Initial consultation with a tax advisor: Checklist for a strong start
The initial consultation with a tax advisor is your key to well-founded tax planning and good cooperation with your tax office.
Here we show you the costs, questions and benefits of tax advice — without obligation. With Integrals partner tax advisors, you get a customized initial assessment of tax returns, accounting and tax optimization.
The technical platform is operated by Integral Services GmbH. All reserved tasks are performed by Integral Tax GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft.
The key points
Structured preparation
Trusting basis: The initial consultation lays the foundation for long-term cooperation with your tax advisor
Clarify costs
A free initial consultation is standard, initial consultation costs an average of 150 €/hour, depending on length and requirements (Statista, 2025).
Preparation is crucial
Maximize benefits with financial documents and questions
Use benefits
Self-employed people, companies and private individuals avoid tax errors through initial consultations
Transparency
Clarify working methods and contacts to ensure efficient collaboration.
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Benefits of an initial consultation with a tax advisor
An initial consultation offers you specific benefits that go beyond simply getting to know each other. You will receive an initial assessment of your tax situation — for example with a view to possible optimization of the tax burden or compliance with legal requirements such as the GoBD.
According to a survey by the German Tax Consultants Association (DStV, 2024), 68% of SMEs use an initial consultation to avoid long-term mistakes that can result from inadequate advice. With integral You also benefit from transparent communication about costs and services. This creates a well-founded basis for decision-making and saves time because you will receive initial solutions to your tax challenges right from the initial consultation.
Checklist for your initial consultation with the tax advisor
Well-thought-out preparation makes your initial consultation a success. Here are the 6 most important points:
Bring documents
Clarify costs and fees
Check industry expertise
Coordinate working methods
Select contact person
Discuss future planning
Clarify how regular updates (e.g. annual meetings), reporting and support are organized in special situations.
With these steps, you'll lay a solid foundation. Integral supports you with an individual, suitable implementation.
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Costs and differences: Initial meeting vs. initial consultation with a tax advisor
The initial consultation is usually free of charge and serves to get to know each other, while the initial consultation is chargeable and includes specific tax analyses. According to Statista (2025), the costs of an initial consultation are with tax advisors On average at 150€ per hour, depending on region and complexity. In principle, the Tax Consultant Remuneration Ordinance provides for a tax advisor's fee of up to 200 €/hour.
With Integral, the initial consultation is always non-binding and free of charge, while an initial consultation is offered as a package upon request. Important: Clarify in advance whether additional services such as annual financial statements will be charged separately to avoid surprises.
Source: Statista, 2025 database.
Which services offer you real benefits
Tax returns & deadlines under control
Your tax advisor prepares your sales, income and business tax returns — punctually and with reliable deadline management.
Industry-specific accounting
Whether it's an agency, e-commerce or SaaS: You benefit from accounting that is based on the specifics of your industry.
Financial clarity through reporting
Individual dashboards provide you with regular insights into profit, liquidity and investment leeway — for well-founded decisions.
Strategic tax planning
Take advantage of benefits such as § 7g EStG, check your legal form or plan reserves — together with a tax-savvy sparring partner.
Proactive Alerts & Monitoring
Warnings in the event of budget deviations, new legal information or prepayment deadlines — your tax advisor has everything at a glance.
Support during tax audits
In the worst case, you are not alone: Your tax advisor takes care of the preparation, communication and appeal management.
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.
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Frequently asked questions about Initial consultation with tax advisor
What is the difference between an initial consultation and an initial consultation?
The initial consultation is a free introduction, without obligation, to check the tax advisor. The subsequent initial consultation costs around 150 €/hour (can also be cheaper or more expensive) and includes specific advice, e.g. on tax returns. With Integral, the initial consultation is free of charge.
What are the benefits of an initial consultation?
You will receive initial guidance on your situation, be able to clarify expectations and procedures, and create a good basis for avoiding mistakes and unnecessary costs.
How much does a consultation with a tax advisor cost?
Initial consultations are often free of charge. Depending on the law firm and scope, lump sums or time allowances are often agreed for consultations. It is important that you transparently clarify the cost structure in advance. Integral offers transparent packages — ask questions during the initial consultation.
How do I prepare for the initial consultation?
Bring relevant documents (such as tax assessments), your most important questions and — if available — financial plans or key data. You should also clarify the working method, digital processes and the rest of the process in advance so that the conversation remains efficient.
Taxes and accounting with Integral? That's how it goes!
Quick onboarding
We will guide you step by step in introducing our platform and ensure a seamless connection of all systems — for maximum flexibility.
Excellent monthly
Conclusion
You can communicate directly with your contact person via our platform, clarify open issues and ask questions about your accounting.
Timely BWA
You will receive your monthly BWA quickly and precisely so that you can keep an eye on your finances at all times.
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