Ask a tax advisor on the topic of Business start-up

Consulting Business economist

July 26, 2011 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Dipl.BW/SB Ulrich Stiller

Dear Sir or Madam,

I intend to start my own business as a "consulting business economist" or "business consultant". I have informed the tax office about registering a self-employed activity because I believe it falls under a freelance activity (§18 EStG). I also have the tax office's "questionnaire for tax registration" available.

I would like to offer the following consulting services:

- Start-up support / coaching / business sustainability
- Business plan development and financial planning / feasibility studies
- Investment and financing advice
- Guidance on public funding / subsidies (SAB, KfW, etc.)
- Income and liquidity planning
- Strategy development and implementation
- Controlling and improving business management
- Business process optimization
- Cost reduction ("Cost Cutting")
- Restructuring and turnaround consulting
- Business succession / succession planning
- Business acquisition and sale, business valuation

Special services:

- Marketing advice for market entry in foreign countries

If any of these services contradict freelance activity or could be classified as commercial, thus not allowing me to operate as a freelancer, please let me know. Would it be helpful for the tax office if I provide my qualifications (Dipl. Business Economist) and the planned consulting services when completing the questionnaire?

Thank you in advance!

Kind regards.

Dipl.BW/SB Ulrich Stiller

Dear inquirer,

thank you for your inquiry, which I would like to answer based on your information and in the context of your activities in a initial consultation as follows:

The "consulting business economist" is listed as a catalog profession in § 18 EStG. If you work as a business economist and have the corresponding professional education, then you are self-employed and not commercial.

All the activities you listed belong to the professional practice of a consulting business economist, as they cover the entire breadth of the study. By obtaining a degree in "Diploma in Business Administration," you have met the necessary requirements for practicing the profession according to the catalog profession.

If you become self-employed, you are a consulting business economist according to § 18 EStG.

You only need to indicate "Consulting Business Economist" as your profession and do not need to attach a copy of your degree to the questionnaire. Further information is not required.

I hope I could be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Ulrich Stiller
Tax Advisor / Diploma in Business Administration