The German Constitutional Court - Bundesverfassungsgericht (BVerfG)- has ruled that the inheritance system for passing on corporate shares, enterprises and property related to business is unconstitutional. It has to be changed before 30th June 2016. Until this date the privilege of passing on enterprises, participation in enterprises and property linked to enterprises in Germany  can be used for transfers and estates, provided it is not abusive.

See: www.bundesverfassungsgericht.de/

German language:http://www.bundesverfassungsgericht.de/SharedDocs/Pressemitteilungen/DE/2014/bvg14-116.html

English language:http://www.bundesverfassungsgericht.de/SharedDocs/Pressemitteilungen/EN/2014/bvg14-116.html

For more information and ideas how to proceed with participation in German Enterprises and Estate Planning please contact Dr. Michael Reuter of Kanzlei Dr. Reuter Rechtsanwalts- und Steuerberatungskanzlei – e-mail: info@reuter-law.de