Tax adviser: When is help worthwhile and what does it cost?

In short: For a very small business self-bookkeeping is often enough; a tax adviser pays off with uncertainty, growing revenues, employees or complicated cases and is regulated by fee schedules.

In more detail: Taxes are complex, mistakes cost money or cause trouble. At the same time advice costs money. The weighing depends on size, knowledge and time. This is general information and not legal or tax advice; rules and deadlines change, check them with the tax office, chamber or a tax adviser.

In Depth

When doing it yourself is enough

With low revenue, a simple income-surplus statement (EÜR), the small-business rule and few receipts, many founders manage taxes themselves with ELSTER, accounting software and the tax office’s guides. Information is available from the chamber, tax office (service centres), founder counselling and wiki articles.

When a tax adviser makes sense

• You are unsure about legal form, VAT, small-business limits or deductibility.
• Revenue grows or there are employees (payroll).
• You have foreign business, online trade in several countries (OSS) or sale of goods with complex VAT.
• You need annual accounts/balance sheet (bookkeeping duty), GmbH/UG.
• There is an audit, back claim or dispute with the tax office.
• You want to save time and meet deadlines safely. A one-off start consultation can prevent mistakes.

Costs

Tax advisers bill under the Tax Adviser Remuneration Ordinance (StBVV); the fee depends on the value of the subject matter (for example revenue, profit) and activity. For initial consultation maximum amounts partly apply. Typical are flat monthly fees for ongoing bookkeeping and a single bill for the tax assessment. Consulting costs are generally deductible as business expenses. Ask for the price beforehand and get a quote. Income tax assistance associations may advise only employees, not business owners.

How to find the right one

Ask in founder networks, at chamber consultation days and by recommendation for advisers who support small businesses and founders. Check experience in your industry, availability, online collaboration (digital receipts), price and rapport. Go into the talk prepared: note questions, bring receipts in order, name goals. You remain responsible for correct information even if someone works for you.

See also: Income tax for small businesses, Tax registration and ELSTER, Accounting software, Funding and advice