Offenbach sets trade tax record for 2023

The positive trend was already apparent last summer: City Treasurer Martin Wilhelm assumed that trade tax revenue for 2023 would exceed the record level of 100 million euros. Now it turns out that the result is even better: "At 122 million euros, Offenbach has set a new record high - never before has the city collected more trade tax," announced City Treasurer Martin Wilhelm.

Trade tax is one of the city's most important financial pillars. It plays a decisive role in determining what Offenbach can afford over and above the many compulsory expenditures, for example in the social sector, and which future projects can be financed with it. "Instead of the planned 82 million euros, we have achieved a result of 122 million euros, which is 40 million euros better than expected," emphasized Wilhelm. "One-off effects have contributed to this record sum, but also hard work for the economic development of the city, which has been able to record significant settlements."

At the same time, City Treasurer Wilhelm pointed out that the high revenue should not give rise to false expectations: "The sum for 2023 is optimistic and is an important signal for our growing Offenbach. However, I am sorry to disappoint anyone who thinks that the city is swimming in money. In view of the economic uncertainties, we are currently only expecting a result of around 90 million euros for 2024. That would still be good, but is quickly put into perspective by the sharp rise in expenditure due to inflation, for example for the construction and renovation of our schools, and the rise in interest rates." Wilhelm announced that the strict budget management of recent years would remain unchanged. "However, it is good that the high income is increasing our reserves in order to be able to make the most important investments in the coming years."