(2022) What are professional associations?

Professional associations are interest groups for a particular profession that represent the interests of their members in relation to their professional and business activities. These include the following associations:

• Trade unions,
• Occupational insurance associations,
• Employers' associations,
• Marburger Bund,
• Tax advisors' association,
• Chamber of Crafts,
• Medical associations,
• Chambers of architects,
• Bar association,
• Chamber of tax advisors,
• Civil Service Federation,
• University association,
• Association of German Engineers (VDI),
• Industry clubs,
• Employers' associations,
• Civil Service Federation,
• Judges' association,

Political parties, on the other hand, are not professional associations. You can declare donations and membership fees as special expenses in your tax return. Private clubs, such as the Rotary Club, sports clubs or carnival clubs, are not professional associations. This applies even if your employer has suggested you join one of these clubs.