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- 1 min read
Practical Guide: Refund of Foreign VAT (Input VAT Refund Procedure)
If, for example, you travel abroad on business and pay foreign VAT there, you can have this VAT refunded under certain conditions. Typical items for which input VAT refunds can be claimed
Source: Deubner Verlag - 1 min read
1% Rule: Gross List Price Constitutionally Permissible
The Bundesfinanzhof has once again confirmed (judgment of 13 December 2012, Az. IV R 51/11) that there are no constitutional concerns regarding the 1% rule. Not even when the gross list price of vehicles is no longer the standard today
Source: Deubner Verlag - 1 min read
Deduction of Actual Income-Related Expenses Possible in Certain Cases for Investment Income
The deduction of income-related expenses in their actual amount for investment income is possible upon application in cases where the individual income tax rate, even after applying the saver's lump-sum allowance, is already below
Source: Deubner Verlag 
1 min readSeals have arrived
We have received the Top Tax Advisor 2013 award, and the seals have arrived.
PressAwardsSource: Deubner Verlag- 1 min read
Long-Term Vacancy of Residential Properties: Intent to Generate Income? Recent Ruling and a General Issue with Further Proceedings Pending Before the Bundesfinanzhof
In its ruling of 11 December 2012 (Az. IX R 14/12), the BFH made clear that letting efforts must be adapted. Landlords are also reasonably expected to make concessions regarding the rent level in cases of long-term vacancy, or to seek more suitable means of marketing
Source: Deubner Verlag - 1 min read
Steffen & Partner Recognised Again as Top Tax Advisor
Steffen & Partner has been recognised by Focus Money as a Top Tax Advisor 2013 in the category of large firms. We are pleased about the award – but what matters more to us is that you are satisfied.
PressAwardsSource: Deubner Verlag - 1 min read
Commercial Mediation – An Alternative for Resolving Conflicts
We will find a solution. In January 2013, just.bocholt features commercial mediation by Christian Büker, Steuerberater (German Certified Tax Advisor), Master of Mediation and Managing Director within our Steffen & Partner group. Conclusion: mediation can be a sound alternative to court proceedings in a wide range of conflicts. What matters – everyone has to stay at the table.
PressSource: Deubner Verlag - 1 min read
VAT Risk Factor: Credit Notes from 01/01/2013
Until now, a credit note did not have to be explicitly labelled as a "Gutschrift" (credit note). It was sufficient if it read "Rechnung" (invoice), even though it was actually a credit note. This changed as of 01/01/2013
Source: Deubner Verlag 
2 min readOur Winter Edition – "The Magazine of Steffen & Partner"
The client magazine of the Steffen & Partner group focuses on "taking unique paths" in its Winter 2012 / 2013 issue. Featured is an experience profile of Michael Neumaier, who combines intuition, a head for numbers and a great deal of hard work. The banking section addresses the social, civic and cultural commitment of banks. Deutsche Bank in Bocholt, Stadtsparkasse Bocholt and Volksbank Bocholt are social beacons in the region. Our Steuerberater (German Certified Tax Advisors) cover the topic of "leasing", including a practical interview with Cosmotel-IT GmbH. Our Rechtsanwälte (German Attorneys-at-Law) provide year-end information on the statute of limitations, voluntary self-disclosure with exemption from prosecution, and holiday entitlement law. Our Wirtschaftsprüfer (German Statutory Auditors) address business valuation and offer initial insights. You will find all this and more in our winter edition. We wish you an enjoyable read!
PressFirm MagazineSource: Deubner Verlag- 1 min read
Check your income tax data carefully! A last-minute tip for employees at the turn of the year.
From 1 January 2013, the electronic income tax procedure will replace the familiar paper tax card. Employers will receive their employees' data from the tax authorities electronically. Every
Source: Deubner Verlag - 2 min read
Truck Drivers: Flat-Rate Overnight Allowances and Simplified Proof of Incidental Travel Expenses
On 4 December 2012, the BMF issued a letter on flat-rate overnight allowances for truck drivers and the simplified proof of incidental travel expenses. Background: In its ruling of 28 March 2012 (VI R 48/11), the BFH
Source: Deubner Verlag - 1 min read
When Fire Breaks Out: An Unattended Advent Wreath Constitutes Gross Negligence! Caution During the Christmas Season!
Leaving an Advent wreath with burning candles unattended constitutes grossly negligent conduct. This was the ruling of the Oberlandesgericht Düsseldorf. In the underlying case, the plaintiff left
Source: Deubner Verlag - 2 min read
Electronic Invoices: Digital Signature? Yes or No?
Here are the basic requirements for input VAT deduction and the fines that may apply if the additional requirements of the tax authorities are not met. Since 1 July 2011, a digital signature is no longer mandatory for electronic invoices
Source: Deubner Verlag - 1 min read
Electronic Wage Tax Card from 1 January 2013 — Note for 2013: Grace Period
From 1 January 2013, employers are generally required to begin using the electronic wage tax procedure. However, the tax authorities are granting a grace period until the end of 2013. In 2013, at least one payroll
Source: Deubner Verlag - 1 min read
Duty to Grit Roads at Night?
The BGH has ruled that a duty to grit during night-time hours only exists if corresponding traffic is to be expected. The plaintiff sought to hold the municipality liable for damages and pain and suffering following a black-ice accident
Source: Deubner Verlag - 2 min read
Healthy Mobility Finally Recognised!
And one more current update at the end of the winter season, now that the snow and slush are bidding farewell. On 23 November 2012, the supreme tax authorities of the federal states issued a decree that
Source: Deubner Verlag - 2 min read
Multiple Company Cars in Business Assets? Clarification and Relief at Last
In a recent BMF letter dated 15 November 2012, the tax authorities clarified the treatment of the private use of company cars where several vehicles are held as business assets, using example cases. The tax authorities allow
Source: Deubner Verlag - 2 min read
Possibly the last chance: Transferring cash as business assets tax-free to the next generation.
The anticipated succession via so-called "cash GmbHs" is about to end. When cash is to be transferred from one generation to the next, a distinction is made between business assets and private assets. The tax treatment differs significantly
Source: Deubner Verlag - 1 min read
BFH considers the trade tax add-back provisions to be constitutional
The add-back provisions of the German Trade Tax Act are most likely not unconstitutional, the Bundesfinanzhof (BFH, Federal Fiscal Court) has ruled. Background: in its established case law, the Bundesverfassungsgericht (BVerfG, Federal Constitutional Court) refers to trade tax as an "earnings-oriented object tax" that continues to meet constitutional requirements
Source: Deubner Verlag - 1 min read
International: EU funding more readily available from 2013
As of 1 January 2013, EU funding for businesses, cities, municipalities, researchers and students will be more easily accessible under the new Financial Regulation, thanks to simplified procedures. The new Financial Regulation (following formal adoption
Source: Deubner Verlag