New regulations for repaying Corona aid: What those affected need to know!

New regulations for repaying Corona aid: What those affected need to know!

In an insightful conversation in the State Chancellery on August 22, 2025, important regulations for the repayment of Corona aid were presented. Participants in this meeting were representatives from the ranks of retailers, restaurateurs as well as the Annaberg and Gewerbering advertising rings, together with State Secretary Kralinski and the head of the SAB. This new regulation applies in particular to self-employed people who benefited from the aid in 2024 and 2025. According to the city administration of Aue-Bad Schlema, the total income for those affected is now set at less than 35,000 euros net, based on the tax assessment from 2023. Children are also taken into account in this calculation; For each child entitled to child benefit, the limit increases by 7,000 euros per year.

When and how do repayments have to be made? From September 2025, those affected will be asked to submit their income tax assessment for 2023 to the SAB. However, the assets are taken into account for the examination, but real estate is usually left out. Assets such as funds for retirement provision or necessary operating resources are not taken into account. In addition, up to 40,000 euros per applicant does not count as assets, although an increase of 15,000 euros is possible for each child entitled to child benefit.

Flexible repayment terms

A flexible approach is sought with regard to the repayment obligations. According to the local economic development agency, a contact form is provided on the SAB website to make it easier to apply for relief. From September 2025, applications to stop tracking reclaims can also be submitted via a funding portal. Those interested should note that no documents need to be submitted in advance.

There are also new regulations for those who have already made repayments. You are advised to contact the SAB to obtain information on any amounts repaid. These new provisions also affect repayments that have already been made. Special requirements will apply from November 2024 for payments made in full in the re-registration procedure. Ines Schieck, Economic Development Office in Aue-Bad Schlema, is available to contact if you have any questions. She can be reached by phone at (+49) 03771 281 – 147 or by email at ines.schieck@aue.de.

The economic situation of companies

On a broader level, the state distributed over 60 billion euros to companies during the Corona pandemic in order to mitigate the economic consequences of the crisis. Companies now have to prove whether they actually needed the money they received. If repayments become necessary, they must be made on time. Those companies that do not submit their final accounts must repay the Corona aid in full. September 30, 2024 was the deadline for more than 80% of the expected 860,000 final statements, and the Federal Ministry of Economics expects around 90% by the end of the deadline.

Another exciting point is that over 40% of companies received more money than they originally applied for, on average around 3,500 euros. However, a significant proportion of companies, around 25%, face the challenge of repaying an average of 7,400 euros. The Federal Association of Medium-Sized Enterprises has pointed out that these repayments could become a real problem for many companies. The final invoice is carried out by third parties, usually tax advisors, which could potentially lead to long processing times and questions from the authorities.

In summary, it can be seen that the economic environment remains challenging for many self-employed people and companies. The new repayment modalities for Corona aid in Aue-Bad Schlema seem to offer both guidance and relief, but the requirements remain high.

Further information can be found on the website of the Stadt Aue-Bad Schlema, the Tagesschau and the Federal Ministry of Economics.