Six questions, six answers
- How does a switch from my current tax advisor work? You terminate the existing engagement, and we take care of the rest. Once you give us the go-ahead, we request the documents from your previous advisor – bookkeeping data, the most recent annual financial statement, the fixed asset register, and open items. A switch typically happens at the start of a financial year or after the most recently completed financial statement, so that no data has to be split mid-period. However, a mid-year switch is also possible. We update your power of attorney with the tax office electronically, so that notices and correspondence are sent to us going forward.
- What does working with your firm cost? Fees are governed by the German Tax Advisor Fee Regulation (StBVV). Under this regulation, fees are not based on effort alone but on reference values – such as annual revenue for bookkeeping or the balance sheet total for annual financial statements – combined with a fee range within the statutory limits. For ongoing work such as financial and payroll accounting, we often agree on a flat fee, so you can count on a fixed monthly amount. We'll tell you what your case will cost after the initial consultation, once the scope and volume of documents are known. Details are available on the Costs page.
- Which documents do I need to gather? To get started, basic information and your most recent financial statement are enough: tax number, legal form, commercial register extract if available, your most recent tax return or balance sheet, and a list of your bank accounts. For ongoing bookkeeping, you'll also need monthly outgoing and incoming invoices, bank statements, cash reports, and receipts for entertainment expenses or vehicles. Employers additionally need employment contracts, health insurance assignments, and time records. You'll find a breakdown by client group on the Documents page.
- How do you make sure deadlines are met? We enter every deadline into our deadline calendar with an internal lead time, not just the statutory due date. If receipts are missing for a VAT advance return or the annual financial statement, we proactively reach out to you instead of waiting. For clients with tax advisory representation, the extended filing deadline under § 149 para. 3 AO applies – giving you significantly more time than the July 31 deadline. This is contingent on documents reaching us in time; we'll always let you know the required date in writing.
- Do I have to submit my receipts digitally? No, it's your choice. Many clients photograph or scan their receipts and upload them via a secure portal; the data is then stored on servers located in Germany and accessible to you at any time. The classic option of a physical folder also works – you can drop it off at Georgstraße 22 or send it to us. Mixed approaches are fine too – bank transactions digital, cash receipts on paper. What matters is that the receipts are complete, legible, and meet GoBD requirements.
- Who can I reach if I have an urgent question? You'll have a dedicated contact person who knows your case and doesn't need to be briefed anew each time you call. We can be reached by phone at +49 30 23125104 and by email at mail@kanzlei-berg.invalid. We generally respond to emails within one business day. If an audit order or a notice with a short appeal deadline arrives, call us – we prioritize such cases. Office appointments are scheduled in advance so you don't have to wait.