Fees / Costs
Transparent Basis
Fees for my services are generally based on the Tax Advisor Fee Regulation (StBVV). This regulation typically provides a reliable, transparent, and clear basis for billing that works best for both parties.
In particular cases, however, a individualized fee agreement may be the more appropriate solution for both parties (e.g., flat fees and hourly rates). This allows the fee structure to better account for the specific characteristics of the respective case.
This applies in particular to services for which there are no statutory fee regulations (e.g., business consulting), activities for which the time required cannot be reliably estimated—such as the cleanup of several years’ external accounting—and special situations, such as holding companies or asset management companies that require little ongoing support despite high asset values.
It is important to me that the estimated costs are transparent and easy for you to understand at all times. That is why I will inform you of the expected billing basis and the estimated costs before you assign me.
If you would like to learn more about the statutory basis, you can find additional information in the fact sheet Tax Advisor Fees as well as on the website of the Berlin Chamber of Tax Advisors.
Get a Quick Overview: Fee Calculator
To help you get a quick initial idea of the costs, there are several fee calculators available. They provide a non-binding estimate of the expected costs for frequently requested services:
For other services that cannot be reasonably represented using a fee calculator—such as those billed on a time-based basis (e.g., business consulting, assistance with tax audits, review of tax assessment notices)—you can roughly estimate a fee of approximately €115 plus applicable VAT per hour as a general guideline.
For services for which a value-based fee is prescribed by law (e.g., applications, corrections to tax returns), the fee is generally based on the statutory requirements, unless an individual fee agreement has been reached.
Billing and Advance Payments
For ongoing collaborations that extend throughout the year, billing is generally done on a quarterly basis.
For one-time or annually recurring services (e.g., tax returns), you will typically receive an advance invoice along with the draft, no later than four weeks after work begins.
Provided that no additional, unforeseeable activities arise in the course of the process (e.g., subsequent documents), this invoice generally corresponds to the final invoice. You will receive the final invoice no later than upon completion of the tax assessment.
If billing is based on time, you will find the statement of activities in the attachment to the e-invoice.
Upon request, a SEPA direct debit mandate can be set up to simplify the payment process.
Tax advisor fees may be tax-deductible
Depending on the type of service, the costs of a tax advisor may be claimed as business expenses or income-related expenses for tax purposes. This can reduce your actual financial burden.
Whether and to what extent these costs are tax-deductible depends on your individual tax situation.
One-Time Initial Consultation for Consumers
If you only wish to have a one-time initial tax consultation and do not plan to continue with ongoing representation, the fee is determined in accordance with § 21 StBVV. This provides you with an initial professional assessment of your tax issue—without immediately entering into an ongoing retainer agreement.
For consumers, the fee for an initial consultation is a maximum of 190 € plus applicable VAT. For straightforward questions requiring only a short consultation, the fee may be lower. If you subsequently retain me for further services, the fee will generally be credited toward the subsequent engagement.
An invoice will normally be issued after the consultation (sender: e-invoice@datev.de). An advance payment is generally not required and is requested only in exceptional cases (for example, if you reside outside Germany).
Example fees
The following cost ranges are intended to give you an idea of typical cost levels:
| Services | Typical cost range*
(plus applicable VAT in each case) |
|---|---|
| Income Tax Return with Multiple Types of Income (e.g., wages and salaries, investment income, rental and leasing income) | ca. 350 € - 750 € |
| Tax returns statements for freelancers or sole proprietors
(incl. income surplus statement) |
ca. 500 € - 1.000 € |
| Financial Statements and Tax Returns for Small Corporations (incl. e-balance sheet, disclosure) |
ca. 1.000 € - 2.000 € |
|
Financial Accounting / Ongoing Bookkeeping
(incl. advance VAT returns, and summary reports) |
monthly ca. 100 € - 200 €
or quaterly ca. 150 - 300 € |
| Additional services during the ongoing mandate (e.g., review of tax assessment notices, additional preparatory work for the annual financial statements) |
typically €115 per hour (According to § 13 StBVV, €16.50–€41.00 per 15 minutes)) |
*The actual fee is based on the scope, complexity, and specific characteristics of the respective engagement. Unless an individual fee agreement is reached, billing is conducted in accordance with the statutory provisions of the StBVV.