Letters from the tax office (Finanzamt) · 7.9

Queries from the Tax Office: How to Respond Correctly?

Short answer

Queries are completely normal and not a sign of trouble. Respond within the stated deadline, objectively and precisely addressing the question asked, and attach the relevant receipts. If time runs short, request a deadline extension.

Key points

Your company is under a duty to cooperate (Mitwirkungspflicht). Failing to respond risks an estimation (Schätzung) of taxes by the authorities.
Answer precisely what was asked. Lengthy explanations on unrelated topics serve no purpose.
Attach receipts or vouchers as copies, never originals.
It is best to respond via ELSTER, providing you with verifiable proof of submission.
Document everything: letter, response, and date.
If a question is unclear, call the case officer directly and ask. This often saves a second round of inquiries.

Legal basis

§ 90 AO§ 93 AO§ 97 AO§ 109 AO§ 162 AO

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