Thiele heirs pay record amount: four billion euros in inheritance tax!

Thiele heirs pay record amount: four billion euros in inheritance tax!

The heirs of the well-known industrialist Hans Hermann Thiele have paid a record amount in inheritance tax at a historic moment. On July 1, 2025, they paid almost four billion euros to the tax office in Kaufbeuren, Bavaria. This is the highest inheritance tax ever paid in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany and the payment was already indicated at the tax estimate in May 2025, as Mercury reported.

Thiele's descendants are faced with an estimated fortune of 15 billion euros, which the entrepreneur amassed during his lifetime. Thiele, who died in February 2021, was not only the majority shareholder in Knorr-Bremse, but also held significant shares in Vossloh and Lufthansa. He was also an active real estate investor.

Family challenges and foundation

This refers to the family foundation that Thiele planned during his lifetime in order to minimize the tax burden on his heirs. However, this foundation was not recognized until 2023, which led to a bitter dispute within the family. Thiele's widow Nadia, his son Hendrik and the executor Robin Brühmüller are involved in legal disputes that, among other things, revolve around the appropriate remuneration of the executor n-tv reported.

The current inheritance tax could exceed the Federal Ministry of Finance's record revenue from 2022, when almost ten billion euros were collected. How inheritance tax works in Germany depends heavily on the type and structure of foundations. A charitable foundation, for example, can be exempt from inheritance tax under certain conditions that are set out in detail German Foundation Center.

Political reactions

These developments have already made waves in the political arena. Claudia Köhler from the state parliament Greens demands that part of the income be used for investments in municipalities that are financially tight. Given the Bavarian budget of 76 billion euros, she describes the four billion euros as significant income that should be used for a second supplementary budget in order to be able to quickly provide the necessary funds.

In summary, it shows that Thiele's legacy not only has financial influence, but also social and political influence. The discussion about the use of record revenues will certainly shape Bavarian politics in the coming months.