Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to the most common questions about our tax optimization strategies and services for businesses in Germany
Service Overview
Understanding what we do and how our tax optimization strategies work for your business
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What exactly is tax optimization strategy development?
We analyze your business structure, revenue streams, and operational costs to identify legitimate ways to reduce your tax burden. This isn't about finding loopholes—it's about understanding the German tax code well enough to structure your business activities in the most tax-efficient manner possible. Most business owners miss opportunities simply because they don't know they exist.
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How is this different from what my regular accountant does?
Traditional accounting focuses on compliance—making sure your taxes are filed correctly. We focus on strategy—making sure you're paying only what you legally owe. Think of it this way: your accountant looks backward at what happened last year, while we look forward at what could happen differently next year. Many accountants are excellent at their job but don't specialize in the proactive planning that reduces tax liability.
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What kind of businesses benefit most from your services?
Mid-sized businesses with annual revenues between €500K and €5M typically see the most significant impact. You're large enough to have complex tax situations but small enough to implement changes quickly. We work with manufacturing companies, service businesses, import/export operations, and consulting firms. The common thread is usually business owners who feel they're paying more in taxes than they should be.
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How long does it take to see results?
Some strategies can be implemented immediately and show results in the current tax year. Others, like restructuring your business entity or changing how you handle certain expenses, might take 6-12 months to fully implement. We always start with the quick wins while working on longer-term structural improvements. Most clients see measurable tax savings within their first year working with us.
Meet Torben Kleinhans
I've been working with German tax law for over 15 years, and I'll be honest—it's complicated. But that complexity is exactly where opportunities hide. Most business owners know the basics, but the real savings come from understanding how different parts of the tax code interact with each other.
What frustrates me is seeing businesses pay unnecessary taxes simply because no one took the time to explain their options. That's why I started focusing specifically on tax optimization rather than general accounting—someone needs to be looking out for your bottom line, not just your compliance.
Process & Implementation
How we work with clients and what you can expect from the optimization process
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What's your typical process for new clients?
We start with a comprehensive review of your last three years of tax returns and current business structure. This usually takes about two weeks. Then we have a detailed discussion about your business goals and growth plans—tax strategy should align with business strategy, not work against it. From there, we develop a customized optimization plan with both immediate and long-term recommendations.
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Do I need to change accountants to work with you?
Not necessarily. Many of our clients keep their existing accountant for day-to-day bookkeeping and compliance while we focus on strategic tax planning. We often work collaboratively with accounting firms—they handle the routine work, we handle the optimization. However, if your current accountant isn't comfortable implementing our strategies, we can certainly recommend someone who is.
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What information do you need from me to get started?
Recent tax returns, financial statements, and details about your business structure and operations. We also need to understand your future plans—are you planning to expand, hire more employees, or make significant capital investments? The more context we have about your business, the better we can tailor our recommendations to your specific situation.
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How do you stay current with changes in German tax law?
Tax law changes constantly, and that's both a challenge and an opportunity. I spend considerable time each month reviewing new regulations, court decisions, and administrative guidance. I also maintain relationships with other tax professionals and participate in continuing education programs. When laws change, there are often new planning opportunities that most businesses don't hear about for months or even years.
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What if the tax authorities question the strategies you recommend?
Everything we recommend is based on established tax law and established precedent. We document our reasoning thoroughly and maintain detailed records of why each strategy is appropriate for your specific situation. If questions arise during an audit, we provide full support and documentation. In over 15 years of practice, I've never had a client face penalties for strategies we've implemented.
Ready to Optimize Your Tax Strategy?
Let's discuss your specific situation and explore what opportunities might exist for your business. Every business is different, and the best strategies depend on your unique circumstances.
Schedule a Consultation