For many students and young career starters, the question arises as to how much they can work during the holidays without having a negative impact on their insurance and tax obligations. The upper contribution limit for a holiday job is €5,400 per year if you do not work for more than three months or 70 working days per calendar year. If you exceed this limit, you may have to pay social security contributions. Otherwise, you can also have a mini-job with an upper limit of €538 and then pay no health insurance contributions.
If you have a holiday job, you generally do not have to pay any additional health insurance contributions as long as you comply with the upper contribution limits. Students who do not work more than 20 hours per week remain insured under the student health insurance scheme. It is important that you inform your health insurance provider if you are working more intensively for a longer period of time.
The minimum wage in Germany is currently 12.41 euros per hour (as of 2024). It is important that you make sure your employer pays you at least this amount. However, some industries or companies offer higher hourly wages, especially if special skills are required or if there are special working conditions. Find out in advance about the usual wages in your industry to ensure that you are paid fairly.
Tips play an important role in many summer jobs, especially in the catering industry. In principle, you are allowed to keep tips unless your employment contract or company regulations stipulate otherwise. It is advisable to clarify this directly with your employer. Tips can be a valuable addition to your hourly wage and significantly increase your earnings.
Income from holiday jobs is tax-free up to an annual allowance of 11,604 euros (as of 2024). Earnings above this amount must be taxed. But don't worry: if you have paid too much tax, you can get it back by filing a tax return. A tax return is therefore often also worthwhile for holiday jobs. Whether you have to pay tax for your holiday job as a student or school leaver depends on your earnings and your marital status. As a rule, tax class I applies, so there is usually no tax to pay. However, if you earn more than the basic tax-free allowance, your employer will automatically deduct income tax from your salary.
A holiday job can affect the citizen's allowance (formerly Hartz IV) and child benefit. Pupils at general and vocational schools whose parents receive citizen's allowance can earn some extra money during the holidays without this being taken into account. If you are no longer a pupil and receive citizen's allowance, you are allowed to earn an allowance of 100 euros per month without this being taken into account. Earnings in excess of this are taken into account at a certain percentage. There is an income limit for child benefit that you must not exceed so that your parents are still entitled to it. Find out about the current regulations in order to avoid financial disadvantages.
Your employment must not be professional, but must be a short-term activity as part of a classic holiday job. This means that it is limited to a certain period of time and you do not carry out the work throughout the year. This is particularly important in order to maintain your status as a pupil or student and benefit from the corresponding tax advantages.
Not only does a holiday job offer you the opportunity to earn money, but also does it gain valuable work experience and make contacts. This can be of great benefit to you later when you start your career. Show commitment and interest to attract positive attention and possibly even be offered a permanent position or internship.
Why not use your holiday job as an opportunity to take your digital application to the next level? With our Close-Up tool, you can present yourself in the best possible way with short videos and stand out from other applicants. Create your video CV and show potential employers why you are the perfect candidate. This method builds your personal branding, which is particularly important if you have little professional experience.
Use the Close-Up attention magnet for your modern application strategy to find your dream job faster.
A summer job can be a great opportunity to gain practical experience, expand your network and, of course, increase your income. Make sure you comply with the legal framework to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Also use this time to pursue your professional goals and stand out with modern application strategies such as Close Up. Follow us for more tips and tricks on job applications and careers!
Make the most of this summer and get off to a flying start with your perfect holiday job!
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