Change tax advisor: The guide for 2026
A change of tax advisor is a strategic step — whether due to dissatisfaction, changing requirements, or because you want to switch to digital processes. Good preparation and clear processes are essential for the transition to run smoothly.
From cancellation to data transfer to possible costs: The most important points can be found here in a compact summary.
The technical platform is operated by Integral Services GmbH. All reserved tasks are performed by Integral Tax GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft.
The key points at a glance
Choose a suitable time, e.g. at the turn of the year or after tax returns have been completed — this will avoid additional work and double costs.
If you want to change your tax advisor, you should ensure that the documents are handed over properly — including all relevant documents, balance sheets and data (e.g. via DATEV). Don't forget: Update powers of attorney with the tax office.
Switching is particularly worthwhile if the advice is no longer appropriate, availability suffers or your tax advisor is not keeping up with digital processes.
Clarify outstanding invoices, as your previous tax advisor can assert a right of withholding.
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Why changing tax advisors can be a good idea
There are various scenarios in connection with which it is advisable to think about changing your tax advisor. After all, a good, intact relationship with tax advisors for companies be existentially important.
When you feel
- not getting optimal advice
- paying too much for too little performance
- having to keep chasing the answers to your questions
Can you be well advised to think about a change. And if you take a closer look at the topic, you will probably see that many companies will sooner or later deal with a possible change of tax advisor — or at least consider it from time to time.
After all, this is often a strategic step that helps clients
- to be better positioned for tax purposes,
- to use digital processes
- adapt to changing company sizes or structures.
In this context, it is of course also particularly practical that a change, for example to a digital tax advisor, is often easier than expected. It is only important to remember which factors are becoming relevant.
6 reasons: Frequent reasons for changing tax advisors
A change of tax advisor is often the logical consequence — for example in the case of poor advice, lack of digitization or non-transparent costs. The reasons for this are manifold, but almost always relate to the quality and efficiency of cooperation.
The following list shows some of the most common reasons for companies and self-employed persons to change tax advisors:
- Lack of industry knowledge
Especially in the Tax advice for startups, agencies, doctors or e-commerce companies, industry-specific know-how is essential. Well-founded knowledge is also important for small corporations such as UG (haftungsbeschränkt) — in particular on accounting obligations, reserve building and liability limits.
- Inadequate advice
If your tax advisor does not actively use tax leeway, not only does trust suffer, but often also your financial leeway.
- Lack of digitization
Anyone who continues to rely on paper instead of digital tools loses time — and in the worst case, they lose touch.
- Poor accessibility & communication
Long waiting times, unclear statements and changing contacts make productive collaboration difficult.
- Mistakes or missed deadlines
Missed deadlines or incorrect declarations can be expensive — a clear reason for a change.
- Unclear cost structure
If the statement is opaque and you can't understand what you're paying for, you should change your tax advisor — transparency is a must.
How do you change your tax advisor?
Changing a tax advisor is easier than many people think — provided you take a structured approach. The following steps show you what you should pay attention to in order to save time, nerves and unnecessary costs.
The following steps relating to the change of tax advisor provide you with a summary of all important details.
Change tax advisor in 8 steps: That's how it works
Clarify in advance what is important to you (e.g. digital collaboration, industry knowledge, pricing structure). Use the Federal Chamber of Tax Advisors to find registered tax advisors and obtain professional information. Only when you have a suitable successor do you start the switching process.
Compare pricing using the Tax Consultant Remuneration Ordinance (StBVV) — it gives you a legal framework for standard fees. This allows you to better identify excessive costs and realistically assess offers.
Take a look at the existing tax consulting contract. Are there any notice periods, minimum terms or special termination rights? In the case of freelance service contracts, termination is often possible “at any time” (Section 627 BGB).
A report on business development and submit the notice of termination in writing — with clear wording and date of termination. Ask directly for the timely delivery of all documents and data. Future prospects, required for larger corporations.
If your previous tax advisor was authorized by the tax authorities (e.g. ELSTER, DATEV accounts), revoke this in writing.
Your new tax advisor requests the data from the predecessor (e.g. accounting data, tax returns, balance sheets). Actively support the process to avoid delays.
Check whether benefits are still outstanding — such as annual financial statements or ongoing bookkeeping — and clarify any remaining claims.
The new tax advisor officially assumes the mandate and takes care of all further steps — such as new powers of attorney, digital connection and ongoing support.
Documents: What must be brought along?
Anyone who wants to change their tax advisor must hand over the correct documents so that the new advisor can connect seamlessly. Data transfer is crucial for a smooth transition — and often also for meeting tax deadlines.
The most important documents when changing tax advisors include:
General accounting:
- Accounting documents (digital or on paper)
- receipts
- Totals and balance lists (SuSA)
- Business evaluations (BWA)
Tax documents:
- Submitted and pending tax returns
- tax assessments
- Correspondence with the tax office
Digital data:
- DATEV data (client inventory, chart of accounts, etc.)
- Login data or access rights for accounting tools
Payroll (if applicable):
- payslips
- payroll accounts
- Social security reports
A professional tax advisor usually organizes the exchange of documents directly with the old advisor. This has the advantage that clients usually don't have to worry about anything.
Additional tip: It may make sense to insist on digital formats and verifiable transfers (e.g. via DATEV export) to avoid gaps or errors later on.
Tax advisor costs: What fees are to be expected?
In most cases, a change of tax advisor does not result in any direct exchange fees. Nevertheless, you should expect some accompanying costs — depending on which services still need to be provided by the old or new tax advisor.
Typical cost factors when switching include:
- Final papers by the previous tax advisor, such as an open financial statement or pending bookkeeping.
- Data transfer by the new tax advisor, depending on format (e.g. DATEV, CSV), scope and interfaces.
- Different fee models for new tax advisors, for example through specializations or individual service packages.
These services are usually billed on the basis of the Tax Consultant Remuneration Ordinance (StBVV). It sets fee ranges for services such as bookkeeping, annual financial statements or tax returns. A look at the StBVV helps to better classify the latest bill from your previous tax advisor — and to realistically evaluate new offers.
Anyone who wants to change their tax advisor should clarify at an early stage what specific costs may arise as part of the change of tax advisor. In this way, financial surprises can be avoided and the change can be better planned.
Would you like to know what specific costs you could incur — e.g. for theses, data transfer or ongoing support?
With Integral, you not only get a transparent assessment, but also personal support and digital efficiency — without any additional effort for you.
6 tips: Find the right tax advisor
Choosing the right tax advisor is often decisive for efficiency, trust and long-term success. So that you do not choose just any consultant but find the right partner for your company, the following criteria will help you make the right choice:
Industry knowledge
Is the tax advisor familiar with your industry? Did he specialize, for example, in corporations such as a GmbH or in specific business models?
Digital workflow
Does the tax advisor use modern tools for data exchange (e.g. cloud systems, interfaces to accounting tools, digital document entry)? This saves you time in everyday life and ensures smooth processes.
Proactive advice
Does the tax advisor address tax leeway, funding programs or business issues of his own accord — or does it just stick to declaration work?
Accessibility & speed of response
How quickly will you get a well-founded answer to your inquiries? When it comes to sensitive topics, it's important that you don't have to wait long for feedback. Reviews from other clients can provide information here.
Transparent pricing
Does the tax advisor use comprehensible lump sums or is he clearly guided by the StBVV? Pay attention to transparent offers without hidden additional costs.
Personalized care
What does your gut feeling say? A good relationship of trust is crucial — after all, you provide deep insights into your finances.
Additional tip: Some law firms offer a free initial consultation or test phase. This allows you to check whether service, communication and tools meet your expectations — particularly useful if you are striving for digital collaboration. Further information on important bases for decision-making can also be found on the pages of Federal Chamber of Tax Consultants.
Conclusion: This is how the switch is easy
A change of tax advisor is not a risk, but an opportunity — especially when requirements change, processes are to become more digital or you want more active advice.
With clear steps, good preparation and the right partner at your side, the change will be smooth — regardless of whether you run a GmbH, UG, AG or a sole proprietorship.
What is important is:
- Selecting the right consultant in a targeted manner
- Easy to organize contract and data transfer
- to pay attention to modern structures, transparent prices and reliable communication
If you want tax support that combines digital processes with personal support, now is the right time to take the next step.
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The technical platform is operated by Integral Services GmbH. All reserved tasks (Vorbehaltsaufgaben) are performed by Integral Tax GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft.
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Frequently asked questions about: Change tax advisor
Yes In most cases, you can change your tax advisor with a short notice period — especially in the case of freelance employment contracts. You can, but you don't have to, state the reason for your cancellation. Instead, clients are of course free to decide who they want to seek advice from.
The cancellation itself is free of charge. However, it is possible that there may be costs for outstanding services from the old tax advisor. Some tax advisors also calculate the work steps involved in the transfer of data. If you want to plan optimally, it makes sense to ask about any cost factors and prices in advance. This allows you to manage your budget well.
The first step should always be to select a suitable successor. Only when you have found a new tax advisor should you file the notice of termination with the previous advisor. Pay attention to a written notice of termination, revoke any powers of attorney granted (e.g. for ELSTER or DATEV) and actively accompany the transfer of data. A structured change process prevents gaps — especially in sensitive phases such as annual financial statements or ongoing payroll.
As part of the termination, it is important to avoid misunderstandings from the outset. Therefore, always draw up a written letter of termination in which you include important details, such as the date and the request for confirmation as well as the transfer of data. Remember to revoke the powers of attorney you have granted on the relevant deadline. This ensures that your old tax advisor can no longer communicate with the tax authority on your behalf.
A change is particularly appropriate when cooperation is no longer efficient or trustful — for example in the absence of digitization, inadequate advice, poor availability or repeated mistakes. Changing requirements due to company growth or a new form of company (e.g. from sole proprietorship to GmbH or UG) can also be a good reason to look for a suitable partner with a digital focus.
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