Tax

If you are setting up a business in Germany, you will normally have to pay tax to the tax office, which is the local authority of Germany’s financial administration. Amongst other factors, the type of tax you need to pay depends on your company’s size and legal structure as well as on your earnings.
On the Startup Portal, you’ll find an overview of the various tax types. Please note that in Germany, you may have pay certain types of tax in advance on the basis of estimates, and that there are certain payment terms.
In addition, you will need to submit an annual tax statement for your business, which contains the details of all of your earnings and revenues. As you get started, it may make sense to consult a tax accountant to avoid making mistakes and incurring tax debt. The tax office will also advise you on tax-related questions.
Information on the internet
BMWi Authority Finder
BMWi Overview no. 28: Tax errors
The six most frequent tax errors made by new entrepreneurs (German, English)
BMWi Overview no. 29: Taxes
Who pays when? (German, English)
BMWi GründerZeiten no. 9: Steuern (tax)
Find out about the types of tax entrepreneurs need to deal with (German)