Ursula Cottam

Qualified German Tax Assistant
Focus on international issues

Germany is one of the most popular destinations for contractors in Europe. The combination of economic growth, successful businesses, a high standard of living and a central European location attracts individuals from all around the world.

In common with most European countries, the tax system and work permit regulations in Germany are quite strict.

As a contractor, freelancer or employee working in Germany you will have to deal with the German tax system. Alternatively you can opt to employ a tax adviser to handle this issue.

Ursula Cottam

Qualified German Tax Assistant
Focus on international issues

Germany is one of the most popular destinations for contractors in Europe. The combination of economic growth, successful businesses, a high standard of living and a central European location attracts individuals from all around the world.

In common with most European countries, the tax system and work permit regulations in Germany are quite strict.

As a contractor, freelancer or employee working in Germany you will have to deal with the German tax system. Alternatively you can opt to employ a tax adviser to handle this issue.

About us

We are a tax consultancy office located near Munich, Bavaria and we offer specialized accountancy and tax services to English speaking employees, contractors and freelancers.

No matter where you live we can work with you via e-mail and telephone to solve your issues.

Our specialist for international tax affairs is Mrs. Ursula Cottam. She has advised English speaking employees, contractors and freelancers on tax related matters for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience. She is fluent in English and is familiar with the majority of the tax related concerns the expatriate community can experience.

Most of her clients work in the Aerospace, Automotive or IT branches, but she has also advised clients working in other fields such as the Finance, Engineering or Agency branches.

Why choose us?

We offer a competent, comprehensive and reliable service tailored to each individual’s needs.

All your tax and accounting related issues are handled by Mrs. Cottam and her team. This ensures that your stay in Germany is made as pleasant and trouble free as possible with regards to your tax affairs.

She will clearly explain to you the processes that are involved and the steps which need to be taken to ensure that your tax affairs are processed and closed out in the most trouble free manner possible.

Mrs. Cottam and her team can take away much of the stress and uncertainty experienced when dealing with tax related issues.

Mrs. Cottam and her colleagues will prepare your return, submit it on your behalf, advise you of payment dates and amounts of money which have to be paid, and deal with any issues or queries raised by the tax office.

It may be possible to offset our fees to reduce your tax liability.

She will keep in regular touch with you ensuring you are aware of what we do at every step of the process.

Our aim is to give you peace of mind and to allow you to concentrate on your business activities safe in the knowledge that your tax affairs are being well taken care of.

How you benefit:

  • The first meeting is free of charge.
  • One to one communication with Mrs. Ursula Cottam.
  • General information and an introduction to the German tax system.
  • Advice on possible tax breaks.
  • Support via telephone and e-mail.
  • All tax related correspondence goes through our office automatically.
  • Paperwork and administration is kept to a minimum.
  • Quick and responsive processing of your documentation.
  • We do not outsource anything, all your data is held securely with us.
  • No minimum contract or notice period.
  • Our fees can be offset to reduce your tax liability.
  • No setup or leaving charges.

How it works:

Send an email or call Mrs. Ursula Cottam using the contact details here to discuss your tax affairs.
She will supply you with a simple checklist to guide you through the process.
She and her team will complete, register and file everything necessary to ensure that your tax affairs are completed in such a way that you have peace of mind.

Our aim is to make the whole process as simple, quick and easy for you as possible.

Most expats do not hand in their tax return. Why? Well, mostly because they don’t know what and how much they can claim. They often loose several thousand Euros per year.

We will tell you if it is worth filing a tax return.

We offer the following services. We can:

  • Supply you with a list of the documentation you require.
  • Prepare your tax declaration for you.
  • Submit your tax return to the relevant tax office electronically.
  • Review your tax assessment.
  • File an objection with the tax authorities should it be necessary.
  • Apply on your behalf for the reimbursement of German pension insurance contributions.
  • Register your business with the tax office.
  • Apply for exemption from the obligation to pay pension contributions.
  • Do your VAT forms and bookkeeping.
  • Complete your profit/loss accounts.
  • Complete your annual VAT and tax returns.
  • Electronically file your return with the tax office and advise you of the tax
  • Review the tax office assessment of your return, and, when necessary, file an objection on your behalf.
  • Complete the income tax declaration.
  • Complete the profit/loss accounts for the rental income.
  • Electronically submit your tax return.
  • Review the tax office assessment of your return, and, when necessary, file an objection on your behalf.

In the German tax declaration it is possible to claim back costs for the following items:

  • Costs associated with dual housing.
  • Relocation and moving costs.
  • School fees for German and International schools.
  • Donations in Germany and the EU.
  • Married couple allowances even when the wife/husband is living abroad.
  • Household related expenses.
  • Commuting to work.

In all these matters we will work with you to find the most advantageous and economic solution.

Should legal issues arise, we have the possibility of working together with two excellent lawyers, Mrs. Kirr and Mr. Ott to find the best possible solution for you.