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Tax deduction20 April 20264 min read
Servicefradrag or håndværkerfradrag? The difference that returns you thousands
Two schemes people constantly confuse — only one still exists. Here's what you can actually use in 2026.
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People still Google ‘håndværkerfradrag 2026’ and get confused when the scheme seems out of service. That's because it is. Here's what actually exists — and what it covers.
The short answer
- Håndværkerfradrag (tradesperson deduction) — abolished in 2022. No longer exists.
- Servicefradrag (service deduction) — still exists, up to 18,300 DKK per person/year in 2026, SKAT refunds 26%.
What was the original difference?
Before 2022, Denmark had two parallel schemes:
| Scheme | Covered | 2026 status |
|---|---|---|
| Servicefradrag | Cleaning, gardening, childcare, ironing, laundry | Still active |
| Håndværkerfradrag | Insulation, roof renovation, windows, heat pumps, installations | Abolished |
What does servicefradrag cover in 2026?
- Cleaning (weekly, deep, move-out, post-renovation)
- Window cleaning
- Laundry, ironing, dishwashing
- In-home childcare
- Gardening — mowing, weeding, pruning
- Snow removal
What it does NOT cover
- Renovation, remodelling, extensions
- Installations (electric, water, heating)
- Insulation, roof and window replacement
- Purchase of appliances, furniture or materials
- Services in rental properties or commercial spaces
Frequently asked questions
- Can I still claim deduction for my renovation project?
- No. Håndværkerfradrag was abolished. Green-initiative subsidies exist for heat pumps and insulation — check Bolius and the Danish Energy Agency for current grants.
- Does cleaning after the tradespeople count as service or construction?
- As service. Post-renovation cleaning is a servicefradrag-eligible service when done in your private household.
- Can a couple claim both schemes on their separate taxes?
- No, because håndværkerfradrag no longer exists. But a couple can each claim servicefradrag (max 18,300 DKK per person), so up to 36,600 DKK combined.
- Where do I find updated SKAT rules?
- skat.dk under ‘Servicefradrag’. Bolius also has good plain-language explanations. Avoid blogs from 2020-2021 — rules have changed.
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