Six questions before switching
These six questions come up in almost every initial consultation. The answers describe how we actually work in the Hannover area.
- Can I switch to you mid-year? Yes. A switch is possible on the first of any month, and it runs most smoothly after a completed VAT advance return. We take over the financial accounting from the chosen effective date; the preceding months remain with your previous advisor. For payroll accounting, we recommend the start of a new year or the beginning of a quarter, as payroll accounts, contribution statements and annual filings then align cleanly.
- What documents do you need to get started? To get started, we need your tax number and tax office, the most recent annual financial statement or income statement, the current accounting data, ongoing contracts such as rent, leasing and loans, and, for employers, the current year's payroll accounts along with the health insurers' employer number. If anything is missing, we request it directly from the tax office or your previous advisor using your power of attorney.
- What determines the cost? We bill according to the Steuerberatervergütungsverordnung (German tax advisor fee schedule). What matters is the value in question—for example, revenue, balance sheet total or income—and the effort required per service. For financial accounting, the volume of receipts is the main factor; for payroll accounting, it's the number of payslips processed per month. Pre-sorted, digital receipts measurably reduce the effort involved. In the initial consultation, we calculate your specific case and provide you with the cost range in writing before you decide.
- Do I have to digitise my bookkeeping? No, we still process paper documents. However, digital receipts offer two advantages: you see your figures sooner, and you meet retention requirements without filing cabinets. It's common to submit receipts via a secure portal or through bank access with automatic transaction retrieval. We'll agree together on which method suits you.
- Who is my point of contact? Every client relationship has a dedicated case handler and a dedicated qualified professional. So you're not calling a central switchboard, but the person who actually knows your figures. We're available Monday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and Friday from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, with appointments outside these hours by arrangement.
- How quickly will I have my figures? With complete documentation, we prepare the monthly financial accounting along with the VAT advance return within the statutory deadline and send you a brief report showing the result and open items. We handle payroll so that filings and contribution statements are submitted on time. For the annual financial statement, the timing depends on queries regarding inventory, accruals and fixed assets; we agree the schedule with you in advance.