Germany is introducing a tax on gold crowns and dental prostheses made of precious metals that pass through inheritance. The state views them as property subject to taxation, since the heir can sell the metal or melt it down.

How gold in teeth is taxed

When a person dies, gold crowns and prostheses remain — items made of precious metals. Relatives receive this property, but according to the law it is treated as enrichment: the heir can sell the gold to a pawn shop, melt it down, or use its value otherwise.

Since gold has market value, it is subject to taxation as part of the inheritance. The state requires payment of tax on the inherited property on an equal basis with other assets.

Germany’s taxation system

Germany is known for its strict tax policy. Citizens pay taxes on all types of income: wages, inheritances, capital, income from the sale of property. The state seeks to cover taxation across the widest possible range of income and asset sources.

Each year new taxes and levies appear. The system works so that citizens have no alternative: they are obligated to pay taxes on everything they receive or earn, regardless of the source.

What is taxed upon inheritance in Germany

Not only gold teeth are subject to taxation

  • Gold crowns and prosthesesYesPrecious metals with market value
  • SalaryYesFull amount of taxation
  • Capital and investmentsYesIncome from assets
  • Inheritance of propertyYesAny real estate and valuables

Redistribution in the social state

The mechanism of the German social state presupposes that people with high incomes pay maximum taxes to finance benefits for those who live on state payments.

One part of the population can receive housing, clothing, food and other benefits without working. Another part is obliged to work and pay taxes on wages, inheritances and any other income. This allows the state to redistribute funds among citizens, but creates a situation where working people bear the maximum financial burden.

Comparison with tax systems of other countries

In the USA, the tax system is structured differently. Taxes vary significantly from state to state, and citizens have the right to choose which state to live in and what taxes to pay. The capitalist system of the USA does not allow such large-scale redistribution of income.

In the European Union, the situation is different: each year new taxes, levies and duties appear in countries. Citizens are increasingly restricted in choice and are effectively forced to live by the rules established by the state and its institutions.