Definition of a freelancer ( Freiberufler) vs tradesperson ( Gewerbetreibende)īefore you can go about setting yourself up as a freelancer in Germany, you need to make sure that you qualify as one according to German law. There are, however, a few bureaucratic hurdles to overcome before you can start working for yourself. In comparison with registering as a tradesperson, there are relatively few administrative issues involved with becoming a freelancer in Germany. Freelancing in Germany is therefore a flexible occupation open to both Germans and expats alike. Unlike tradespeople ( Gewerbetreibende), they usually operate under their own name rather than a company name and do not have to register with the trade office or pay trade tax. In this case, you must download an official questionnaire (see Forms), print it out, fill it in and send it to the responsible tax office.Freelancers ( Freiberufler) are self-employed entrepreneurs who work simultaneously for multiple clients and employers. The transmission of the tax registration when establishing an association is not yet possible electronically with 'My ELSTER'.

You can then initially only fill out the tax registration questionnaire online in 'My ELSTER' and send it electronically.įor more information on registration, see 'Further information'. because you are not yet registered for tax purposes with a tax office in Germany and are not registered in Germany, you can register in a simplified manner using only your e-mail address. Only if you are unable to provide either a tax number or an identification number for your registration, e.g. If you do not yet have access to 'My ELSTER', please first create a user account on 'My ELSTER'. If you already have access to a user account at 'My ELSTER', you can also use it to submit the questionnaire. for the transmission of tax returns or tax registrations), if you do not commission third parties to do so. You will also need this access later as a secure communication channel to the tax office and for the fulfillment of further tax obligations (e.g. To access the questionnaire at 'My ELSTER', the free registration/user account at 'My ELSTER' is required first. establish a corporation (also under foreign law) orįor the questionnaires, there is a legal obligation for electronic transmission in the ELSTER procedure (exception: formation of an association).start an agricultural or forestry activity or.You are obligated to provide information to the tax office if you

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