When German Galleries Get a Tax Break, Art Gets Room to Breathe

For years, German galleries watched as artists enjoyed a lower tax rate on art sales, while their own transactions faced a steeper 19% VAT. That’s about to change: starting January 2025, galleries and art dealers will finally benefit from the same 7% VAT rate that artists have had. This isn’t just a bureaucratic tweak—it’s a reversal of a decade-old policy that left dealers at a disadvantage after an EU directive pulled the plug on their tax break. The move levels the playing field, letting galleries compete more fairly and weather rising business costs. For the Federal Association of German Galleries and Art Dealers, it’s a long-awaited nod to their cultural role. As economic pressures mount, this tax cut isn’t just about numbers—it’s a lifeline for the art ecosystem, ensuring that creativity keeps its place in Germany’s future. #GermanArt #ArtMarket #CulturalPolicy #Culture