Job Discussion Forums

[gmjones]

Hi,

I undertand from my tax consultant that as a freelancer I don't need to fill in a complicated Steuererkl�rung form like most normal professions, that I can just complete a profit and loss account and send that to the tax office. He did this last year and it cost me 300 euros... does anyone know how easy it is to do this yourself? And any tips for doing it (e.g. where to get forms, programmes that might help?)

Any advice greatly appreciated!!!!

Gabrielle

[puhutes]

Hi Gabrielle,
I was quite lucky as always having access to a free tax consultant. I did do my first years taxes by myself using the Elster program provided by the tax office. I only gave my finished results to the tax consultant to check them over and he said they were ok. As long as you can gather all of your payment slips and any invoices or receipts for things you've bought (office material, gas, books, etc) The Elster program was very easy to use once you know which form you need to fill out. I just did a search for "selbst�ndig formular" Before 2008 it was called E�R and since 2008 you should use the G form. Also, you don't need to pay any taxes if you've earned less than 17,000�, but you still need to fill out and file the tax form.
LG Jennifer

[gmjones]

Hi Jennifer,

Do you mean 17,000 after your expenses? Or after the various social seurity contributions? Or 17,000 income in total before deductions? Makes a big difference in my case... I was told by one tax consultant that all they need from me at the tax office is a profit and loss sheet, but my very experienced boss says that she always used to complete a normal Steuererklaerung form... is she right? Really appreciate your comments!!

Gabrielle