Riester/Rürup Check Calculator (Orientation)
In 60 seconds, get two fit scores, a Riester allowance quick check, and a rough Rürup tax quick check. No advice – but a really good compass for your next questions to providers/tax advisors.
The Result
Start the check – afterwards you will see Scores, Quickchecks and a concrete question checklist.
No Check Yet
Fill in the fields on the left and click "Start Check".
Riester or Rürup – what fits you better?
This calculator is an orientation check. It does not replace tax or financial advice, but shows you the most important levers: eligibility, allowances, rough tax advantages, flexibility, and duration. All inputs remain on your device – nothing is saved or transferred.
Riester can make sense if you are eligible for allowances (e.g., many employees/civil servants) or indirectly via a partner. The subsidy consists of a basic allowance and possibly child allowances. For the full allowance, you usually need a minimum own contribution: as a rule of thumb 4% of the previous year's gross income subject to social security (capped), minus allowances, at least a base amount. Additionally, the tax office checks via a "better performance test" (Günstigerprüfung) whether deducting special expenses (up to $2,100 per person and year, including allowances) benefits you more than the allowances. If the tax deduction is higher, you receive the difference as a tax refund.
Rürup (Basisrente) aims more at taxes and "forced savings". Contributions can be deducted as old-age provision expenses up to an annual maximum amount. This is particularly interesting for the self-employed or high earners. The price for this is low flexibility: Payouts typically occur as a lifelong pension, and early capital withdrawals are usually excluded. If free availability, larger withdrawal options, or short-term access are important to you, Rürup usually fits poorly.
Context: Both models are generally taxed downstream in the retirement phase – this means: advantages take effect today, taxes apply later to payouts. Riester may offer options regarding home ownership depending on the contract type, while Rürup is strictly committed to old-age pension. That is why the question "How flexible must the money be?" is often just as important as the pure tax value.
How to read the result: The fit scores are not a verdict, but a direction. The Riester part shows you allowances, the estimated own contribution for full allowance, and a rough tax "range". The Rürup part shows the tax-deductible amount (simplified) and a rough tax saving based on your marginal tax rate. In reality, marital status, mandatory contributions, employer shares, contract conditions, and costs also play a role. That is why the calculator deliberately shows approximations and lists the factors driving your score.
What the calculator deliberately does NOT do: It calculates no binding income tax, no pension claim, and no net return after product costs. Instead, it helps you avoid typical fallacies (e.g., "Allowance = automatically good" or "Tax advantage = free money"). For a decision, you need contract details and – if you are unsure – advice.
Checklist before signing: Clarify eligibility · Check effective costs · Understand system strategy (Guarantee vs. Fund/ETF) · Read rules on contribution pauses/switching/start of pension · Riester: Plan allowance application · Rürup: Accept binding nature and realistically assess tax scope.
Note on the situation: The federal government has initiated a reform of subsidized private old-age provision with new products from 2027. Therefore, use the check as a "Status-Today" compass and check the current rules before concluding.
FAQ
1) Do I get the Riester allowance automatically?
No. Usually, a (permanent) allowance application via the provider is required. Without an application, the allowance may be missing or corrected later.
2) What does "indirectly eligible" mean?
You are a beneficiary via a directly eligible person (e.g., partner). Often a base contribution (Sockelbeitrag) is sufficient to receive your own allowances.
3) Why is there a minimum contribution for Riester?
Because allowances are linked to minimum contributions. If you pay less, allowances are often reduced proportionally.
4) Do allowances count towards the Riester maximum amount?
Yes, the eligible total amount is often considered inclusive of allowances. That is why the check calculates with "Own contribution + Allowances".
5) When is Rürup particularly worthwhile for tax purposes?
If your marginal tax rate is high and you still have room in the maximum amount. For employees, the scope can sometimes already be used up by mandatory contributions.
6) Can I cancel a Basisrente (Rürup) or have it paid out?
Usually not like with a depot. Basisrenten are earmarked; early capital payouts are generally excluded.
7) Is Riester without children pointless?
Not necessarily. Without children, allowances are smaller, but the "better performance test" (tax deduction) can help. Decisive are eligibility, costs, and quality.
8) What do I do after the check?
Clarify eligibility, compare offers (Costs/Strategy/Payout), and use tax or fee-based advice if unsure.
9) Are my data saved?
No. The calculator runs locally in the browser. If you want to share results, use the copy function.
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