Method Required
EUeR sufficient
EUeR Profit (Cash Basis)
75.000,00 €
Bilanz Profit (Accrual Basis)
82.000,00 €
Difference
+7.000,00 €
EUeR Advantages
- + Simpler bookkeeping - no double-entry required
- + Cash basis - income taxed when received
- + Lower accounting costs
- + No balance sheet (Bilanz) required
Bilanz Advantages
- + More accurate profit picture (accrual basis)
- + Better for external financing and investors
- + Provisions can reduce taxable profit
- + Required for larger businesses - professional standard
When must I switch from EUeR to Bilanz in Germany?
You must use Bilanz (double-entry bookkeeping) if your revenue exceeds EUR 800,000 per year OR your profit exceeds EUR 80,000 per year. The Finanzamt will notify you when you cross these thresholds. Corporations (GmbH, AG) must always use Bilanz regardless of size.
What is the difference between EUeR and Bilanz?
EUeR (Einnahmen-Ueberschussrechnung) is cash-basis accounting: income is recorded when money is received, expenses when money is paid. Bilanz (double-entry) uses accrual accounting: income is recorded when invoiced, expenses when incurred. Bilanz also requires a balance sheet (Bilanz) and profit/loss statement (GuV).
Can I voluntarily use Bilanz even if EUeR is sufficient?
Yes, you can voluntarily opt for Bilanz at any time. This can be beneficial if you want more detailed financial insights, need to present financials to banks or investors, or want to use provisions to manage taxable profit. However, switching back to EUeR requires meeting the thresholds and notifying the Finanzamt.
Disclaimer: These calculations are estimates based on 2025 German tax rules and should not be considered professional tax advice. Consult a Steuerberater for your specific situation.
When you need doppelte Buchführung, how it works, and the difference from EÜR
What is doppelte Buchführung?
Doppelte Buchführung (double-entry bookkeeping) means every transaction is recorded in two accounts — a debit and a credit. If you receive a €5,000 payment from a client, you debit your bank account and credit your revenue account. This system ensures your books always balance and gives you a clear picture of your assets, liabilities, and equity at any time.
Who is required to use double-entry bookkeeping?
All corporations (GmbH, AG, UG) must use double-entry bookkeeping regardless of size. Sole traders and partnerships must switch when their turnover exceeds €600,000 or profit exceeds €60,000 per year. Below these thresholds, you can use the simpler EÜR (Einnahmen-Überschuss-Rechnung). Freiberufler are never required to use double-entry, even with high turnover.
What is the difference between EÜR and doppelte Buchführung?
EÜR is cash-based: you record income when money arrives and expenses when money leaves. Double-entry is accrual-based: you record transactions when they happen, not when cash moves. With EÜR, an invoice sent in December but paid in January counts as January income. With double-entry, it counts as December revenue. EÜR is simpler but gives less financial insight.
What documents must you keep?
German tax law requires you to keep all business records for 10 years (Aufbewahrungspflicht). This includes invoices, bank statements, contracts, receipts, and accounting records. Letters and emails related to business only need to be kept for 6 years. Records must be stored in a way that the Finanzamt can review them during a Betriebsprüfung (tax audit).
What is a Kontenrahmen?
A Kontenrahmen is a standardised chart of accounts used in German bookkeeping. The two most common are SKR 03 (process-oriented) and SKR 04 (function-oriented). Most small businesses and Steuerberater use SKR 03. For example, bank accounts are in class 1200, revenues in class 8000, and expenses in classes 4000-4999. Your accounting software sets this up automatically.
How much does a Steuerberater charge for bookkeeping?
A Steuerberater typically charges €100 to €300 per month for ongoing double-entry bookkeeping for a small GmbH with about 50 to 100 transactions per month. The annual financial statements (Jahresabschluss) cost an additional €1,500 to €4,000. Fees are regulated by the Steuerberatervergütungsverordnung (StBVV) and depend on your turnover and complexity.
Bundesfinanzministerium-Aligned: Based on 2025 Bundesfinanzministerium rates and thresholds. For personal advice, speak to a qualified Steuerberater (tax adviser).
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current German tax rates and thresholds for the 2025 tax year. It does not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Your actual liability may differ depending on your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified tax adviser before making financial decisions. Read our terms
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