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Changing tax advisors: The 2025 guide
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 are summarized in a compact form here.
From cancellation to data transfer to possible costs: The most important points are summarized in a compact form here.
Key takeaways
Change tax advisor?
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.
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 claim a right of withholding.
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Why a change of tax advisor can make sense
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 a tax advisor can be existentially important for companies.
When you have the feeling
· not to receive optimal advice
· Paying too much for too little performance
· having to keep chasing the answers to your questions
Would you be well advised to think about a change. And if you take a closer look at the topic, you'll 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,
· to 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.
When you have the feeling
· not to receive optimal advice
· Paying too much for too little performance
· having to keep chasing the answers to your questions
Would you be well advised to think about a change. And if you take a closer look at the topic, you'll 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,
· to 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:
1. 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.
2. Inadequate advice:
If your tax advisor does not actively use tax leeway, not only does trust suffer, but often also your financial leeway.
3. Lack of digitization:
Anyone who continues to rely on paper instead of digital tools loses time — and in the worst case, they lose touch.
4. Poor accessibility & communication:
Long waiting times, unclear statements and changing contacts make productive collaboration difficult.
5. Errors or missed deadlines:
Missed deadlines or incorrect declarations can be expensive — a clear reason for a change.
6. 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 mandatory.
The following list shows some of the most common reasons for companies and self-employed persons to change tax advisors:
1. 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.
2. Inadequate advice:
If your tax advisor does not actively use tax leeway, not only does trust suffer, but often also your financial leeway.
3. Lack of digitization:
Anyone who continues to rely on paper instead of digital tools loses time — and in the worst case, they lose touch.
4. Poor accessibility & communication:
Long waiting times, unclear statements and changing contacts make productive collaboration difficult.
5. Errors or missed deadlines:
Missed deadlines or incorrect declarations can be expensive — a clear reason for a change.
6. 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 mandatory.
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 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.
The following steps relating to the change of tax advisor provide you with a summary of all important details.
Switching tax advisors in 8 steps: That's how it works
Find a new tax advisor
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.
Check pricing structure (StBVV)
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.
Check the old contract
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).
Submit notice of termination in writing
Submit the notice in writing — with clear wording and date of termination. Please submit all documents and data as soon as possible.
Powers of attorney revoked
If your previous tax advisor was authorized by the tax authorities (e.g. ELSTER, DATEV accounts), revoke this in writing.
Organize data transfer
Your new tax advisor requests the data from the predecessor (e.g. accounting data, tax returns, balance sheets). Actively accompany the process to avoid delays.
Clarify outstanding invoices
Check whether benefits are still outstanding — such as annual financial statements or ongoing bookkeeping — and clarify any remaining claims.
Takeover of mandate by new consultant
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.
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Documents: What needs to 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.
An example:
General accounting:
· Accounting documents (digital or on paper)
· Documents
· Totals and balance lists (SuSA)
· Business Analyses (BWA)
Tax documents:
· Submitted and pending tax returns
· Tax assessments
· Correspondence with the tax office
Digital data:
· DATEV data (client inventory, account framework, 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 will not only receive a transparent assessment, but also personal support and digital efficiency — without any additional effort on your part.
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 will not only receive a transparent assessment, but also personal support and digital efficiency — without any additional effort on your part.
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 don't choose just any consultant but find the right partner for your company, the following criteria will help you choose:
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:
· Select the right consultant in a targeted manner
· Organize contract and data transfer well
· 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.
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:
· Select the right consultant in a targeted manner
· Organize contract and data transfer well
· 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.
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.
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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: Changing your tax advisor
Can you change your tax advisor just like that?
Yes In most cases, you can change your tax advisor with a short notice period — especially for 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.
How much does a change of tax advisor cost?
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.
How do I change a tax advisor?
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 issued powers of attorney (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.
How do you quit a tax advisor?
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 data transfer. 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.
When should I change my tax advisor?
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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