Consumers: FFP2 masks, gas surcharge, mini jobs: that will change in October

For many employees, October brings an increase in wages: the minimum wage rises to 12 euros per hour.

Consumers: FFP2 masks, gas surcharge, mini jobs: that will change in October

For many employees, October brings an increase in wages: the minimum wage rises to 12 euros per hour. If you have a part-time job, you can earn more. At the same time, consumers are faced with new obligations. An overview:

Corona rules

New Corona rules will apply from October. FFP2 masks are mandatory nationwide in clinics, nursing homes and medical practices. Masks are still compulsory on long-distance trains, although a simple surgical mask is sufficient for children. Masks are no longer compulsory on airplanes. In nursing homes and clinics, a negative test must also be presented before entry.

The countries can also make masks compulsory on local trains and buses and in indoor areas such as shops and restaurants, but do not have to. Anyone who shows a negative test must be exempted from such an obligation in the catering trade and at events. Tests can be prescribed at schools and day-care centers. From class five, a mask requirement is possible. If the infection situation worsens, the federal states can make further specifications with a state parliament resolution. These include, for example, visitor limits for events in closed rooms.

minimum wage

The statutory minimum wage will rise from 10.45 euros to 12 euros per hour on October 1st. The minimum wage has risen by more than 40 percent since 2015.

mini jobs

Parallel to the increase in the minimum wage, the wage limit for mini-jobs for which no taxes and social security contributions are due will be raised. The maximum monthly amount is 520 euros from October.

End of property tax return

Property owners have until October 31 to submit their property tax return. Anyone who does not comply must expect a reminder from the tax office or fines. Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) recently emphasized that he still sees an option in extending the deadline. The deadline is not based on a federal regulation, but on determinations by the federal states, emphasized a spokesman for the Ministry of Finance.

gas surcharge

The federal government was actually planning a levy of 2.4 cents per kilowatt hour for all gas consumers from October to support importers. Some of them are in trouble due to a lack of gas supplies from Russia. However, the measure is uncertain: coalition politicians have announced that the levy should not come.

VAT on gas

In order to relieve consumers of the exploding energy costs, the VAT on natural gas is expected to fall from 19 to 7 percent on October 1st. The Bundestag wants to vote on this on Friday.

heating

In the future, building owners with gas heating will be obliged to check their heating in order to save energy. The regulation comes into force on October 1 and is valid for two years.

Frankfurt book fair

What new books can we look forward to? The Frankfurt Book Fair, which opens on October 18, promises answers to this question. After "two very difficult years", the book fair will again take place "largely physically" this year, according to director Juergen Boos. The book fair expects around 4000 exhibitors from around 85 countries.

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