Aalen increases amusement tax: what that means for slot machines!
Aalen increases amusement tax: what that means for slot machines!
Aalen, Deutschland - The city of Aalen plans to increase the amusement tax for slot machines from previous 6 to 7 percent. This measure should be vote at the meeting of the municipal council on April 30, 2025 and will come into force in the event of approval on June 1, 2025. The aim is to improve the financial situation due to high debts. The expected annual income should increase from 1.86 to 2.19 million euros, as the Schwäbische Post
With this tax adjustment, Aalen would be above the average of comparable cities. Current tax rates in cities such as Heidenheim, Ludwigsburg and Tübingen are between 5 and 6.5 percent. City treasurer Daniela Faußner sees no existential effect for operators of slot machines due to the increase.
financial and social implications
The decision on the tax increase is part of a superordinate tax policy that is also intended to serve to direct the number of game facilities within the city area. There are currently 275 play equipment in Aalen, with the number of devices in restaurants due to closings from 94 to 75.
The CDU parliamentary group is a supporter of the tax increase, while the AfD parliamentary group is against it. Free voters also express concerns, in particular with regard to higher taxes at dance events and in discos. These different positions illustrate the social discussion about amusement tax.
Legal bases for amusement tax
The amusement tax is subject to the legislation of the countries that allows the municipalities to issue their own statutes. There are different regulations in Germany to collect this tax. For example, municipalities can freely decide in which form and amount the amusement tax is charged. The tax objects include not only play equipment subject to wages, but also numerous events in which a ticket tax is charged.
Historically, the volume of slot machine tax has been in a clear fluctuation area in recent years. In 2006, a total of 190 million euros and 1,071 million euros were achieved in 2018, while in 2021 a decline took place to 433 million euros due to the Corona pandemic. This shows how strongly external circumstances the income of the municipalities can influence, as on Wikipedia can be read.The expected tax increase in Aalen is therefore not only in the context of a financial renovation, but also in the field of tension between economic necessity and social responsibility. The upcoming votes and discussions will show whether the city will master this challenge.
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| Ort | Aalen, Deutschland |
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