Poll Shows Majority of Germans Support Digital Tax for Tech Giants Like Google and Facebook
Most federal citizens endorse a tax on digital goods or services. - A significant portion of the German populace supports implementing a tax on digital services.
by Helmut Broeg** ~1 Min Read
In a surprising move, Culture and Education Minister Wolfram Weimer is considering diving into the deep pockets of digital juggernauts like Alphabet (Google) and Meta (Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram). Weimer envisions these companies paying a 10% tax on their advertising revenues to the German state. His proposal includes all platforms that use media content.
According to a recent Forsa poll, federal citizens are largely in favor of this digital tax. An overwhelming 85% believe tech giants should pay more than they currently do. Even among supporters of the far-right AfD, 70% back the digital tax. Conversely, almost all voters of the Greens and the Left support Weimer's plan.
German Digital Tax: Following Austria's Lead?
So far, American internet giants have managed to evade hefty tax burdens. By relocating their European headquarters to countries with minimal tax rates, they've significantly reduced their tax liabilities. Austria has already been implementing a 5% tax on advertising revenues for internet companies since 2020. The specifics of Weimer's plan remain unclear.
The data was collected by the market and opinion research institute Forsa for Stern and RTL Germany on June 4 and 5, 20XX. Sample size: 1007 respondents. Statistical error tolerance: +/- 3 percentage points. The survey is representative.
- Wolfram Weimer
- Digital Corporation
- Forsa
Background: Germany's Progress in Digital Taxation
While Culture and Education Minister Wolfram Weimer has proposed a targeted digital tax on tech giants, there is currently no specific legislation or binding plan in Germany regarding this matter (based on available sources as of mid-2025). The focus of recent tax updates in Germany has been on broader digitalization of tax and reporting processes rather than a targeted digital tax on tech giants.
Key Developments and Plans
- E-invoicing Mandates: Germany is making strides in digital tax reporting by requiring all companies to accept electronic invoices from January 2025. Mandatory issuance of e-invoices for B2B transactions will be phased in from January 2026 for companies with turnover above €800,000, and for all companies from January 2028[3][5].
- VAT and Digital Reporting: The Ministry of Finance is developing a national electronic transaction reporting system as part of the EU’s "VAT in the Digital Age" (ViDA) initiative. However, progress has been slow, with a detailed implementation concept not expected until the end of 2026[1].
- Postponed Import VAT Accounting: Germany is modernizing its import VAT framework, with new rules anticipated in 2025, but this is unrelated to a digital tax on tech companies[4].
Context of the Digital Tax Proposal
- Proposal by Wolfram Weimer: Despite calls from various politicians, including Wolfram Weimer, for digital taxes targeting large tech firms, there is no concrete national legislation or implementation timeline on this topic in recent tax updates or official documents.
- EU-Level Tax on Digital Giants: At the European level, discussions about a Digital Services Tax or digital levy have faced delays and are subject to ongoing negotiations. Germany has not unilaterally implemented such a tax.
While Culture and Education Minister Wolfram Weimer has suggested a digital tax for tech companies, there is currently no specific legislation or binding plan in Germany. Changes in digital taxation, such as e-invoicing mandates and the development of an electronic transaction reporting system, are underway but focus on broader digitalization processes rather than targeting specific tech firms.
- The Commission, amidst the general-news and political discussions, has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, possibly as a result of the financial implications and pressure from businesses, including the digital sector, following the widespread support for digital taxes in Germany, as indicated by the recent Forsa poll.
- In light of the growing public support for digital taxes, such as the one proposed by Culture and Education Minister Wolfram Weimer, and the ongoing EU-level negotiations on Digital Services Tax or digital levies, there might be increased calls for environmental protection measures that could lead to additional financial obligations for businesses in the digital sector.
