Do I have to pay for tax advisor costs even if I only seek consultation?
June 18, 2023 | 60,00 EUR | answered by Eva Peters
Dear Tax consultant,
my name is Lukas Kessler and I am facing the decision of whether or not to use the services of a tax consultant. I have never consulted a tax consultant before and I am unsure if I will have to bear the costs, even if I only want to receive advice.
I am an employee with an average income. Lately, I have been having difficulties with my tax return and would like to seek professional help to avoid potential mistakes and save on taxes. However, since I only need advice and not extensive tax assistance, I am wondering if I still have to pay the full cost of the tax consultant.
My concern is that the cost for a one-time consultation could be too high and not worth it for me. I would like to know if there are ways to reduce the costs if I only seek advice. Are there possibly flat-rate offers or special rates for consultations without additional services?
I would appreciate a detailed response so that I can make an informed decision on whether hiring a tax consultant would be beneficial in my case and how the costs would be structured.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Lukas Kessler
Dear Mr. Kessler,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the costs of hiring a tax advisor. It is understandable that you are concerned about the potential costs, especially if you only require a one-time consultation. In my profession as a tax advisor, I often encounter clients who have similar concerns to yours.
It is important to know that the costs for the services of a tax advisor in Germany are not legally fixed and therefore can vary from firm to firm. The fees can differ depending on the scope and complexity of the services provided. A consultation typically includes an individual analysis of your tax situation, answering your questions, and developing tax optimization possibilities.
For a one-time consultation, various fee models can be considered. Some tax advisors offer flat-rate packages for consultations, where a fixed amount is agreed upon for the service. This can be beneficial for you as a client, as you know from the beginning what costs to expect. There are also tax advisors who bill by the hour. In this case, you can receive a cost estimate in advance to have an idea of the expected costs.
Furthermore, tax advisors may offer special rates or discounts for specific services. Therefore, it is worth comparing several firms and asking about possible discounts. Some tax advisors also offer free initial consultations, where you can explain your concerns and receive a rough estimate of the costs.
In your case as an employee with an average income, a one-time consultation could be beneficial to avoid potential errors in your tax return and save on taxes. However, the costs should be reasonable in relation to the benefits. It is advisable to inform yourself in advance about the fees and services of tax advisors in order to make an informed decision.
I hope this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions or are considering a consultation, I am available to assist you.
Best regards,
Eva Peters
Tax Advisor
