Which tax returns do I have to submit as a freelancer?
October 8, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Lilli Reuter
Dear Mr./Ms. [Lawyer's Last Name],
My name is Zofia Schneider and I am a freelance photographer. I am currently facing the challenge of preparing my tax returns for the business year and am unsure of which tax returns I need to submit as a freelancer.
In the past, I have filed my income tax return, but I am wondering if there are any other tax returns that I need to submit as a freelancer. I am concerned that I may have unknowingly evaded taxes and want to ensure that I submit all necessary tax returns to avoid any legal consequences.
Could you please explain to me which tax returns I need to submit as a freelancer? Are there specific forms or deadlines that I should be aware of? Are there any special provisions or tax benefits that I can take advantage of as a freelancer?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could assist me with this matter so that I can submit my tax returns correctly and on time.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Zofia Schneider
Dear Mrs. Schneider,
Thank you for your inquiry and for trusting in my expertise in the field of tax law. As a freelancer in the field of photography, there are indeed several tax returns that you must submit as a self-employed individual in order to act legally and avoid possible legal consequences.
First and foremost, it is important to know that as a freelancer, you are generally required to submit an income tax return. In this tax return, you must declare all your income from your freelance work as a photographer and offset the corresponding expenses and operating costs. You can also claim tax-reducing special expenses, such as depreciation on your equipment or training costs.
In addition, as a freelancer, you must also submit a value-added tax return if you are subject to VAT. Since most photographic services in Germany are subject to VAT, you must regularly submit VAT pre-registration and file an annual VAT return. It is important to calculate and pay all VAT amounts correctly to avoid possible tax arrears.
In addition to these two main tax returns, you should also make sure to declare any additional income, such as rental income or capital gains, in your tax return. There are separate forms and attachments that you must fill out to fully capture all income.
Regarding specific forms and deadlines, I recommend that you follow the current guidelines of the tax office and stay informed about changes in tax law. It may also be helpful to consult with a tax advisor to ensure that your tax returns are submitted correctly and on time.
Finally, I would like to mention that there are also some tax benefits and special regulations available for freelancers like you that you can take advantage of. These include the possibility of tax deduction for work equipment, travel expenses, or training costs. Therefore, it is worth maximizing all tax-reducing opportunities to minimize your tax burden.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you and I am available if you have any further questions. Thank you for your inquiry and I wish you success in preparing your tax returns.
Sincerely,
Lilli Reuter
