Photovoltaics for pensioners: Do you now have to pay more health insurance contributions?

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A pensioner from Baden-Württemberg has to pay health insurance contributions for income from photovoltaic systems. Judgments clarify rights.

Ein Rentner aus Baden-Württemberg muss für Einnahmen aus Photovoltaikanlagen Beiträge zur Krankenversicherung zahlen. Urteile klären Rechte.
A pensioner from Baden-Württemberg has to pay health insurance contributions for income from photovoltaic systems. Judgments clarify rights.

Photovoltaics for pensioners: Do you now have to pay more health insurance contributions?

In recent years, more and more pensioners in Germany have discovered the advantages of photovoltaic systems. They generate their own electricity and thus secure additional income. But what many people don't know is that the income from these systems can lead to health insurance contributions. A current case from Baden-Württemberg is causing a stir and could also be important for Cologne pensioners. So reported rentenbescheid24.de that a pensioner retired in October 2015 and reported his income from the photovoltaic system to the cash register. What initially seemed like a good idea quickly turned into a financial dispute.

The health insurance company found that the income was considered earned income - even though the pensioner did not contribute any labor to electricity production. He argued that no real profit had been made and appealed. However, both the social court and the state social court of Baden-Württemberg confirmed that income from photovoltaic systems is to be viewed as labor income subject to contributions in the pensioners' health insurance (KVdR).

Obligation to pay contributions for pensioners

The guideline is clear: Every pensioner in the KVdR must report all income up to the contribution assessment limit, even if this only comes from operating a photovoltaic system. The health insurance companies warned that pensioners would have to pay additional contributions for health and nursing care insurance if they operate photovoltaic systems. Loud health insurance info.de The financial requirements for pensioners with low incomes are particularly challenging, as poverty in old age is increasingly a reality.

The guiding principles of this judgment are not only important for the pensioner in question. They clearly show that even small additional income from photovoltaic systems is relevant for health insurance. Equity is required, and so any income can be considered commercial income under tax law. A concrete example makes this clear: A pensioner who operated his system between 2010 and 2015 was also confronted with the health insurance company, which demanded contributions based on his income.

Improvements possible for PV operators

This raises the question: Is there anything positive for operators of photovoltaic systems? The answer is yes! Loud wochenblatt-dlv.de Operators of PV systems with a total installed gross output of up to 30 kW are exempt from the contribution obligation. Under certain conditions, this limit can even rise to 100 kW, which also applies to older systems, regardless of the date of commissioning. The rule is simple: If the health insurance company is not informed about any income, they cannot claim any contributions.

Contacting your health insurance company can work wonders here. The health insurance companies often correct the contribution assessment and refund excess contributions paid - subject to confirmation by the income tax assessment. This is important for retirees who have invested in solar energy in recent years and want to finally reap the benefits without feeling additional financial burden.

Finally, it should be noted that the decision of the State Social Court sends a double message: On the one hand, pensioners can benefit from photovoltaic systems, but on the other hand, they must keep an eye on the potential financial consequences. A good hand in selecting and using such investments can pay off for many pensioners, but only if they are clear about the legal framework.