Twice a year, a working group meets to estimate Germany’s tax revenue. The group has existed since 1955. Its members include five economic research institutes, the Bundesbank, the Council of Economic Experts and the Federal Statistical Office.
Eight of the members each make their own estimate for every single tax, independently of the others. The group then discusses the estimates until it reaches a consensus that all members can support. The spring estimate is the basis for the federal budget draft for the following year.