Monument protection; application for a certificate for tax purposes

The cost of maintaining and repairing monuments can be reduced, in some cases considerably, not only through subsidies but also through indirect financial assistance. There are a number of tax concessions available for this purpose, on which members of the tax advisory professions can provide you with comprehensive advice. In order to claim tax concessions for the protection and preservation of historical monuments, a certificate must be submitted to the tax authorities. For properties located in Bavaria, this certificate is issued exclusively by the State Office for the Preservation of Monuments.

• Documents to be submitted:
  • Plans of the existing building
  • Approved plans with entry of the measures, building permit/authorisation
  • Proof of coordination
  • Original invoices (all partial invoices, final invoices, proof of payment)
  • Invoice statement
  • Written declaration of the owner in accordance with No. 2.2 of the certification guidelines for the application of § 10g of the Income Tax Act

The certificate can only be issued for monuments and cultural assets worthy of protection within the meaning of the DSchG if the measure in question has been agreed with the monument authority (the State Office for the Preservation of Monuments) before it is carried out. Coordination with other authorities (e.g. the building permit authority) is not sufficient.

Production costs for (construction) measures that serve the preservation or appropriate use of a listed building or other cultural asset worthy of protection and that are carried out in agreement with the Bavarian State Office for the Preservation of Monuments can be depreciated by up to 9% in the year of production and in each of the following seven years and by up to 7% in the following four years. In the case of properties used to generate income, maintenance expenses can be deducted over two to five years instead of in one year if the taxpayer so wishes. In the case of owner-occupied or unused properties, maintenance expenses can be depreciated at 9% for ten years in the same way as production costs.

If only the listed status is to be certified (only required for submission for property tax, inheritance and gift tax assessment), no reconciliation procedure is required.

There is no time limit. However, the usability of a certificate from the Bavarian State Office for the Preservation of Monuments is subject to time limits under tax law. Information on this can be obtained from the relevant tax office.

40.00 to 650.00 EUR