Knowledge · Founding
From first plan to ongoing bookkeeping: timelines, deadlines, and downloads for founders in Germany.
Guide
Becoming self-employed means clarifying your activity, registering as Freiberufler or Gewerbetreibender, tax registration with the tax office, sorting insurance, and issuing compliant invoices. This guide walks you through ten steps with a timeline, costs, and common mistakes. It does not replace tax or legal advice.
Topics in order
Read the guides in sequence, or jump to the step you need now.
In twelve weeks you can set up a clean start: business model, Freiberuf or Gewerbe, registrations, tax registration, insurance, and the first invoice. The checklist orders tasks by week. It does not replace advice for your case.
Freiberufliche activities are listed in § 18 EStG and extended catalogues. Gewerbe is registered with the municipality and often triggers IHK fees. Classification affects registration, chamber, and sometimes bookkeeping duties. If unsure, clarify your activity with the tax office or tax advisor.
If you start commercially and self-employed, you register your Gewerbe with the municipality. The trade office forwards data to the tax office, IHK, and other bodies. Prepare personal data, activity description, and lease if needed. Freiberufler under § 18 EStG do not register a trade.
After trade registration or starting as Freiberufler the tax office requests the tax registration questionnaire. Via ELSTER you report activity, expected revenue, taxation type, and bank details. You receive a tax number and often a VAT ID. Preparation reduces follow-up questions.
The small business rule under § 19 UStG exempts low revenue from VAT and removes input VAT deduction. Limits: 25,000 EUR in the prior year and 100,000 EUR in the current year. Standard taxation often suits B2B customers and high investments. Decide in the questionnaire and bookkeeping with advice.
Start for free: write invoices on the Free plan. Choose plan, term, and add-ons in the app afterwards. Custom adaptations or API integration? Get in touch.
