What September brings: Warning Day, tax assistance, new warranty label
In September, several new rules come into force in Germany that directly affect consumers. Three dates are important: September 1, September 10, and September 27.
On September 10 at around 11:00 a.m., there will be a nationwide Warning Day. The Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance will trigger a test alert: sirens will wail, mobile phones will ring and vibrate with a loud warning tone, and messages will appear on digital display boards. This is explicitly a test and not a real danger. The all-clear will follow at around 11:45 a.m. Those who are not expecting the warning tone may be easily startled – which is why it is worth informing children and family members about it in advance.
As of September 1, the amended Tax Consulting Act will apply, making affordable help with tax returns accessible to more people. Previously, income tax assistance associations were not allowed to advise anyone whose income from renting, leasing, or capital assets exceeded 18,000 euros for individual assessment or 36,000 euros for joint assessment. These limits have been abolished without replacement. The Federal Ministry of Finance estimates that this will give around 35,500 additional taxpayers access to these associations. Another new development is that not only close relatives but also other close associates are allowed to provide assistance with tax matters free of charge, and that universities are permitted to set up voluntary counseling centers.
From September 27, retailers in stores and online must provide a uniform EU-wide warranty label. There is no transition period this time. The label indicates that a statutory warranty claim exists – in Germany for at least two years – and how it can be asserted. Important for those who are not yet confident reading German: the label bears a scannable QR code that leads to information in one's own language. Anyone who voluntarily offers a longer durability guarantee must additionally use the new GARAN label.
In concrete terms, this means: mark September 10 in your calendar and don't let anyone in the household be surprised by the warning tone; check for your next tax return whether an income tax assistance association is now an option; and from the end of September, look out for the new label when shopping, as the QR code explains your rights in your own language.