Bookkeeping in Berlin

When you need an accountant (Steuerberater) in Berlin

Berlin is a city of freelancers, creatives, and startups, so Russian speakers need a Steuerberater for: registering as self-employed (Freiberufler/Gewerbe), VAT (Umsatzsteuer), setting up a GmbH/UG, and filing an annual tax return.

Price reference: freelancer bookkeeping — €80–200/mo, GmbH bookkeeping — €200–500/mo, one-off consultation — €90–250 (Steuerberater rates are regulated by the StBVV). Initial consultation with SVOY accountants — free.

What matters specifically for Russian speakers from the CIS

• Income from clients in Russia/CIS. A Steuerberater can legally structure your earnings and status (Freiberufler/Gewerbe) — which also serves as proof of income for your residence permit.
• How to bring money in. SWIFT from Russia is restricted — third countries, USDT, then international transfers; it is important to record incoming funds correctly in your books.
• Worldwide income. German tax residents are taxed on income from anywhere in the world, including Russia — a Steuerberater will help you avoid trouble and claim foreign tax credits.
• CIS documents. For registration and deductions — apostille and certified translation, remotely.

Freiberufler or Gewerbe — the key fork in the road

• Freiberufler (liberal professions: IT, design, consulting, translation) do not pay trade tax (Gewerbesteuer) and have simpler accounting;
• Gewerbe (trade, services) — requires registration (Gewerbeanmeldung) and Gewerbesteuer (in Berlin the Hebesatz is 410%, though individuals benefit from a tax-free allowance of €24,500);
• registration — via the Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung at the Finanzamt (online through Elster), after which you receive your Steuernummer.

VAT and the Kleinunternehmer rule

• standard Umsatzsteuer 19% (7% on select categories);
• Kleinunternehmerregelung (§19 UStG) — with turnover up to €22,000 you may be exempt from charging VAT;
• VAT returns (USt-Voranmeldung) — filed monthly or quarterly via Elster.

GmbH, UG, and creative professions

• UG (’mini-GmbH’) — from €1 share capital; GmbH — €25,000; corporate income tax Körperschaftsteuer 15% + Soli + Gewerbesteuer (combined ~30%);
• for creatives and artists — Künstlersozialkasse (KSK): the government covers half of social security contributions (a very Berlin thing).

How to choose an accountant

• hire a Steuerberater (a regulated profession) with experience working with expats and freelancers;
• decide between Freiberufler and Gewerbe before registering — it affects your taxes;
• a Russian-speaking specialist will handle your status and deductions more precisely;
• check whether they handle Elster and USt-Voranmeldung.

Looking for an accountant in Berlin? Describe your situation — we’ll answer your questions for free, and a specialist will personally review your case.