Businesses that have been particularly hard hit by the energy crisis can apply to their tax authorities to defer tax payments and to adjust advance payments. In a letter sent on Thursday, the Federal Ministry of Finance asked the tax offices not to place any strict requirements on such applications by the end of March and to make a decision quickly.

A retroactive reduction in advance payments for 2022 is also possible, according to the letter, which is available to the German Press Agency. In addition, the authorities could waive deferral interest. The prerequisite is that the company has always paid its taxes on time.

The sharp rise in energy prices is putting many companies under pressure. The federal government does not want to make their situation even more critical by making tax payments due. Similar rules already existed during the Corona crisis. Taxes will not be waived. Only a postponement is planned.