A Steuerberater (German for tax adviser) is a licensed professional in Germany who helps people with their personal and business taxes. They file your tax returns, do bookkeeping, register your business and handle employee payrolls.
They provide their services to both private and corporate clients as well as non-profits. Their main task is to minimize your tax liability while ensuring you remain compliant with the law.
Licensed Tax Advisors in Berlin
In order to be a licensed tax advisor (Steuerberater) in Germany, you must pass the “Steuerberaterprufung”, a special uniform nationwide state examination. In addition, you must also be qualified as either a Rechtsanwalt (attorney-at-law) or Wirtschaftsprufer (certified public accountant).
The exam is held in each federal state (“Bundesländer”) and includes an oral and written part. In addition, you must complete a practical assessment.
After completing the exams, you must pass a probationary period before becoming a licensed tax advisor. This is done to ensure you have the necessary knowledge and experience to be able to give your best advice.
Generally, a licensed tax advisor in Germany charges a fixed fee per client. However, the rate is regulated by law and there are upper limits. You can check for current rates by looking on Gesetze-in-Internet or by checking the search filters provided by the German Steuerberater Verband.
There are many English-speaking Steuerberater in Berlin and other cities of Germany to help you navigate the complicated tax system. They can advise you on how to minimize your tax liabilities or help you resolve an existing situation.
Some Steuerberaters also offer their services on demand, in the event that you need their assistance with a specific tax issue. They might charge a fixed fee for their services, or they may provide them at a reduced rate.
They often have a certain niche area in which they are good at. This might be international tax law, business tax, payroll, accounting or even financial planning.
A lot of them offer their services online through their own website. Some of them have a specialized blog or newsletter with articles about tax matters that are relevant for their clients.
Their websites might also include a contact form for inquiries. This way, you can contact them directly and get an answer quickly.
Most of them use software that enables them to record income and expenses, prepare your VAT statements or income tax reports as well as submit it to the tax authorities. This makes their work easier and reduces their consulting fees.
If you are a freelancer or sole trader and need assistance with your finances, Sorted can connect you with an English-speaking Steuerberater in Berlin who can assist you with your taxes. Their intuitive, user-friendly software helps you with tax reporting & filing, while their certified accountants can assist you with any remaining questions.