Anonym Schwarzarbeit Online Melden Formular

Willkommen in Deutschland! Planning a trip or a temporary stay here? Wonderful! We hope you have an amazing experience exploring our culture, enjoying our food, and experiencing everything Germany has to offer. While you're here, it's good to be aware of certain rules and regulations, including information about "Schwarzarbeit" (undeclared work) and how to report it, should you encounter it.

This guide is especially helpful if you're a tourist, expat, or someone planning a short stay. We'll explain what Schwarzarbeit is, why it's a problem, and how you can anonymously report it online, even if you don't speak fluent German.

What is Schwarzarbeit (Undeclared Work)?

Schwarzarbeit, literally "black work," refers to work that is done without being officially registered and taxed. Think of it as the "under the table" economy. This means that the worker is not paying income tax, social security contributions (like health insurance and pension), and the employer might not be paying their share of these contributions either.

Here are some common examples of Schwarzarbeit you might encounter:

• Construction work: A handyman doing renovations without issuing an invoice or paying taxes.
• Cleaning services: Someone cleaning your apartment but not registered as a business.
• Babysitting: A babysitter being paid in cash and not declaring their income.
• Car repairs: Getting your car fixed at a shop where the mechanic offers a cheaper price "off the books."
• Tutoring: A student offering tutoring services without declaring the income.

It’s important to understand that even if something seems like a good deal at first, engaging in Schwarzarbeit can have negative consequences for everyone involved, including you. More on that later!

Why is Schwarzarbeit a Problem?

Schwarzarbeit might seem like a victimless crime, but it actually harms society in several ways:

• Loss of tax revenue: The government loses out on tax revenue that could be used for public services like schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.
• Unfair competition: Businesses that comply with the law and pay taxes are disadvantaged because they have higher costs than those engaged in Schwarzarbeit.
• Exploitation of workers: Workers engaged in Schwarzarbeit often lack legal protection, such as minimum wage, health insurance, and protection against unfair dismissal. They are vulnerable to exploitation by employers.
• Lower quality work: Because there's no official oversight, the quality of work done under the table can be substandard, and you may have no recourse if something goes wrong.
• Impact on social security: If workers don't pay into the social security system, they won't be entitled to benefits like pensions and unemployment insurance later in life. This creates a burden on the state.

In short, Schwarzarbeit undermines the social safety net and creates an uneven playing field for businesses.

Your Role: Why Should You Care?

As a tourist or temporary resident, you might be tempted to take advantage of a seemingly cheaper service offered through Schwarzarbeit. However, it’s important to consider the ethical implications. By participating in Schwarzarbeit, you're contributing to a system that harms society and potentially exploits workers. Furthermore, you could face legal consequences, even as a temporary resident. While the focus is usually on the employer and the undeclared worker, knowingly engaging in Schwarzarbeit as a customer can be considered an offense.

It's always best to choose reputable businesses that operate legally and treat their workers fairly. This contributes to a healthy and sustainable economy.

Reporting Schwarzarbeit: How to Do it Anonymously Online

If you suspect that someone is engaging in Schwarzarbeit, you can report it anonymously to the relevant authorities. The main authority responsible for combating Schwarzarbeit in Germany is the Zoll (Customs Office). The Zoll has a specific unit dedicated to investigating undeclared work.

The Anonymes Hinweisportal des Zolls (Anonymous Tip Portal of the Customs Office)

The easiest way to report Schwarzarbeit anonymously is through the Zoll's online tip portal. This portal is designed to allow individuals to report suspected cases without revealing their identity. Here's how to use it:

1. Find the Portal: The direct link to the anonymous tip portal is: https://www.zoll.de/DE/Kontakt/Anzeige-Hinweis-geben/anhinwe/anhinwe_node.html. It's always a good idea to double-check the link on the official Zoll website (www.zoll.de) to ensure you're using the correct address.
2. Understand the Disclaimer: Before you start, you'll see a disclaimer explaining the purpose of the portal and emphasizing the possibility of anonymity. Read it carefully.
3. Provide Information: You will be asked to provide as much detail as possible about the suspected Schwarzarbeit. This is crucial for the investigation. Include the following details, if you know them:
   • Who: The name (if known) and address of the person or business suspected of engaging in Schwarzarbeit.
   • What: A clear description of the activity you suspect is Schwarzarbeit. Be specific. For example, instead of saying "They're doing construction work illegally," say "I saw Mr. Schmidt doing renovations at Main Street 123 without any permits or invoices being issued."
   • When: The date and time you observed the activity. If it's ongoing, provide the dates and times you've seen it happening.
   • Where: The exact location where the Schwarzarbeit is taking place.
   • How: How are they receiving payment? Cash, bank transfer, etc.
   • Why: Why do you suspect it's Schwarzarbeit? For example, "They are offering a significantly lower price than other businesses and refusing to issue an invoice."
4. Remain Anonymous: The portal is designed to protect your anonymity. Do not include any personal information that could identify you, such as your name, address, phone number, or email address, in the body of the report.
5. Submit the Report: Once you've provided all the information, submit the report.

Important Considerations for Anonymous Reporting

• Be as Detailed as Possible: The more information you provide, the better the chances that the authorities can investigate effectively.
• Be Accurate: Provide accurate information to the best of your knowledge. False or misleading reports can hinder investigations.
• Don't Expect Immediate Action: Investigations take time. You likely won't receive feedback on the status of your report due to anonymity.
• Use a Secure Internet Connection: When submitting the report, use a secure internet connection to protect your privacy. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks.
• Reporting is Voluntary: You are not obligated to report suspected Schwarzarbeit. However, by doing so, you are contributing to a fairer and more sustainable economy.

Dealing with Language Barriers

The Zoll's online portal is primarily in German. If you don't speak German, you can use online translation tools like Google Translate or DeepL to help you understand the questions and provide your information. While these tools aren't perfect, they can be helpful for getting the gist of the content.

Here are a few tips for using translation tools:

• Translate Small Chunks of Text: Instead of translating entire pages at once, translate smaller sections of text to improve accuracy.
• Use Simple Language: When writing your report, use simple and clear language that is easy for the translation tool to understand.
• Double-Check the Translation: If possible, ask a German speaker to review your translated report to ensure that it is accurate and understandable.

Alternatives to the Online Portal

While the online portal is the most convenient and anonymous way to report Schwarzarbeit, there are other options, although they might compromise your anonymity:

• Contacting the Zoll Directly: You can contact the Zoll by phone or mail to report suspected cases of Schwarzarbeit. However, this is not anonymous, as your contact information will be recorded.
• Contacting the Police: In some cases, Schwarzarbeit may be linked to other crimes, such as tax evasion or fraud. In such cases, you can contact the police to report your suspicions.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy your stay in Germany! By being aware of the issue of Schwarzarbeit and knowing how to report it, you can contribute to a fairer and more sustainable economy. Remember, choosing reputable businesses that operate legally benefits everyone in the long run. We hope this guide has been helpful. Have a wonderful time exploring all that Germany has to offer!