Rürup Rente (Basisrente) Calculator

Freelancers and independent consultants using lump-sum December payments to instantly slash their quarterly tax prepayments.

High-earning employees who have maxed out their corporate benefits and want a secure, tax-sheltered way to build wealth.

Business partners using the built-in insolvency protection of Rürup to shield their retirement savings from potential business liabilities.

Couples filing jointly who want to shift taxable income from their peak earning years to their lower-tax retirement years.

Why do I keep getting different tax saving estimates on different websites?

It usually comes down to your marginal tax rate, which is the tax you pay on your very next euro of income, not your average tax rate. Many people accidentally use their average tax rate, which is lower, and get an underestimate. Our calculator uses your true marginal rate to give you an accurate picture of what the tax office will actually send back. Plus, tax limits change slightly every year, so make sure you are using the current year's limits!

Can I take out my money as a lump sum when I retire?

No, and this is one of the most important rules to keep in mind! The Rürup-Rente is strictly designed to provide a lifetime monthly pension, meaning you cannot cash out the entire balance at once. This rule is what allows the government to give you such massive tax breaks in the first place. Think of it as a guaranteed monthly paycheck that you can never outlive, starting anytime from age 62.

Is a Rürup pension actually worth it if I am not self-employed?

It can be, especially if you are a high earner who has already maxed out other retirement options. However, if you are a regular employee, remember that your and your employer's contributions to the statutory state pension (GRV) already eat into your annual Rürup limit. Our calculator helps you figure out exactly how much 'room' you have left so you don't over-contribute and lose out on the tax benefits.

What happens to my pension if I decide to move away from Germany?

Your money is safe and stays in your account, but there are a few tax details to watch out for. You can still receive your monthly pension payouts anywhere in the world once you retire. However, depending on where you move, Germany might still tax those payouts, or your new home country might have its own tax rules. It is always a good idea to check the double taxation agreement between Germany and your new home.

Can I stop paying into my Rürup plan if my business has a bad year?

Absolutely, you are in complete control of your cash flow. If money gets tight, you can pause your contributions or reduce them to zero at any time without penalty. Your accumulated savings will stay invested and continue to grow, but you won't be adding new funds. This flexibility is a lifesaver for freelancers whose income goes up and down like a roller coaster.

How does the tax office know I made these contributions?

You don't need to mail in paper receipts anymore! Your Rürup provider is legally required to send your contribution data directly to the German tax authorities electronically. All you have to do is check the box in your tax return (Anlage Vorsorgeaufwand) giving permission for these data transfers. It makes tax season way less stressful and ensures your refund is calculated automatically.

Can I pass my Rürup pension down to my kids if I pass away?

The standard Rürup plan is built as a personal lifetime pension, so it doesn't automatically pass to heirs like a regular bank account. However, you can add a 'survivor protection' rider to your contract when you set it up. This ensures that if you pass away, your spouse or dependent children (usually up to age 25 if they are in school) will receive a pension. Just keep in mind that adding this option might slightly lower your own monthly payout.