Is there free tax advice available online?
Did you know that good tax advice that has your and your company's back doesn't necessarily have to be expensive? And that in some cases you can even benefit from free tax advice?
Regardless of whether you are a freelancer, a self-employed person or as the managing director of a large company: If you want to save costs, it can be worthwhile to start right at this point and find out who offers help with tax returns free of charge, for example.
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The essentials
Free/cheap tax advice is practical
With it, you often receive important information without having to put too much strain on your budget.
Tax offices as contacts
The information provided by the tax office can help you, especially with simple questions.
Offers for self-employed people and entrepreneurs
Founders often have specific questions about taxes. Professional associations, among others, can help here.
Online tools as practical helpers
Accounting is also becoming increasingly digital. Tools help not only to book documents, but also to understand the processes behind them.
Take target groups into account
Providers of free or cheap tax advice are sometimes aimed at specific target groups. It is therefore important to find out what each contact point can (and cannot) do.
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Why free tax advice can be attractive
If you cannot afford running costs for a tax advisor or are looking for guidance first, free tax advice can be a valuable help. You get legally secure information without burdening your budget.
These are the possible benefits of free tax advice offers:
- You clarify tax issues without having to pay a fee directly.
- They make better use of legal leeway, for example by providing information on advertising costs or allowances.
- You will find assistance with more complex topics such as advance sales tax returns or start-up issues.
- You reduce your monthly expenses, especially in the early stages of self-employment or when you have a low income.
Important: Even though the consultation is free of charge, the comparison is worthwhile. Because the offers differ significantly depending on the target group, scope and quality — regardless of whether it is free tax advice, for example in Berlin, a online tax advisor or a nationwide offer works.
And yet it is important not simply to enjoy free tax advice, but to compare the various options. Because: Just as with regard to the classic or a digital tax advisor The selection is large.
Free advice options: tax office, associations, and online tools
There is not just one way to get free tax advice, depending on the situation, there are various contact points: from official offers to digital tools to payroll tax assistance associations.
The following overview shows you which option is right when and what you should pay attention to:
Tax offices
Anyone who is uncertain about applications and other documents that become relevant as part of the tax return can in many cases contact the tax office responsible for them directly.
There are many explanations on the pages of the tax authorities, which answer some questions in advance. In addition, it is also possible to dial the telephone hotline number and ask your question here. This is — in the truest sense of the word — a direct connection to the tax office.
Associations and memberships
There are many payroll tax assistance associations in Germany. The advice here is usually not completely free of charge, but it is cheap. Most associations charge a membership fee. This is below the costs that a tax advisor would charge. Attention! Payroll tax assistance associations are generally not aimed at traders or freelancers. They primarily advise and support private individuals.
Online tools
If you want free (or cheap) advice on your tax, you can also search for suitable tools on the Internet. It is certainly due, among other things, to the high demand that there are now many companies that offer relevant solutions.
Many include step-by-step instructions that guide entrepreneurs through the individual processes.
In any case, you should make sure that the respective tools relate to current laws and are therefore regularly updated.
Specific offers related to free tax advice for self-employed people
Self-employed and freelancers often face different challenges than private individuals when it comes to tax issues. Topics such as advance sales tax returns, income tax returns or annual financial statements quickly become relevant, especially in the initial phase.
Especially after the company has been founded, the requirements can quickly become confusing.
The good news, however, is that there are a few specific contact points that are specifically aimed at self-employed people.
For example, you can contact the following contacts or use the following options:
Chambers and professional associations
This group includes chambers of industry and commerce, chambers of crafts and individual professional associations. Anyone who is a member here can take advantage of free or at least inexpensive consulting services. Whether “only” a free initial consultation (for example for founders) or regular advice can be obtained depends on the respective chambers or associations.
Start-up centers and funding programs
Many entrepreneurs have a lot of questions, especially during the first weeks and months in which they are trying to move their start-up forward. It is particularly practical that many business start-up centers not only provide advice on financial support and government subsidies, but also offer training on accounting and tax law.
In addition, relevant funding programs for founders and self-employed people are now offered throughout Germany. At the same time, it is always worthwhile to take a look at the pages of the Federal Chamber of Tax Advisors. Here you can also find a lot of relevant information about taxes.
Online tools: Apps and platforms for free and cost-effective advice
Many accounting tasks can now be completed digitally. So it's no wonder that you can also support online tools, apps and similar offerings — sometimes even for free.
Especially if you have little time to regularly consult a tax advisor, these solutions are a practical alternative. Most tools can be used flexibly and individually, according to your needs.
Among others, the following options are available:
- Different accounting tools:
There are many providers who offer user-friendly solutions even for customers who have not dealt too much with tax issues in the past. They help to make regular bookings and submit advance sales tax returns and income tax returns on time.
In addition, in many cases, they also allow you to connect with a tax advisor and use common interfaces. Recently, the offerings around these tools have been expanded more and more. This is how you can get many questions about your tax Now have answers from the individual applications, for example via help menus and chats.
- Relevant tax advice apps:
Ideal for anyone who wants to do their tax on the go and clarify many tax issues free of charge! The market offers apps that have been tailored precisely to the needs of self-employed and freelancers. Among other things, you can use them to keep an eye on your expenses and income and to scan receipts on the go.
Government agencies: advice from tax offices
Tax offices are also prepared to assist taxpayers with questions about tax returns and the like. They are the right people to contact, especially when it comes to discussing less complex issues. However, for areas that require more time, you should look to one of the other alternatives mentioned.
If you do not want to make a personal appointment at the tax office responsible for you, you can find a lot of information on the websites of the authorities. For example, some tax offices have set up extensive help pages and/or an FAQ area. In addition, you can also contact special advisory services from the tax office.
However, you should always keep in mind that advice of this type can only answer initial tax questions free of charge, but cannot replace in-depth advice. If you notice that the information you receive from the tax office is not sufficient, it makes sense to contact a tax advisor directly who will evaluate your individual situation. However, most tax advisors do not offer free advice.
Membership offers: Payroll Tax Aid Associations and Co.
With payroll tax assistance associations It is another alternative to traditional tax advice. These contact points are aimed primarily at those who are looking for quick answers to typical tax questions. Anyone who is a member here has access to professional support in preparing the tax return. Employees also help when it comes to optimising tax.
However, it should be noted that payroll tax assistance associations may only provide advice in certain cases, for example with regard to income from non-self-employed work. Most entrepreneurs must contact another contact person, for example, if they manage one or one. The advantage, however, is that membership in the payroll tax assistance association is comparatively cheap. You can also get advice 365 days a year.
These are the real benefits of hiring a tax advisor
Working with a tax advisor offers many benefits. Most are likely to find the following factors particularly compelling:
Saving time in everyday life
Accounting, advance sales tax returns and annual financial statements cost you many hours — a tax advisor takes on these tasks professionally so that you can concentrate on your core business.
Fewer errors, more security
Errors in tax returns or deadlines can be expensive. A tax advisor knows all regulations, ensures legally secure taxes and protects you from unnecessary back payments or penalty interest.
Take advantage of tax benefits
Depreciation, operating expenses, investment deduction amounts — an experienced tax advisor knows your savings potential and shows you legal ways to optimize taxes.
Reliable sparring partner
Are you planning an investment, a new legal form or would you like to know how to better prepare for a tax audit? Your tax advisor will provide you with expertise.
Scalability & growth
Especially with growing sales, international business or first employees, a tax advisor is essential to avoid mistakes and grow strategically.
On the one hand, this means that a tax advisor costs money, on the other hand, he offers you professional support, which in turn allows you to save money and is on the safe side for tax purposes.
Free or cost-effective tax advice: How to find the right point of contact
Many who want help with their taxes are surprised how large the selection is in terms of free or cheap tax advice. If you are looking for the right contact person, it is important to pay attention to the various target groups.
And even though there are exceptions, the following applies in most cases:
- Employees and pensioners are well advised to contact payroll tax assistance associations.
- Interested parties can also find a lot of information about taxes on the websites of the relevant tax offices. In many cities, there are also relevant advice services. The advice is particularly suitable for classic tax issues and is less “profound”.
- Apps and relevant tools help private individuals as well as self-employed people and entrepreneurs to do their taxes. The answers to important questions can usually be found in help menus, info boxes, etc. Sometimes a chat or forum is also available.
If your situation is more complex, such as with several types of income, incorporation or VAT liability, a tax advisor be the better choice. Here too, the following applies: Consult tax advisors free of charge It is rarely possible, but many law firms offer a free initial consultation or transparent flat rates for individual questions. While the Tax Consultant Remuneration Ordinance sets the framework here, it is worthwhile to ask for lump sums in parallel — especially if you just want to ask a question from time to time and otherwise take care of your bookkeeping yourself.
And by the way: Once you have opted for a tax advisor, you are not bound to them until the end of your professional career. You can also terminate and the Simply change tax advisors.
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Frequently asked questions about free tax advice
There is usually no completely free tax advice from professional tax advisors who look at your individual situation in detail. But: You can often use the tax office's free information offers to answer classic tax questions. In parallel, there are cheap options that ensure that you do not have to spend a lot of money on your tax advice. Typical examples include memberships in the payroll tax assistance association or apps that provide extensive information on tax topics.
If you cannot afford a tax advisor, the first step is to contact your tax office. Perhaps you can already find the answer to your question on their homepage? Memberships in payroll tax assistance associations are not expensive. However, the offer is primarily aimed at private individuals. It may be worthwhile for entrepreneurs to contact the responsible chamber of commerce or professional association.
There are now many tools that you can use for your tax, that provide you with lots of information about bookings, annual financial statements, etc., and which provide you with free tax advice online. One of the most famous is certainly ELSTER, the official portal of the tax authorities. However, there are also other providers that offer free versions of their apps. It's best to compare them to make sure that each solution is right for you and your business.
Tax offices offer free information, brochures, online FAQs and hotlines for general tax questions — for example about the submission deadline or the correct form. However, for more complex issues (e.g. VAT liability for self-employed persons), it is better to contact a specialized body or a digital tax advisor.
The services offered by payroll tax assistance associations are aimed primarily at private individuals who need help with preparing their tax return. The amount of the membership fee usually depends on the annual income. However, it is important that the employees of the payroll tax assistance association generally do not help you if you are self-employed or commercially active.
No Professional tax advisors who offer their clients an extensive portfolio of services do not work for free. They calculate their benefits on the basis of the Tax Consultant Remuneration Code. In return, their advice is more profound.
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