Difference: Trade office vs. tax office - who does what?

If you want to work independently in Germany, you often hear about Trade office and Tax office. Both authorities are important - but they have different tasks. Here we simply explain, who does what.

Trade office - your first step

What does the trade office do?

The Trade office is the authority with which you officially register your business. register.
This means: You tell the state that you are now self-employed (e.g. with an online store, café, as a craftsman* or in trade).

You need the trade office if:

• You are founding a company (not as a freelancer)

• You are opening a business or want to work independently

• You have an official Trade license need

What do you get from the trade office?

• One Business registration (also: trade license)
• The information is automatically forwarded to other offices (e.g. the tax office and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce)

Tax office - responsible for taxes

What does the tax office do?
The Tax office takes care of your Taxes. As soon as you have registered your business with the trade office, you will receive Mail from the tax office.

You have to do this at the tax office:

• Questionnaire for tax registration fill out (possible online)

• Your Tax number apply (you need this for invoices)

• Indicate whether you Value added tax want to pay or the Small business regulation uses

• Later: Your Tax returns deliver

Important: Without a tax number you may no invoices write!