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Tax advisor search: How to find a good tax advisor?
Good tax advice relieves you of everyday life, creates legal security and can help you save money. For this to work, you shouldn't choose just any tax advisor — but someone who is a good fit for your company, has a say in tax matters and settles fairly. But how can you find good tax advicethat meets your requirements?
We'll show you what you should pay attention to when choosing — from qualifications to specializations to practical collaboration.
We'll show you what you should pay attention to when choosing — from qualifications to specializations to practical collaboration.
Key takeaways
Clarify the scope of services:
Consider in advance what tasks your tax advisor should take on — from bookkeeping to strategic tax advice.
Consider in advance what tasks your tax advisor should take on — from bookkeeping to strategic tax advice.
Check specialization:
A good tax advisor is ideally familiar with your industry or type of company — for example with start-ups or freelancers.
A good tax advisor is ideally familiar with your industry or type of company — for example with start-ups or freelancers.
Use digital collaboration:
Many tax advisors offer digital solutions for document management and communication — which saves time and paperwork.
Many tax advisors offer digital solutions for document management and communication — which saves time and paperwork.
Make costs transparent:
Ask about the billing model: flat rates, hourly rates or StBVV — that's how your accounting can be calculated.
Ask about the billing model: flat rates, hourly rates or StBVV — that's how your accounting can be calculated.
Find a good tax advisor:
A personal consultation will help you find the right partner — professionally, personally and in the long term.
A personal consultation will help you find the right partner — professionally, personally and in the long term.
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6 steps on how to find a good tax advisor
A good tax advisor helps you make optimal use of your tax options. But how do you find a provider who understands you and your company and is able to answer all your questions about topics such as “taxes”, “accounting” and the like? The following checklist will help you if you want to find a good tax advisor.
Checklist: How to find a good tax advisor
Think about what exactly you're looking for
Before you start looking for a good tax advisor, the first step is to consider what they should do. Is it, for example, about preparing the income tax return for a freelancer, or about the complete accounting and Tax advice for a limited liability company or one UG to take over? Perhaps you are also looking for a tax advisor who is flexible enough to grow with your company? If you know what to expect from your tax advisor, you can do better research.
Check with other companies who they work with
If you're already well-connected within your industry, it may be worth getting recommendations. Many companies have been working with the same tax advisors for years and are certainly happy to recommend them to others.
Search the Internet for suitable offers — even nationally
The days when it was important for the tax advisor to have his office in the same city as his clients are gone. Modern accounting and tax advice are mainly carried out digitally. Therefore, you can broaden your search for a good tax advisor. Important tax documents are simply sent digitally. As a rule, nothing stands in the way of an uncomplicated exchange.
Review the tax advisor's qualifications and specializations
Many tax advisors have now specialized in specific areas, such as an industry.
Your advantage: When you work with these experts, you can be sure that they know exactly what is important in your specific case. They know the right answers to your questions. For example, if you run a company that sells goods/services to other countries, it is a good idea to rely on a tax advisor who is familiar with international taxes, among other things. It should go without saying that the provider you choose should be registered in the list of the Chamber of Tax Advisors.
Your advantage: When you work with these experts, you can be sure that they know exactly what is important in your specific case. They know the right answers to your questions. For example, if you run a company that sells goods/services to other countries, it is a good idea to rely on a tax advisor who is familiar with international taxes, among other things. It should go without saying that the provider you choose should be registered in the list of the Chamber of Tax Advisors.
Ask for a personal conversation
Whether you could feel comfortable working with a tax advisor is often only apparent in a personal conversation. Many tax advisors offer a free initial consultation, in connection with which it is possible to get an impression. This interview is also a good way to talk about the costs. The basis for this is usually the Tax Consultant Remuneration Ordinance. However, it is also worth paying attention to the details. For example, some tax advisors calculate on the basis of lump sums, while others work with hourly rates.
Look for flexible scalability
Even if you are currently following a precise plan and know what your goals for your company look like, it is impossible to predict how your business will develop in the future. Especially if you want to work with your tax advisor in the long term, you should therefore choose a provider who is able to grow with you.
The checklist above shows you which details are important when looking for a good tax advisor. You'll get even more specific tips below.
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Whether in day-to-day business or during an upcoming tax audit: You should feel well advised. You can also find important information about the job profile of a tax advisor, important benefits and tax consulting law on the website of the Federal Chamber of Tax Advisors.
What makes a good tax advisor?
There are various factors that make up good tax advisors. If you keep these points in mind, you can narrow down the selection a bit and adapt it even better to your needs.
· Specialization and experience
Many tax advisors have focused on a specific area. Some of them have a lot of experience and can therefore provide a long list of references.
· An individual consultation
Despite legal requirements, tax advice is never completely standardized — an individual assessment of the company's situation is crucial. Therefore, a good tax advisor should always take time to get to know the companies and people (and their business) to be served. This is the only way to optimize their taxes in the long term.
· Transparent communication
With regard to tax aspects, clients occasionally raise questions. It is worth a lot here if the tax advisor is easily accessible and values transparent communication. It is best to clarify beforehand which contact options are most effective. Especially if you need an answer quickly, you can make everyday life easier for yourself in this way.
· A realistic assessment of the situation
Even though it's reassuring to always hear what you want to hear from your tax advisor, some decisions involve a certain amount of risk. Choose a tax advisor who communicates everything transparently and points out any uncertainties you may have.
· Modern solutions for easy exchange
Many tax advisors now rely on digital solutions when it comes to, for example, transporting documents from A to B or preparing annual financial statements. Therefore, pay attention to the technologies that the tax advisor you have shortlisted offers. Cloud solutions are particularly popular. Among other things, they allow you to view the information stored here from anywhere in the world. All you need is an Internet connection and a mobile device. Of course, the tools used must comply with the requirements of the GDPR and the GoBD.
· Comprehensible pricing
You should know what costs are involved for which services. A good tax advisor is always willing to show you how the amount they charge you is made up. He also shows you how you can save money if necessary by outsourcing only part of your accounting and taking care of the accounts yourself, for example.
· Specialization and experience
Many tax advisors have focused on a specific area. Some of them have a lot of experience and can therefore provide a long list of references.
· An individual consultation
Despite legal requirements, tax advice is never completely standardized — an individual assessment of the company's situation is crucial. Therefore, a good tax advisor should always take time to get to know the companies and people (and their business) to be served. This is the only way to optimize their taxes in the long term.
· Transparent communication
With regard to tax aspects, clients occasionally raise questions. It is worth a lot here if the tax advisor is easily accessible and values transparent communication. It is best to clarify beforehand which contact options are most effective. Especially if you need an answer quickly, you can make everyday life easier for yourself in this way.
· A realistic assessment of the situation
Even though it's reassuring to always hear what you want to hear from your tax advisor, some decisions involve a certain amount of risk. Choose a tax advisor who communicates everything transparently and points out any uncertainties you may have.
· Modern solutions for easy exchange
Many tax advisors now rely on digital solutions when it comes to, for example, transporting documents from A to B or preparing annual financial statements. Therefore, pay attention to the technologies that the tax advisor you have shortlisted offers. Cloud solutions are particularly popular. Among other things, they allow you to view the information stored here from anywhere in the world. All you need is an Internet connection and a mobile device. Of course, the tools used must comply with the requirements of the GDPR and the GoBD.
· Comprehensible pricing
You should know what costs are involved for which services. A good tax advisor is always willing to show you how the amount they charge you is made up. He also shows you how you can save money if necessary by outsourcing only part of your accounting and taking care of the accounts yourself, for example.
6 good reasons to dismiss your tax advisor
If working with your tax advisor no longer suits your company, dismissal is often the logical next step — for example in the event of dissatisfaction, lack of specialization, or poor communication.
The following reasons show you when a cancellation and thus a Change of tax advisor It makes sense to:
The following reasons show you when a cancellation and thus a Change of tax advisor It makes sense to:
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 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.auf den Seiten der Bundessteuerberaterkammer.
Find tax advisors: tips about qualifications, experience, references
To ensure that the cooperation works smoothly, you should not only look for sympathy when choosing your tax advisor. Professional qualifications, relevant experience and transparent recommendations also play an important role. The following overview will help you with the classification.
qualification
experience
testimonials
· Education and exams
· Continuing education
· Any specializations
In principle, a tax advisor working in Germany must have passed the state tax advisor exam.
He must also be approved by the Chamber of Tax Advisors. A list of all tax advisors and tax agents appointed in Germany and all tax advisory professional practice companies registered in the professional register can be found in the official Directory of tax advisors.
· Industry-specific experience, for example with regard to corporate taxes, international tax law, etc.
· Tax advisors who have worked for many years often have extensive experience
· Also check whether the tax advisor has already gained experience with clients who work in a business environment similar to yours
· Recommendations and online reviews
· Attention! These are often subjective opinions. However, they often give a first impression of how tax advisors work.
· Use testimonials to find a suitable tax advisor
The fact that your tax advisor supports you in everyday life and takes care of your bookkeeping doesn't mean that you couldn't also train yourself. It is important for many entrepreneurs to keep track of taxes and the like — even if they have outsourced just about everything related to “accounting”. You can find lots of information about new laws and regulations, including on the website of the Chamber of Tax Advisors. These are regularly updated.
Good to know: Some tax advisors specialize in individual target groups
Every company has specific requirements when it comes to “tax advice”. It makes a difference whether a tax advisor looks after a large company or a start-up or a freelancer.
The more precisely the tax advisor's specialization has been adapted to your individual situation, the better.
For example, you can...:
· As a business founder, benefit from comprehensive advice, including the choice of business form
· Outsource part of your accounting as a self-employed person, take care of the rest yourself and save costs
· receive support as an entrepreneur if you hire more and more employees over time and want to outsource your payroll accounting.
In any case, make sure that your company fits the tax advisor's specialization.
Book a free initial consultationThe more precisely the tax advisor's specialization has been adapted to your individual situation, the better.
For example, you can...:
· As a business founder, benefit from comprehensive advice, including the choice of business form
· Outsource part of your accounting as a self-employed person, take care of the rest yourself and save costs
· receive support as an entrepreneur if you hire more and more employees over time and want to outsource your payroll accounting.
In any case, make sure that your company fits the tax advisor's specialization.
How much does a tax advisor cost — and what is fair?
Since the costs for a tax advisor can differ significantly in some cases, it is worthwhile to find out more about the various conditions and compare prices.
In particular, the following details are discussed with regard to the question “How do I find a good and inexpensive tax advisor? “relevant:
In particular, the following details are discussed with regard to the question “How do I find a good and inexpensive tax advisor? “relevant:
hourly fees
Flat-rate fees
Here, the tax advisor calculates his benefits based on the time he has invested. Most hourly fees in Germany are between 80€ and 200€.
In particular, the experience of the tax advisor and his competencies determine the price. Payment is usually made on the basis of hourly fees if the services of the tax advisor are only used sporadically.
If lump sum fees have been agreed, the tax advisor charges a fixed amount per service.
The duration of employment is irrelevant in this case. Flat fees are used primarily when it comes to billing standard services or consulting projects.
The basis for Costs that the tax advisor pays calculated, represents the Tax Consultant Remuneration Ordinance. They determine the maximum amount the tax advisor may charge for his performance in a specific area. Both minimum and maximum rates are listed here.
In addition, it should be borne in mind that the costs calculated for the services of a tax advisor include...:
· the complexity of the tasks assigned
· the scope of services
· regional differences
are dependent. It is best to discuss all pricing details in advance. This way you know exactly what costs you will have to pay.
In addition, it should be borne in mind that the costs calculated for the services of a tax advisor include...:
· the complexity of the tasks assigned
· the scope of services
· regional differences
are dependent. It is best to discuss all pricing details in advance. This way you know exactly what costs you will have to pay.
How to find a tax advisor near you
If you — despite all the options available to you digital tax advice offers — if you want to work with a tax advisor whose office is near you, you should search locally on the Internet.
Online directories and relevant platforms are usually among the first points of contact here and allow you to search for postal codes, for example Tax advice within Berlin. In addition, various filter options ensure that you can quickly find a provider near you.
As part of a personal consultation on site, you will usually quickly find out whether the cooperation could work.
Online directories and relevant platforms are usually among the first points of contact here and allow you to search for postal codes, for example Tax advice within Berlin. In addition, various filter options ensure that you can quickly find a provider near you.
As part of a personal consultation on site, you will usually quickly find out whether the cooperation could work.
Looking for the right support: A tax advisor can relieve you
There is a reason why so many companies and self-employed people are now choosing to work with a tax advisor. With an experienced expert at your side, you can either concentrate completely on your day-to-day business and be sure to make optimal use of your tax leeway.
And of course, you are not bound to your tax advisor “forever.” You can the Tax advisors also quit and alternateFor example, if you notice that your business and the respective provider are no longer a good match.
In this case, largely standardized processes ensure that nothing stands in the way of a change that is as easy as possible and that your accounting can continue as usual — just with another contact person.
Find the perfect tax advisor — arrange an initial consultation now!
And of course, you are not bound to your tax advisor “forever.” You can the Tax advisors also quit and alternateFor example, if you notice that your business and the respective provider are no longer a good match.
In this case, largely standardized processes ensure that nothing stands in the way of a change that is as easy as possible and that your accounting can continue as usual — just with another contact person.
Find the perfect tax advisor — arrange an initial consultation now!
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.
Find tax advisors: questions and answers
How do I find a good tax advisor?
There are many points of contact that can help you find a good tax advisor. This includes relevant platforms and online directories. You can also get recommendations from other companies in your industry. In an initial consultation (often free of charge), you will then get to know the tax advisor and his services better.
What makes a good tax advisor?
A good tax advisor is characterized by professional competence, experience, reliability, transparent communication and comprehensible costs. In addition, the tax advisor you choose should be easily available and be able to answer any questions promptly.
What are the costs of tax advisors?
There are several factors that affect Tax advisor fees that your tax advisor charges you for, influence. This includes the complexity of the tasks and the region in which your tax advisor works. The general framework for the costs is provided by the Tax Consultant Remuneration Ordinance.
Where can I find a good tax advisor?
Many entrepreneurs and private individuals search the Internet for the right tax advisor. He doesn't necessarily have to have his office in the same city. Modern bookkeeping today often takes place digitally.
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