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Tax aspects of starting a business: sales tax, income tax and trade tax

02/08/2024 | by Patrick Fischer, M.Sc., Founder & Data Scientist: FDS

Founding a company is an exciting step, but it also requires tax considerations. When starting a business, founders need to consider a variety of tax issues, including VAT, income tax and trade tax. In this article, we take a closer look at these tax aspects and how they affect budding entrepreneurs.

Sales tax: when is it relevant?

Sales tax, also known as VAT, is a consumption tax levied on the sale of goods and services. In Germany, the general VAT rate is currently 19%, while the reduced rate is 7%. When setting up a company, founders must decide whether they want to be liable for VAT or not.

The VAT liability can be relevant for companies that offer goods or services that are subject to VAT. If a company is liable for VAT, it must collect VAT on its sales and pay it to the tax office. At the same time, it can claim the input tax it has paid for business expenses.

Income tax: personal tax liability

Income tax concerns the personal tax liability of the founders and owners of a company. In Germany, income from self-employment and entrepreneurial activity is generally subject to income tax. The amount of income tax depends on the income and the personal tax rates.

It is important to note that in Germany the Income Tax Act makes a distinction between tradespeople and freelancers. Freelancers, such as doctors, lawyers and engineers, are subject to different tax rules than tradespeople who produce goods or provide services.

Trade tax: For companies with commercial operations

Trade tax is a municipal tax levied on companies that operate a trade. The amount of trade tax depends on the amount of trade income and the assessment rate of the respective municipality. Founders must check whether their activity is classified as commercial and whether they are subject to trade tax.

Crowdfunding and legal provisions: Financing for start-ups

Crowdfunding has become a popular financing method for start-ups. It allows founders to raise capital from a variety of investors, often via online platforms. Despite its appeal, start-ups must observe certain legal provisions when using crowdfunding:

1. Crowdfunding platforms: Start-ups should ensure that the crowdfunding platform they select meets the legal requirements and has a valid license.

2. Type of company: The type of company can have an impact on the legal requirements for raising capital. Some forms require the publication of certain information for investors.

3. Transparency: Start-ups must be transparent about their business, financial position and risks. This is crucial to gain the trust of investors.

4. Contracts and agreements: It is advisable to seek professional legal assistance to properly draft the contracts and agreements with investors and ensure that they comply with applicable laws.

Proper advice and compliance with the law are crucial to running successful crowdfunding campaigns and avoiding legal issues.

Conclusion

Tax considerations and legal regulations are key aspects of starting a business and raising capital via crowdfunding. Founders should learn about tax obligations early on and consult legal experts to ensure that their business operations comply with applicable laws and regulations. With the right preparation and advice, founders can maintain their financial integrity and build their business successfully.

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How do I write a good press release?

02/06/2024 | by Patrick Fischer, M.Sc., Founder & Data Scientist: FDS

1. Start with a meaningful title.

2. Give a brief summary of the topic, including the place and time.

3. Explain the details of the event.

4. Include relevant details such as important people, companies, products, etc.

5. Mention the value of the event to the public.

6. Include contact information if more information is needed.

7. Include a quotable quote from an expert or important person.

8. Conclude the message with a closing statement.

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Create high-quality content without much effort - We show you how it's done

02/01/2024 | by Patrick Fischer, M.Sc., Founder & Data Scientist: FDS

High-quality content is one of the most important elements of any successful marketing campaign. But how do you create high-quality content as efficiently as possible without spending a lot of effort?

1. Leverage the power of scale and automation. Automation allows you to create and distribute content in a short amount of time. Use tools like Hootsuite to publish and distribute your content on multiple platforms at once.

2. Rely on repurposing. Repurposing means that you reuse existing content and turn it into new formats. This will save you a lot of time and effort in creating new content.

3. Be creative. Creativity is the key word when it comes to high-quality content. Think about new ideas that you can incorporate into your content. Use different media formats like videos, infographics or podcasts to make your content more interesting.

4. Incorporate expert opinions. Expert opinions are a great way to create high-quality content. Solicit experts to talk about different topics and give your readers a fresh perspective.

5. Use social media. Social media is a great tool to distribute content quickly and efficiently. Use different platforms like Twitter, Facebook or Instagram to publish and share your content.

With these tips, you can create and distribute high-quality content without much effort. Use scaling and automation, repurposing, creative ideas, expert opinions, and social media to distribute and market your content.

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B2B Sales - How to win more customers

01/22/2024 | by Patrick Fischer, M.Sc., Founder & Data Scientist: FDS

1. Define your target customers: First, it's important to define your target customers in terms of their industry, size, region, and other characteristics. This will help you better focus on those customers who will benefit the most from your product or service.

2. Create a strong brand: By building a strong brand, you can stand out from the competition. Invest in designing a professional logo, a memorable website and other marketing activities to make your brand known.

3. Use social media: social media is an effective way to connect with your customers and keep them updated on news and offers. Create a presence on the major platforms and use them to connect with your customers.

4. Focus on customer service: B2B customers are interested in quality customer service that provides quick answers and solutions to problems. Invest in a good customer service team and make sure they respond to all inquiries quickly and professionally.

5. Build a network: By building a network of industry leaders, experts and other relevant people, you can promote your brand and expand your customer base. Create a list of potential contacts and build these relationships by keeping them informed and sending them information about your products and services on a regular basis.

6. Make use of inbound marketing: Inbound marketing is one of the most effective ways to attract new customers. Create interesting content such as blogs, whitepapers, videos and infographics to drive visitors to your website and get them to sign up for your newsletter.

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Advised and sold - Why self-proclaimed experts and coaches will run you down

01/05/2024 | by Patrick Fischer, M.Sc., Founder & Data Scientist: FDS

There are many self-proclaimed experts and coaches who try to run people through advice and sales. These individuals often offer a variety of services designed to help people achieve their goals. These services range from financial advice to personal development to career counseling. They promise that their services will help people improve their lives, but it is important to note that many of these "experts" do not have the qualifications or knowledge to actually help.

Experts and coaches are mainly trying to make money by giving advice and selling, rather than giving truly useful information. They may try to get people to buy a product or service they don't really need through a sales pitch. They may also try to get people to spend more money than they actually can to get a particular service or product. This type of "advising" can be harmful, as it does not help people achieve their goals, but instead entices them to pay more than they actually can.

It is therefore important to carefully check if the services from an expert or coach are really useful. One should always do an in-depth research before considering any consultation or sale. Pay attention to the qualifications of the expert and make sure that they have experience and knowledge to really help you achieve your goals. This way, you can ensure that you don't fall victim to a scam.

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