[NoiseBert69]

Reality is ~36-38% if you learn to spend money strategically so you can fill a proper tax return.

I never paid 42% my entire engineer life.

[iso1631]

OK that's an extra €20 a week, doesn't really change the point

[klooney]

What are you doing, for the non-Germans? I'm wondering how onerous your tax optimization strategy is.

[NoiseBert69]

There are many tools available in Germany that support you doing your tax filings. They have endless questionnaires in (tax law free) easy language that guide you through all the taxing niches. They not only respect all rules regarding the laws but also the latest jurisprudence.

Like: If you have a lockable, separate office and work (almost) exclusively from home, you can basically deduct the entire room for tax purposes (rent + electricity + heating + insurance + etc).

That can make a huge chunk.