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Fear not, we’ll go over the basics of filing your taxes as a freelancer in Germany. While it’s comparatively straightforward for German employees to do their taxes, the task is much more daunting when you work on your own account. Germany’s pride and joy is their bureaucracy, and it probably becomes most evident in their taxes. Who would have thought magpies would have anything to do with German taxes? We hope this article helps you fill out the Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung and start your self-employment in Germany.Only three things in life are certain: death, taxes and German bureaucracy. Want to learn more about freelancing as an expat in Germany?

#Elster online steuer full

Self-employment is a potentially lifelong adventure, full of ups, downs and constant learning – whatever happens next is entirely up to you!

Send you a VAT number, if applicable ( Umsatzsteuernummer)īut let's get real, these are immediate next steps.

Confirm your status as a Freiberufler or Gewerbe.

Practically speaking, after completing the Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung, the Finanzamt will:

Financial details of your future self-employment activity (expected profit, not revenue).

An exact description of your future self-employment activity (must be written in German).

Your German tax ID ( Steuer-Identifikationsnummer).

Here’s what you’ll need on hand when filling out the form online: What you’ll need to fill in the Fragebogen You can add your Steuernummer after completing the Fragebogen. If you’re a Freiberufler, this is a perfect time to open a Holvi account. The Finanzamt uses this to determine your status as a Freiberufler or Gewerbe – so it’s of vital importance that you be as accurate as possible.Ĭan you find a German-speaking friend to lend a hand? If not, you can Google ‘ Fragebogen in English’ for a line-by-line breakdown of the form then prepare your answers in advance. For example, you’ll be asked to provide an exact description of your business activity. Find a German translator (Google Translate + proofreader)Įlements of this form must be completed in German. What’s right for your business? We explore the advantages of opening a business account right off the bat in our Expat’s guide to a business account.Ĥ. To complete the Fragebogen, you’ll need to have an active bank account.

#Elster online steuer how to

For more info on this, read our Expat’s guide to Gewerbeanmeldung – How to register a business. If you’ve completed Step 1 and discovered that your business activity qualifies you as a Gewerbe, you’ll need to register your business and secure a trade licence ( Gewerbeschein). This is essential reading if you’re still unclear on the topic. The differences between them can be hard to grasp, so we cover them in depth in our Expat’s guide to freelancing – Freiberufler vs Gewerbe. These are two legally distinct forms of German self-employment. Decide whether you’re a Freiberufler or a Gewerbe We break down tax numbers for you in our Expat’s guide to Finanzamt.Ĥ must-dos before completing the Fragebogen 1. Tip – Umsatzsteuernummer und Steuernummer? Was? You’ll also be assigned a tax number ( Steuernummer) and a VAT number, if applicable ( Umsatzsteuernummer) – so you can get right to work! It officially marks the start of your freelance or trading work in Germany.īased on your responses, the Finanzamt will confirm your status as either a Freiberufler or Gewerbe. Why do you need to fill in the Fragebogen?įilling in the Fragebogen is an essential step in registering your self-employment with the Finanzamt. Whether you’re a Freiberufler or Gewerbe, you’ll need to submit this form through ELSTER to start your self-employed life in Germany. It’s the single most important form you need to fill out to start your self-employment in Germany. The Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung is the Questionnaire for Tax Collection. What is Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung? It signals progress – less German bureaucracy and movement towards a paperless future (just imagine!).Īnd together we can make the Fragebogen feel a bit less intimidating. But moving the Fragebogen online is actually a welcome change for new business starters in Germany. Unfortunately, in keeping with the nursery rhyme, this solitary magpie can often bring sorrow. It also translates to magpie in English, so now our introduction makes sense! Riddle solved. The name ELSTER comes from ELektronische STeuerERklärung (electronic tax declaration).

#Elster online steuer update

✔️ 100% English ✔️ Up-to-date info ✔️ For freelancers ✔️ Bypass bureaucracyĢ021 update – What’s changed for the Fragebogen?Īs of January 2021, the Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung must be done through the German Government’s online tax portal, ELSTER.

How to start a business in Germany (2021)