German allowance for truck drivers sleeping in the cab — EUR 9 a day
A driver who sleeps in the employer's vehicle may claim EUR 9 instead of actual costs for each calendar day that qualifies for a meal allowance for 24 hours away or for the day of departure or return — on one basis for the whole year.
2026 rules — verified on September 23, 2026Free, no account
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Sources and assumptions
- gesetze-im-internet.de — EStG § 9 Abs. 1 Satz 3 Nr. 5b Satz 2 — tax year 2026, verified on September 23, 2026
Excerpt from the source : « kann im Kalenderjahr einheitlich eine Pauschale von 9 Euro für jeden Kalendertag berücksichtigt werden, an dem der Arbeitnehmer eine Verpflegungspauschale nach Absatz 4a Satz 3 Nummer 1 und 2 sowie Satz 5 zur Nummer 1 und 2 beanspruchen könnte »
Calculation assumptions
- Only days with 24 hours away and days of departure or return qualify (s. 9(4a) sentence 3 nos. 1 and 2). Days of more than 8 hours without an overnight stay (no. 3) do not count. Days abroad count the same.
- Flat rate or itemised costs apply uniformly for the calendar year; the higher of the two annual amounts is used.
- The meal allowances themselves are not included — they have their own calculator.
- Tax-free reimbursements by the employer reduce the deduction; they are not subtracted here.
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This result is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute personalised tax advice. Check your situation with the tax authorities or a professional.