Definition
Geldwerter Vorteil (Germany)
German concept: a non-monetary benefit from the employer with a cash-equivalent value. Determines whether a gift card qualifies as Sachbezug or is taxed as wages.
The geldwerter Vorteil is any employer-provided benefit that is not paid in cash but has an economic value: gift card, company car, staff discount, free meals. It is the fiscal bridge between Sachbezug and taxable wages.
For gift cards: if the card is ZAG-compliant and the value stays within €50 per month, the geldwerter Vorteil is tax-free as Sachbezug. With open-loop cards or if the cap is exceeded, the full amount is treated as wages — subject to income tax and social contributions.
For personal occasions the €60 Aufmerksamkeit allowance applies on top. Document per employee and month which benefit was granted to keep the exemption intact.