Hamburg has recorded a substantial increase in tax revenues from inheritances and gifts, according to a response from the Senate to an inquiry by the Left Party. In 2023, the city collected more than 508 million euros from these sources, a figure that further rose to over 531 million euros in the past year, 2024.
Over 323 Million in First Half of 2025
The Senate’s response also indicates a rise in the total value of assets inherited or gifted in the past year. This means that while fewer Hamburg residents may have received taxable inheritances or gifts, the overall sums involved were considerably larger. For the first half of the current year, 2025, revenues from inheritances and gifts have already exceeded 323 million euros, signaling a continuing upward trend.
Calls for Reform: Left Party and Red-Green Senate Agree
David Stoop, the Left Party’s spokesperson for fiscal policy, criticized the current inheritance tax system as “extremely unfair.” He argued that the largest inheritances often incur little to no tax due to existing exemptions.
The Senate shares the view that the inheritance tax needs reform. In its response to the Left Party, it stated that the objective must be to more effectively limit complete tax exemptions for very high assets than has been the case previously.
Hamburg: Red-Green Coalition Aims to Toughen Inheritance Tax for the Super-Rich
The Hamburg Parliament (Bürgerschaft) debated the issue of who pays how much tax on inheritances during a current hour session on Wednesday. This discussion underscores the political will to address perceived inequities within the current tax framework.
Background to the Debate
The debate in the Hamburg Parliament, which took place on Wednesday, 23rd December 2025, focused on the distribution of the tax burden and the effectiveness of current regulations. The red-green coalition, which governs Hamburg, is particularly keen on tightening inheritance tax rules for the wealthiest individuals, reflecting a broader political push for greater fiscal equity.
Why the Increase in Revenue?
The significant increase in revenue, despite fewer taxable events, suggests a concentration of wealth among a smaller number of beneficiaries. This trend aligns with broader economic discussions about wealth inequality and the role of inheritance in its perpetuation. The rising value of assets, including real estate and business holdings, likely contributes to these larger individual sums.
Impact on Public Services
The increased tax revenue from inheritances and gifts provides Hamburg with additional funds that can be allocated to various public services. This influx of capital could support investments in infrastructure, education, social programs, or environmental initiatives, depending on the city’s budgetary priorities. However, the debate surrounding the fairness of the tax system indicates a desire to ensure that these revenues are collected in a manner perceived as just by the public.
Future Outlook for Inheritance Tax Reform
The consensus between the Left Party and the red-green Senate on the need for reform suggests that changes to Hamburg’s inheritance tax system are likely in the near future. Any proposed reforms would aim to close loopholes and limit exemptions that currently benefit the wealthiest beneficiaries, potentially leading to even higher revenues and a more equitable distribution of the tax burden. The ongoing discussions in the Bürgerschaft indicate that this issue will remain a key topic on the political agenda.
The public debate, as covered by NDR 90.3 on December 23, 2025, at 7:00 AM, highlights the importance of this issue to the citizens of Hamburg and the broader political landscape.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/hamburgs-steuereinnahmen-durch-erbschaften-und-schenkungen-steigen,steuer-138.html
