Exempt from the obligation to pay taxes. The state does not levy taxes on certain income, goods, or amounts.
example
Spenden an gemeinnützige Organisationen sind bis zu einem gewissen Betrag steuerfrei.
Donations to nonprofit organizations are tax-free up to a certain amount.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is a compound of 'die Steuer' (tax) and the suffix '-frei' (-free). It literally means 'free from taxes' and is therefore easy to understand.
EXAMPLE
In vielen Ländern ist der Kauf von Büchern nicht komplett steuerfrei.
In many countries, the purchase of books is not completely tax-free.
Sentence structure and use
The adjective 'steuerfrei' (tax-free) is very often used predicatively with the verbs 'sein' (to be) or 'bleiben' (to remain). The typical sentence structure is: [subject] ist/bleibt steuerfrei ([subject] is/remains tax-free).
EXAMPLE
Gewinne aus dem Verkauf privater Gegenstände sind in der Regel steuerfrei.
Profits from the sale of private items are generally tax-free.
Typical collocations
'steuerfrei' (tax-free) is often used attributively before nouns related to money or income. Typical combinations are 'ein steuerfreier Betrag' (a tax-free amount), 'steuerfreie Einnahmen' (tax-free income), or 'eine steuerfreie Schenkung' (a tax-free gift).
EXAMPLE
Für Arbeitnehmer gibt es einen jährlichen steuerfreien Pauschbetrag.
Employees are entitled to an annual tax-free lump-sum allowance.