City achieves new record in trade tax: property tax remains stable in 2026 and 2027

The city of Offenbach set a new record for trade tax in 2025. A total of over 135 million euros was assessed. This is more than ever before and confirms the economic strength of numerous companies at the location.

The positive development was already apparent in the summer. As of July 2025, trade tax amounting to 133 million euros was assessed. City Treasurer Martin Wilhelm says: "The new record is a strong signal for the positive development of our economy in the growing city of Offenbach. At the same time, we must remain realistic: Costs are rising rapidly, and despite the record sum, the overall financial situation remains very tight. In addition, we cannot expect record sums in the long term, as changes from previous years and one-off effects also play a role here."

One reason for the high deviation this year is high changes for previous years, which amount to around 44.6 million euros. This was mainly due to higher settlements from previous years. Normally, the average changes from previous years are around 10 million euros per year. It is therefore likely that trade tax is currently relatively stable at around 100 million euros. This year, the figure is pleasingly high. In addition, there is currently a one-off effect of 10 million euros. This shows why a trade tax forecast is so difficult.

At the same time, the positive development in revenue opens up significant leeway for property tax. The property tax rate can be kept stable at 1,230 points for 2026. This is an important signal for companies in Offenbach as well as for tenants.

However, the record income can only offset the sharp rise in expenditure to a limited extent. Inflation-related price increases, higher interest rates and rising costs in the social sector are particularly significant. In addition, the city will be investing around 100 million euros in the expansion of all-day care at elementary school in the coming years.

"We must continue to manage very carefully. A record year helps in the short term. But the structural challenges remain," continued Wilhelm. "Relief for old debts and a reform of the municipal financial equalization system are urgently needed in order to sustainably strengthen particularly burdened cities. Because if the KFA revenue item, which is 2 ½ times more important than trade tax, is weakening, the 'smaller' trade tax cannot fully compensate for this."