroad or leaving the church. If you wish to leave the church, you must declare this to the registry office.