Is there a maximum limit for the amount of tax advisor fees?
February 5, 2023 | 60,00 EUR | answered by Petra Lehmann
Dear tax advisor,
my name is Leon Heuser and I am seeking information regarding tax advisor fees. I have already hired a tax advisor to handle my tax matters. However, I have noticed that the costs for my tax advisor's services are significantly higher than expected. Now I am wondering if there is a limit to the amount of tax advisor fees and if my tax advisor may be charging excessively high fees.
My current situation is as follows: I am self-employed and regularly need the support of a tax advisor to submit my tax returns correctly and on time. So far, I have accepted the costs of my tax advisor's services without a thorough examination, assuming that they are reasonable fees. However, I am now concerned that I may be overpaying and wondering if there is a legal regulation that limits the amount of tax advisor fees.
My concern is that as a self-employed individual, I may be paying excessive tax advisor fees and this may be affecting my financial situation. I want to ensure that I receive fair and reasonable prices for my tax advisor's services and do not feel burdened by excessive charges.
Therefore, my question to you as an expert is: Is there a limit to the amount of tax advisor fees, and how can I ensure that I am paying reasonable fees for my tax advisor's services? I look forward to your professional advice and thank you in advance for your support.
Best regards,
Leon Heuser
Dear Mr. Heuser,
I understand your concerns regarding the high tax advisor costs and can empathize with your worry. As a self-employed individual, it is particularly important that you pay fair and reasonable prices for the services of your tax advisor in order to not unnecessarily burden your financial situation. In relation to the question of a cap on the amount of tax advisor costs, I can provide you with the following information:
In Germany, there is no set legal cap on the amount of tax advisor costs. The costs for the services of a tax advisor usually depend on the Tax Advisor Compensation Act (StBVV) or on individual agreements between you and your tax advisor. The StBVV sets fee rates that can serve as guidance, but are not binding. Tax advisors have the freedom to set their own fees.
To ensure that you pay reasonable fees for the services of your tax advisor, it is advisable to make a clear agreement on the fees in advance. Ask your tax advisor for a detailed breakdown of the services provided and the costs involved. Based on this information, you can assess whether the costs are in proportion to the services provided.
Furthermore, you should be aware that the costs for the services of a tax advisor depend on various factors, such as the scope and complexity of tax matters, the amount of work involved, the experience of the tax advisor, and regional market conditions.
If you feel that the tax advisor costs are unreasonably high, you can also request quotes from other tax advisors and compare prices. This way, you can determine whether the costs of your current tax advisor are within the normal range or if there are more affordable alternatives.
Overall, it is important that you, as a client, make clear agreements with your tax advisor to avoid misunderstandings and discrepancies regarding costs. I am also available for individual consultation and support to help you obtain fair and reasonable prices for the services of your tax advisor.
Kind regards,
Petra Lehmann
Tax Advisor
