Tax return for traders: deadlines

In short: Traders usually file the return for the previous year by 31 July of the following year. With a tax adviser a longer deadline applies. The return includes income tax, trade tax and, where applicable, VAT with the EÜR annex.

In more detail: Filing is electronic via ELSTER. Missing the deadline risks late-filing surcharges. On request the tax office can extend the deadline. Even with losses and no profit it is worth filing, because losses can be carried forward.

In detail

• Income tax return: main form, Annex G (trade), Annex EÜR.
• Trade tax return: separate, goes to the tax office, not to the municipality.
• VAT return: mandatory for standard-VAT businesses, usually dropped for small businesses.
• Deadline with a tax adviser: end of February of the year after next (extended deadline).
• Loss carry-forward: losses can be offset against future profits.
• Tip: collect receipts continuously and book monthly so the return goes quickly.

See also: Cash-basis profit statement (EÜR), Deregistering and changing a registration