.svg)
When do I need a tax advisor as a self-employed person?
When setting up their company, many self-employed people ask themselves whether they are obliged to work with a tax advisor. After all, they don't want to go wrong with their tax returns or miss out on potential tax benefits. On the other hand, a tax advisor costs money.
And what if the company grows, more documents need to be posted and everything becomes a bit more complex than it was at the beginning?
We'll show you whether you have to work with a tax advisor as a self-employed person from a legal perspective, what applies to small business owners and how to make working with a tax advisor as easy as possible.
Book a free consultation now
And what if the company grows, more documents need to be posted and everything becomes a bit more complex than it was at the beginning?
We'll show you whether you have to work with a tax advisor as a self-employed person from a legal perspective, what applies to small business owners and how to make working with a tax advisor as easy as possible.
All tax advisory services are provided by Integral Steuerberatungsgesellschaft mbH, Zionskirchstraße 75, 10119 Berlin.
Key takeaways
Save time and avoid mistakes:
A tax advisor relieves you of bookkeeping and tax returns — especially as your business grows
A tax advisor relieves you of bookkeeping and tax returns — especially as your business grows
Legal certainty:
With expertise, he protects you from false information, missed deadlines and expensive mistakes.
With expertise, he protects you from false information, missed deadlines and expensive mistakes.
Optimize taxes:
A tax advisor knows depreciation, allowances and legal savings potential in detail.
A tax advisor knows depreciation, allowances and legal savings potential in detail.
Individual relief: You can book yourself and, for example, just the Have annual financial statements prepared.
Calculable costs: Thanks to StBVV and flat rate models, fees remain predictable and transparent.
Companies like yours rely on Integral Services:
4/5
Trustpilot
Tax advisor obligation: Is a tax advisor required by law?
No, in Germany, you are generally not required to hire a tax advisor. As a self-employed person, GmbH managing director, freelancer or entrepreneur, you can do your bookkeeping yourself — including everyone Rights and obligations.
It is important that you have the necessary tax knowledge to keep your bookkeeping correctly and meet legal deadlines. This also applies if you fall under the small business regulation.
Corporations, such as GmbH, represent a particular exception here. As managing director, it is also possible for you to take care of bookings, annual financial statements, etc. However, this is usually not possible here — especially in addition to business operations.
The knowledge required for this is very complex. In addition, regular changes to tax law ensure that you always have to stay “up-to-date” here. The combination of a high expenditure of time and the need for extensive know-how usually ensures that the managing directors of corporations outsource their accounting directly and thus relieves themselves.
Summarized: You can always take care of your bookkeeping yourself. The more extensive your bookkeeping becomes, the more useful it is to use professional support — in order to be legally secure and save resources.
It is important that you have the necessary tax knowledge to keep your bookkeeping correctly and meet legal deadlines. This also applies if you fall under the small business regulation.
Corporations, such as GmbH, represent a particular exception here. As managing director, it is also possible for you to take care of bookings, annual financial statements, etc. However, this is usually not possible here — especially in addition to business operations.
The knowledge required for this is very complex. In addition, regular changes to tax law ensure that you always have to stay “up-to-date” here. The combination of a high expenditure of time and the need for extensive know-how usually ensures that the managing directors of corporations outsource their accounting directly and thus relieves themselves.
Summarized: You can always take care of your bookkeeping yourself. The more extensive your bookkeeping becomes, the more useful it is to use professional support — in order to be legally secure and save resources.
Do I need a tax advisor? These points will help you decide
Whether working with a tax advisor makes sense depends on your individual situation. In many cases, there is no legal obligation — but with freedom of self-administration comes responsibility.
If you know that...:
· you simply don't have time to deal with regular bookings and evaluations
· Your background knowledge is not sufficient to ensure clean bookkeeping
· you don't want to deal with sales tax, EUR, BWA, etc.
Does it make sense to get support.
Working with a tax advisor is not mandatory, especially in connection with a growing business, several employees, different types of income and the desire to take advantage of all tax benefits down to the last detail. It helps you avoid mistakes and focus on your day-to-day business.
Another side effect: The tax advisor is liable for his work. Accordingly, you don't have to worry about being on the safe side when it comes to legal matters. It is of course important that you are honest with your tax advisor, provide truthful information and that all documents have been handed over to the tax office.
If you know that...:
· you simply don't have time to deal with regular bookings and evaluations
· Your background knowledge is not sufficient to ensure clean bookkeeping
· you don't want to deal with sales tax, EUR, BWA, etc.
Does it make sense to get support.
Working with a tax advisor is not mandatory, especially in connection with a growing business, several employees, different types of income and the desire to take advantage of all tax benefits down to the last detail. It helps you avoid mistakes and focus on your day-to-day business.
Another side effect: The tax advisor is liable for his work. Accordingly, you don't have to worry about being on the safe side when it comes to legal matters. It is of course important that you are honest with your tax advisor, provide truthful information and that all documents have been handed over to the tax office.
Still looking for the right tax advice?
With Integral, find new tax support that suits your self-employment.
.avif)
When is a tax advisor mandatory?
Even though there is no tax advisor obligation in Germany, it is shown in many cases that it definitely makes sense to seek support. If you want to know whether a tax advisor is worthwhile for you, the first step is to look at the effort that your ongoing bookkeeping entails.
If you run a business that, for example, receives a maximum of ten invoices per month, you are in a different starting situation than someone who pays twenty employees and has to book a hundred or more incoming and outgoing payments.
Regular sales tax returns and various types of income should also prompt you to consider whether working with a tax advisor might not make sense.
But here too, the following applies: There is no tax advisor obligation. However, regardless of whether you are a sole trader or a large corporation, you are obliged to do your tax cleanly and correctly or outsource the relevant tasks if you do not have the necessary skills or time yourself.
In addition, an audit often shows that working with a tax advisor is definitely worthwhile. If you wish, this person will take over the communication with the examining body and may also help you to keep a little more calm.
If you run a business that, for example, receives a maximum of ten invoices per month, you are in a different starting situation than someone who pays twenty employees and has to book a hundred or more incoming and outgoing payments.
Regular sales tax returns and various types of income should also prompt you to consider whether working with a tax advisor might not make sense.
But here too, the following applies: There is no tax advisor obligation. However, regardless of whether you are a sole trader or a large corporation, you are obliged to do your tax cleanly and correctly or outsource the relevant tasks if you do not have the necessary skills or time yourself.
In addition, an audit often shows that working with a tax advisor is definitely worthwhile. If you wish, this person will take over the communication with the examining body and may also help you to keep a little more calm.
Tax advisor obligation at GmbH & UG: What applies to corporations?
Corporations, such as GmbHs, UGs and Co., are also not required to hand over their accounting to a tax advisor. In most cases, however, it turns out that it is simply not possible as a managing director to also take care of the tax.
Among other things, there are high demands on...:
· double bookkeeping
· the annual financial statements
· various tax returns (for example sales tax or business tax)
for the fact that many responsible persons decide to outsource the relevant tasks.
Especially in growing companies, working with a tax advisor pays off, who not only assumes the duties, but also grows with the company as a long-term partner.
As managing director, you are personally responsible for the proper fulfilment of all tax obligations. Mistakes or omissions can have financial and legal consequences — regardless of whether they arise from ignorance or lack of time.
That's why it makes sense to professionally cover tax tasks right from the start — with a tax advisor who reliably relieves you of the burden.
Among other things, there are high demands on...:
· double bookkeeping
· the annual financial statements
· various tax returns (for example sales tax or business tax)
for the fact that many responsible persons decide to outsource the relevant tasks.
Especially in growing companies, working with a tax advisor pays off, who not only assumes the duties, but also grows with the company as a long-term partner.
As managing director, you are personally responsible for the proper fulfilment of all tax obligations. Mistakes or omissions can have financial and legal consequences — regardless of whether they arise from ignorance or lack of time.
That's why it makes sense to professionally cover tax tasks right from the start — with a tax advisor who reliably relieves you of the burden.
Small businesses & leasing: When is a tax advisor mandatory?
Small business owners and landlords are also not required to work with a tax advisor. If you fall under the small business regulation, you are exempt from sales tax and therefore do not have to register it regularly. Here, it's enough to book your invoices (correctly, of course) and create an EUER at the end of the financial year.
Nevertheless, even in small businesses, it is necessary to check whether a tax advisor does not make sense after all — for example when filing an income tax return or when a business tax return is added. Depending on the scope of activity, the question then arises as to whether a tax advisor obligation is in fact necessary in small businesses.
If you rent out private property, it depends primarily on the number and type of properties whether it makes sense to outsource the relevant work. If you rent out a few properties, the requirements are often less stringent and in many cases easy to manage alone. However, at the latest when it comes to topics such as...:
· Depreciation
· Renovations (and associated costs)
· tax leeway
· Loan interest
works, but many landlords also recognize that it could be useful to get support.
Nevertheless, even in small businesses, it is necessary to check whether a tax advisor does not make sense after all — for example when filing an income tax return or when a business tax return is added. Depending on the scope of activity, the question then arises as to whether a tax advisor obligation is in fact necessary in small businesses.
If you rent out private property, it depends primarily on the number and type of properties whether it makes sense to outsource the relevant work. If you rent out a few properties, the requirements are often less stringent and in many cases easy to manage alone. However, at the latest when it comes to topics such as...:
· Depreciation
· Renovations (and associated costs)
· tax leeway
· Loan interest
works, but many landlords also recognize that it could be useful to get support.
Tax advisor or do it yourself? Compare for your decision
Since there is no tax advisor obligation in Germany, it is up to everyone to decide whether they want assistance or not. Perhaps you are still unsure which variant is the best solution in your case?
In the table below, we have compared both options in different categories and rated each of them. Please note that individual factors, such as the size of your company and the number of documents to be booked, but also your expertise in the area of taxes, play an important role.
In the table below, we have compared both options in different categories and rated each of them. Please note that individual factors, such as the size of your company and the number of documents to be booked, but also your expertise in the area of taxes, play an important role.
Category
Tax advisor
Self-administration
Time spent
Low (If you want, you can prepare the accounting. But you can also outsource everything.)
Up (you have to take care of everything. This includes bookings, meeting deadlines and filling out forms. You are also on your own during tax audits.)
Necessary knowledge
It's not necessary. You hand in all work and at the same time have a contact person for inquiries.
You absolutely need tax knowledge. You must always keep this up to date so that laws and regulations can also change.
General risk
Low The tax advisor is liable for his work. His job is to keep his knowledge up to date.
Up You are responsible for your bookkeeping.
expenses
Depending on the effort involved. It is best to ask the tax advisor you would like to work with in advance about Costs of consulting services.
Low All you need is the right software — and time to take care of everything.
Situation during exams
On request, your tax advisor will take over communication with the tax office.
Maybe nerve-wracking, as you have to answer for everything.
Opportunities for tax savings
Up A professional tax advisor can often show you how you can save taxes (legally, of course).
Given, but time-consuming, as you have to search for potential savings yourself.
Ready for simple tax processes?
Put your tax tasks in experienced hands — with clear processes, personal support and optimized procedures for your company.
Integral services at a glance
Regardless of whether you are a start-up or an established company — with Integral, our partner tax advisors provide you with a tax advisor service that covers accounting, tax returns and annual financial statements.
Tax advice
Bookkeeping
Payroll
Financial statements & tax return
All tax consulting services are provided by Integral Steuerberatungsgesellschaft mbH, Zionskirchstraße 75, 10119 Berlin.
This is how the cooperation with the tax advisor runs smoothly
Good cooperation with your tax advisor saves time, provides clarity and helps you to reliably fulfill tax obligations.
The following tips show you how to make the process efficient and uncomplicated:
1. Focus on clear and transparent communication. This includes, among other things, determining exactly which tasks should be carried out by the tax advisor and what, if necessary, you will take care of yourself. It is best to create a list and forward it to your tax advisor as well. Of course, this is not set in stone. If necessary, you can usually make changes and more or less outsource them. If you're no longer satisfied Can you also terminate your tax advisor.
2. When preparing documents, it is important to follow a certain basic order. Ideally, your tax advisor should no longer have to ask questions.
3. The days when you had to send invoices etc. to the tax advisor by post are over. Today, many rely on practical interfaces based on all important documents can be shipped. This ensures an uncomplicated digital exchange.
4. If necessary, arrange fixed appointments with your tax advisor — once a quarter, for example. Here you can discuss current figures and analyse specific periods of time.
important: Trust is needed so that nothing stands in the way of an uncomplicated collaboration with your tax advisor. If you have any questions, for example because you don't understand his procedure on a specific point, it makes sense to ask.
Book a free information sessionThe following tips show you how to make the process efficient and uncomplicated:
1. Focus on clear and transparent communication. This includes, among other things, determining exactly which tasks should be carried out by the tax advisor and what, if necessary, you will take care of yourself. It is best to create a list and forward it to your tax advisor as well. Of course, this is not set in stone. If necessary, you can usually make changes and more or less outsource them. If you're no longer satisfied Can you also terminate your tax advisor.
2. When preparing documents, it is important to follow a certain basic order. Ideally, your tax advisor should no longer have to ask questions.
3. The days when you had to send invoices etc. to the tax advisor by post are over. Today, many rely on practical interfaces based on all important documents can be shipped. This ensures an uncomplicated digital exchange.
4. If necessary, arrange fixed appointments with your tax advisor — once a quarter, for example. Here you can discuss current figures and analyse specific periods of time.
important: Trust is needed so that nothing stands in the way of an uncomplicated collaboration with your tax advisor. If you have any questions, for example because you don't understand his procedure on a specific point, it makes sense to ask.
Checklist — when a tax advisor really makes sense
Even if there is no legal obligation, a tax advisor can be a real relief in many cases. This checklist helps you to assess whether and when the collaboration is worthwhile:
· You have founded a corporation.
· You are required by law to double-entry bookkeeping.
· You have income from several types of income.
· You are required to pay sales tax.
· You employ employees.
· You get nervous when thinking about tax audits and would like to have a professional by your side for such cases.
· It's hard for you to think of deadlines.
· You have too little time — in addition to your normal day-to-day business — to deal with taxes.
· You're wondering whether you're already using your tax optimization potential.
· You rent out several properties.
· You want a contact person by your side who is able to answer all your questions about accounting.
· You have founded a corporation.
· You are required by law to double-entry bookkeeping.
· You have income from several types of income.
· You are required to pay sales tax.
· You employ employees.
· You get nervous when thinking about tax audits and would like to have a professional by your side for such cases.
· It's hard for you to think of deadlines.
· You have too little time — in addition to your normal day-to-day business — to deal with taxes.
· You're wondering whether you're already using your tax optimization potential.
· You rent out several properties.
· You want a contact person by your side who is able to answer all your questions about accounting.
Find a tax advisor who is right for you and your business
If you've decided to seek tax advice, it's important not to opt for “just any tax advisor.”
In any case, make sure that the consultant you are going to work with is not only competent, but is also convincing with regard to other factors, such as good accessibility and transparent communication.
As part of an initial consultation, you will usually quickly feel whether there is a certain amount of trust and whether the tax advisor gives you a good feeling and whether — if you are currently receiving advice — it could be worthwhile to switch.
Last but not least, it is advisable to opt for a tax advisor who has already gained experience with your industry and the size of your company and who is able to support your company over the long term.
Contact a tax advisor — get advice now!
In any case, make sure that the consultant you are going to work with is not only competent, but is also convincing with regard to other factors, such as good accessibility and transparent communication.
As part of an initial consultation, you will usually quickly feel whether there is a certain amount of trust and whether the tax advisor gives you a good feeling and whether — if you are currently receiving advice — it could be worthwhile to switch.
Last but not least, it is advisable to opt for a tax advisor who has already gained experience with your industry and the size of your company and who is able to support your company over the long term.
Contact a tax advisor — get advice now!
Are you interested? Get digital advice now!
Would you like to save time, avoid paper chaos and optimize your tax? Then the modern digital tax advice Exactly what you expect! With a digital tax advisor at your side, you can easily upload all documents and have them processed further.
You also have access to your data at any time — even when you're on the go. Regardless of whether you are just starting to establish your start-up on the market or whether you have been active with your company for decades: Online tax advice adapts individually to your needs and helps you to better understand your taxes.
You also have access to your data at any time — even when you're on the go. Regardless of whether you are just starting to establish your start-up on the market or whether you have been active with your company for decades: Online tax advice adapts individually to your needs and helps you to better understand your taxes.
The following tips can help you choose the right tax advisor. You can use them not only if you are generally looking for a tax advisor, but also if you use your existing Change tax advisor want.
1. Find out about the available services, for example as part of an initial consultation. Here you can already answer many open questions.
2. Focus on clear communication and show which services you would like to outsource and what you might want to take on yourself. Many tax advisors use special tools that ensure that their clients have important documents Always have it quickly at hand. This allows you to exchange information at any time on the basis of the relevant data.
3. Ask for a transparent offer that will help you to Costs of a tax advisor To be able to plan optimally from the outset.
With the right partner at your side, it doesn't matter whether you want to make optimal use of business expenses and depreciation to save taxes or whether you want to avoid expensive VAT mistakes: A professional tax advisor will pick you up where you are and answer your questions.
Free information session1. Find out about the available services, for example as part of an initial consultation. Here you can already answer many open questions.
2. Focus on clear communication and show which services you would like to outsource and what you might want to take on yourself. Many tax advisors use special tools that ensure that their clients have important documents Always have it quickly at hand. This allows you to exchange information at any time on the basis of the relevant data.
3. Ask for a transparent offer that will help you to Costs of a tax advisor To be able to plan optimally from the outset.
With the right partner at your side, it doesn't matter whether you want to make optimal use of business expenses and depreciation to save taxes or whether you want to avoid expensive VAT mistakes: A professional tax advisor will pick you up where you are and answer your questions.
.svg)
1. Free initial consultation
Use our contact form — we will get in touch with you quickly to clarify the needs of your GmbH.
2. Tailored offer & start
You will receive an individual offer and can start setting it up right away.
3. Clarity and collaboration
Follow all tax steps in real time and work smoothly with our partner tax advisor via the Integral platform.
FAQ: When do I need a tax advisor as a self-employed person?
Is there a tax advisor obligation for self-employed people?
No, as a self-employed person, you are not required to work with a tax advisor. As long as you comply with all requirements, you can take care of your tax yourself. However, the more complex the whole thing becomes, the more useful it is to get support.
When is a tax advisor necessary for a GmbH?
There is also no obligation for a GmbH to be assisted by a tax advisor. Experience shows, however, that it almost always makes sense to seek tax advice as managing director of a corporation. It is almost impossible to meet the requirements without professional expertise.
Do small business owners need a tax advisor?
You can also be self-employed without a tax advisor — especially as a small business owner. As a rule, the requirements are manageable, as you are then exempt from sales tax. And yet a tax advisor can be useful when it comes to taking no risks, even with regard to deadlines and the like. You can also find a lot of information about taxes on the Pages of the Federal Chamber of Tax Consultants.
Is there a tax advisor obligation when renting?
Especially if you have rented out several properties, are planning renovations or are a member of a community of heirs, it may be useful for landlords to work with a tax advisor. Among other things, it helps you make optimal use of depreciation.
What are the advantages of a tax advisor compared to self-administration?
With a tax advisor, you benefit from professional know-how, the good feeling of not being liable yourself, and from (often noticeable) time savings. On request, the expert can also communicate with the tax office — for example as part of a tax audit.
Legal notice: The information provided on our website is researched and compiled by Integral with great care. However, due to constantly changing legal regulations and regulations, we cannot guarantee the completeness, timeliness or accuracy of the content. For individual tax or legal concerns, we recommend that you always consult a qualified expert. We would be happy to arrange a suitable contact for you. Integral assumes no liability for any damage that could result from the use or misinterpretation of the information provided.
.svg)
Ask our tax experts now
Our partner tax advisors are here to help you — quickly, directly and with tailor-made solutions. Let's solve your tax challenges together.
.svg)
