Tax return for
Companies and founders
Are you looking for an easy way to file your corporate tax returns? As a founder or entrepreneur, you are required to file tax returns regularly.
What is a tax return for companies?
The corporate tax return is legally mandatory and reflects a company's tax burden, including sales tax, corporation tax and business tax. It is based on accounting and annual financial statements, which must be submitted correctly and on time to the tax office.
With our platform and partner tax advisors, preparing and submitting your corporate tax return is digital, easy and transparent.
In Germany, companies — whether UG, GmbH or sole proprietorship — must file tax returns as soon as taxable income is accrued. Depending on the legal form, this includes income or corporation tax as well as commercial and sales tax.
These include income tax (partnerships), corporation tax (corporations), sales tax and business tax. Depending on the case, capital gains tax or solidarity surcharge may also be relevant.
The corporate tax return must comply with the requirements of the Commercial Code (HGB) and the Tax Code (AO). In addition, accounting and annual financial statements must comply with the principles of proper accounting (GoB), in particular when using digital systems.
Constituents a tax
return for companies
The components of the corporate tax return depend on the type of company and tax liability. Our partner tax advisors ensure that these are prepared correctly and in a timely manner.
Sales tax return
Recording of input tax and sales tax, monthly or yearly.
Corporate income tax return
For GmbHs/UGs, based on the annual financial statements.
Business tax return
Mandatory for all traders, based on business income.
Income tax return
For sole proprietors or partnerships, including operating expenses.
Attachments and supporting documents
Evidence of deductions, such as investments or operating costs.
Important
information and
updates for your tax return
The legal requirements relating to corporate tax returns, such as deadlines, tax rates and digital requirements, change regularly. However, our partner tax advisors will proactively keep you informed and ensure that your return always remains legally compliant.
Important information and updates for your tax return
The legal requirements relating to corporate tax returns, such as deadlines, tax rates and digital requirements, change regularly. However, our partner tax advisors will proactively keep you informed and ensure that your return always remains legally compliant.
Since 2025, corporate tax returns must be submitted electronically via ELSTER. With Integral, delivery is seamless and completely digital.
Changes in sales tax rates, for example in industries such as catering, can affect your tax return. Our partner tax advisors will always keep you informed about current developments.
GoBD-compliant bookkeeping is mandatory for companies subject to accounting requirements. With Integral, you meet the requirements efficiently and completely digitally.
Bookkeeping, payroll and taxes,
on one smart platform
We handle your registration with the tax office – from tax registration to your tax number. Along the way, we work through the key decisions that will matter later.
Connect your accounts once so transactions and documents sync automatically. Your bookkeeping runs in real time and your BWA is prepared every month.
We handle your advance VAT returns (UStVA), Zusammenfassen Meldung (ZM), and all other filings directly with the tax office. Should any questions come up, we'll coordinate with you
Ongoing payroll for your employees and you – simple, digital and via app. Integral handles all communication with the authorities and social insurance funds for you.
Your annual financial statements are built directly from bookkeeping that's already kept clean – with no laborious rework. Tax optimization included.
Your tax advisor spots tax opportunities early and flags them to you – before deadlines dictate your decisions.
Benefits of submitting a tax return with a tax advisor
Error reduction
Experts check receipts and tax data to avoid back payments.
Legal compliance
Compliance with HGB, AO and GoBD for legally secure documents.
Saving time
You focus on your business while we handle the tax return.
Tax optimization
Identification of deduction options, such as operating expenses or investments.
More benefits with Integral
Digital efficiency
You can easily upload receipts online and see the processing status of your tax return in real time at any time.
Transparency
Keep an eye on deadlines and processing status: The intuitive dashboard of the Integral platform shows you all important deadlines and the status of your financial reports at a glance.
Personalized care
Direct communication with your partner tax advisor via the platform. Ask questions or clarify details immediately via our secure, user-friendly interface, without on-site appointments.
Connect your accounting software or upload receipts to the Integral platform.
Our tax team reviews documents and prepare the tax return (e.g. GmbH tax return).
You get insights into the designs and answer questions directly via the platform. We will submit your tax return on time.
3 reasons to do your annual financial statement with Integral
Monthly or quarterly, depending on turnover, until the 10th of the following month. The annual sales tax return is due by July 31 of the following year (with tax advisor: February 28 of the year after next).
Business tax
For limited liability companies and UGs until July 31 of the following year. By hiring a tax advisor, the deadline is extended to February 28 of the year after next.
For sole traders, by 31 July of the following year. With tax advisors, the deadline is extended to February 28 of the year after next.
Deadlines for corporate tax returns
The deadline for filing corporate tax returns depends on the legal form and type of tax.
As a general rule, returns are due until 31 July of the following year without tax advice, and until the end of February of the year after that with tax advice.
Our partner tax advisers and the Integral platform will help you to reliably meet all deadlines.
Consequences of
missed deadlines
Late payment surcharges: In the event of late payment, 1% of the arrears tax amount is due per month.
Late surcharges: In the event of late submission, the tax office may set a surcharge of up to €25,000, depending on the type and length of the delay.
3 tips for entrepreneurs and the tax return
Collect receipts for operating expenses and investments early on. This allows you to make optimal use of deductions such as depreciation or special expenses.
Depending on the legal form, there are different types of tax:
Sole proprietorships pay income tax, GmbH/UG corporation tax. Business tax affects commercial companies.
Pay attention to the deadlines: July 31 (without advice) or the end of February of the year after next (with tax advisor). In this way, you can avoid late or late charges.
Everything you need to know about
tax returns for businesses
Which tax return do I have to file as an entrepreneur?
It depends on your type of company: GmbHS/UGs file corporate and business tax returns, individual entrepreneurs an income tax return.
Can I file the tax return myself as a company?
Yes, possible for small businesses (e.g. EUER), but a tax advisor minimizes errors and optimizes deductions, especially for limited liability companies.
When do companies have to file their tax return?
Until July 31 of the following year, with tax advisor until February 28 of the year after next. Sales tax monthly/quarterly.
Where can I file my tax return for companies?
With Integral via our partner tax advisors, digitally and nationwide.
What is the difference between income tax and tax returns for companies?
The income tax return is relevant for individual entrepreneurs, while corporations file corporate and business tax returns.
