Tax Return Preparation Services

Preparing and filing tax returns in Germany requires careful attention to regulatory requirements and strict adherence to statutory deadlines. Our team provides comprehensive support in the preparation and submission of tax returns, ensuring that your company remains fully compliant with German tax regulations.

We support both local and international businesses operating in Germany with reliable tax compliance and structured reporting processes.

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Corporate, Trade & Income Tax Returns

We prepare and file corporate tax returns, trade tax returns and income tax returns in accordance with German tax legislation. Our team ensures that all relevant financial data is properly reviewed and accurately reported to the tax authorities.

Our services include:

  • Preparation and submission of corporate tax returns
  • Preparation of income tax filings
  • Review of financial records for tax reporting
  • Coordination with tax authorities where required

By managing the process efficiently, we ensure that all filings are completed accurately and submitted within the required deadlines.

VAT Returns & Ongoing VAT Reporting

VAT compliance is a key requirement for companies operating in Germany. We assist businesses with the preparation and submission of VAT returns, including VAT pre-filings and annual VAT reporting.

Our team ensures that VAT filings are completed accurately while supporting businesses in managing their ongoing VAT obligations. This includes reviewing transactions, identifying potential reporting issues and ensuring compliance with German VAT regulations.

VAT Refund Procedures

We support businesses in reclaiming VAT incurred on cross-border expenses.

  • EU businesses: VAT refund applications must be submitted electronically via the BZStOnline portal (BOP) by 30 September of the following year
  • Non-EU businesses: Refunds may be available where reciprocity agreements exist between Germany and the respective country

We assist with the preparation and submission of refund applications to ensure compliance with formal requirements.

Tax Withholding for Construction Work

Certain payments in Germany are subject to withholding tax obligations.

Construction withholding tax:
In the construction sector, a withholding tax of 15% may apply to certain entities unless a valid exemption certificate is provided by the competent tax office. We assist with:

  • Preparation and submission of withholding tax returns
  • Applications for exemption certificates

Capital withholding tax (Kapitalertragsteuer):
Withholding tax may also apply to:

  • Dividends
  • Royalties and licence fees paid to non-residents

In such cases, the German entity may be required to withhold and remit tax on behalf of the recipient.

We support clients with:

  • Preparation of withholding tax returns
  • Applications for exemption or reduction under applicable tax rules (e.g. Section 50c EStG)

Cross-Border Tax Filing Support

For companies operating internationally, tax reporting obligations can become more complex. We support businesses with cross-border tax filings and help ensure compliance with both German tax requirements and international reporting obligations.

Our experience with international companies allows us to manage multi-jurisdictional tax considerations while maintaining clear and accurate reporting.

Alignment of Tax Returns & Tax Balance Sheets

Ensuring consistency between tax returns and tax balance sheets is essential. Discrepancies between financial statements and tax filings can lead to queries from the tax authorities or trigger audits.

We ensure proper reconciliation between German GAAP (HGB) financial statements and tax balance sheets, supporting accurate and transparent tax reporting.

Support for International Companies in Germany

International companies operating in Germany often face additional complexity in meeting local tax requirements.

This may include obligations such as transfer pricing documentation. In Germany, this can involve:

  • Preparation of local file documentation
  • Functional and risk analysis
  • Selection and documentation of transfer pricing methods
  • Transaction matrix requirements under Section 90(3) AO

We support multinational organisations in preparing and submitting tax returns that comply with German regulations while remaining aligned with global reporting structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which tax returns must companies file in Germany?

Companies operating in Germany may need to file corporate tax returns, VAT returns, trade tax filings and other statutory reports depending on their legal structure and activities.

VAT pre-filing refers to the periodic submission of VAT returns during the year, typically on a monthly or quarterly basis depending on the company’s VAT obligations.

Yes. International companies operating in Germany must comply with German tax regulations and submit required filings electronically where applicable.

Ensuring accurate financial records and aligning tax returns with the tax balance sheet helps reduce the risk of discrepancies and potential enquiries from tax authorities.

With the assistance of a tax advisor the annual tax returns are due no later than February of the year after next e.G. tax return 2025 is due end of Feb. 2027.

Yes but only in the circumstances of the liquidation of a company.

The tax year is the calender year. For Corporate and trade tax purposes a different period can be considered for the statutory accounts with the consent of the tax authorities.

Yes – even if there is no business activity, the company has to file tax returns.

Tax advisory shouldn't feel complicated.

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