Corporations (e.g., GmbH, UG, AG) and most commercial traders maintain double-entry books and prepare HGB financial statements. Small freelancers who are not obliged to keep books may use the simplified EÜR (see next question), but corporate entities generally apply accrual accounting under HGB.

Yes. Many freelancers and small businesses that are not required to keep double-entry books can determine profit using the Einnahmen-Überschuss-Rechnung (EÜR) under §4(3) EStG (cash basis). Corporations and larger traders typically apply full HGB accounting and do not use the EÜR.

GoBD are principles for proper books and electronic records. They require completeness, immutability, timely posting, traceability (audit trail), machine-readability, and a Verfahrensdokumentation describing your processes and systems. Electronic documents must remain readable and exportable throughout the retention period.

As a rule, accounting records and tax-relevant data are retained for 10 years; commercial and business correspondence for 6 years. Retention applies regardless of system changes; data must remain readable and machine-evaluatable for audits.

Preparation timelines depend on company size, but publication to the Federal Gazette/Company Register is generally due within 12 months after year-end (shorter periods may apply to larger or capital-market-oriented entities). We plan your close to meet both banking/audit needs and statutory deadlines.

German corporations submit their approved financial statements (and, where applicable, notes/management report) electronically for disclosure. Small entities have simplifications. We prepare the files and handle the electronic submission on your behalf.

Frequency depends on your prior-year VAT liability: monthly if it exceeded a higher threshold, quarterly if in a mid-range band, and annual-only if very low. New businesses often file monthly initially. We also manage optional Dauerfristverlängerung (permanent extension) where available.

The ZM reports your intra-EU supplies of goods/services to VAT-registered customers and is typically filed monthly or quarterly. It must be submitted shortly after the period end. We align your ZM with your VAT returns to avoid discrepancies.

Intrastat declarations (arrivals/dispatches) are required if your EU goods movements exceed annual thresholds published by the German statistics office (Destatis). Thresholds are reviewed and may change; we monitor applicability and prepare filings when needed.

Yes. We configure AP workflows with two- or three-way approvals and generate SEPA payment files for your bank. Payment runs are documented and archived in line with GoBD.

We use immutable storage, audit trails, role-based access, and standardized exports (machine-readable). We also maintain a Verfahrensdokumentation describing your processes, system changes, and controls.

Yes. Management reports, workpapers, and annual financial statements can be delivered in German and/or English. For groups, we also prepare HGB→IFRS/US-GAAP bridge schedules.

Yes. We maintain an HGB-compliant asset register (additions, disposals, depreciation) and track leases to ensure correct recognition and disclosures.

Absolutely. We deliver reconciliations, sub-ledgers, and sampling lists, respond to PBC requests, and coordinate with your tax advisers on returns and disclosures.

We post payroll journals, reconcile liabilities, and match payments. We coordinate with your payroll provider on monthly filings and year-end certificates.

We implement clear ledger accounts and documentation for management fees, recharges, and cross-border flows; reconcile balances monthly; and provide packages to support transfer-pricing documentation.

GmbH/UG and AG are capital companies with full HGB accounting and disclosure duties. Partnerships (e.g., OHG, KG) have differing obligations depending on size and commercial activity. We set up the chart of accounts and reporting per your legal form.

A description of your bookkeeping processes, systems, responsibilities, data flows, controls, and how documents are captured, stored, and retrieved. It should also cover changes (system migrations, updates) and the audit export process.

Yes. We import opening balances, master data (vendors/customers/items), fixed-asset registers, and document archives; then run a parallel month to validate results before switching over.

Pricing depends on transaction volume, entities, currencies, workflows (AP/AR, VAT, payroll), and reporting complexity. See our pricing page for current tiers.