Germany
What is meant by a corporate tax return?
Corporate tax returns are the annual current tax returns for companies that must be submitted to the financial authorities. For taxpayers who use a tax consultancy for returns to represent them with the tax office, the submission deadline for the respective tax returns is 31 December of the following year.
Depending on the legal form of the company, different tax returns for companies need to be submitted in Germany. In detail, these are:
Tax returns for sole proprietorships
- Sales tax return
- Business tax return (for commercial income)
- Declaration on the separate assessment of profits in the event that the company financial office and the tax office for residence are not the same
- Regarding the calculation of profit, pursuant to § 4, para 3 EStG (relating to revenue surplus accounts, or EÜR), and within the context of the income tax return, the German EÜR annex must be prepared and transmitted electronically
- For those who need to draw up statement, a tax balance sheet is required to be electronically transmitted (e-balance sheet)
Tax returns for partnerships
- Sales tax return
- Business tax return (for commercial income)
- Declaration on special – and standard – assessment of profits
- EÜR form for calculation of profits
- E-balance sheet for those drawing up statements
Tax returns for companies or corporations
- Sales tax return
- Business tax declaration (always)
- Corporation tax return
- E-balance sheet
Our expert tax consultants and lawyers at the Viehbacher law firm will professionally prepare your tax returns for your company, regardless of legal form, in a timely and tax-efficient manner. We look forward to hearing from you!
Austria
Corporate tax returns in Austria
In Austria, the profit of a company is liable for income tax. While sole proprietorships must pay tax on their entire profit, in partnerships, the profit is proportionally allocated to the shareholders and taxed accordingly. For companies that are regarded as legal persons, corporation tax also applies. In addition, the obligation to keep records pursuant to § 5 of the Austrian Income Tax Act (EStG) must be complied with; according to § 189 para. 1 no. 2 of the Austrian Corporate Code (UGB), this obligation starts at certain turnover thresholds.
In Austria, the following tax returns for companies are necessary:
- Income tax return
- Sales tax return
- Corporation tax return (for legal persons)
Our tax experts at the Viehbacher legal firm are familiar with all types of taxes and can advise you on all the relevant issues, including whether it is possible to consolidate the income tax and sales tax. In addition, we can also submit your tax returns in a competent, timely and tax-optimised manner. We look forward to hearing from you!
Liechtenstein
Corporate tax returns for Liechtenstein companies
In Liechtenstein, all companies are liable to pay either income tax or tax on profits, depending on their legal form. On the basis of an annual financial statement – which must conform to the commercial code – there is a requirement for companies to submit tax returns on an annual basis to the Liechtenstein municipalities or Liechtenstein tax authorities.
Partnerships
Sole proprietorships and members of partnerships are liable for income tax as natural persons. The assets and borrowed capital, as well as the profits of the company must be declared proportionately in the private income tax return, along with the other global assets and income. Appropriate documents, such as the annual accounts, must also be submitted.
The assets and liabilities of the company are to be declared, along with the market price as of the start of the year, while the revenues of the current tax period are to be recorded. Instead of a tax on capital, a so-called "target rate of profit”, (currently 4%) is assumed on net assets and recorded with the income tax. Income tax is composed of the national tax and the municipal tax surcharge. The national tax increases progressively in eight stages, with an upper tariff level of 8%. Municipal taxes are then levied by way of a surcharge at between 150% and 250%, depending on the local authority. The maximum tax rate is currently 28%, with no municipality currently levying the maximum surcharge.
Legal persons
Legal persons must submit their own tax return as independent legal and taxable persons. Capital is not taxable in Liechtenstein, but must be declared in the tax return, so that a notional interest expense of currently 4% of the modified equity can be tax deducted from the net profit according to commercial law. After the deduction of equity capital interest, this profit is subject to tax on earnings of 12.5%. The tax amount calculated cannot be deducted for tax purposes in Liechtenstein.
Value added tax (partnerships and legal persons)
Companies in Liechtenstein are subject to value added tax once a taxable turnover of CHF 100,000 is reached. If taxable sales of CHF 100,000 are not reached, companies can voluntarily pay value added tax as under certain circumstances this may lead to significant tax advantages. For these companies, VAT returns are to be submitted quarterly or every six months, depending upon the type of return.
Foreign companies who perform deliveries for contracts for work (delivery and installation of objects) in Liechtenstein and/or Switzerland are also liable to pay tax on reaching a turnover of CHF 100,000.
In addition, pursuant to Article 54 of the Value Added Tax Law, it is necessary to have a tax representative based in Liechtenstein to fulfil procedural obligations. We will gladly take on the role of being your tax consultancy for returns.
Summary
In Liechtenstein, depending on the form of the company, different tax returns need to be submitted. In detail, these are:
- Corporate tax return for natural and legal persons
- VAT returns for companies liable for value added tax
In addition, it should be noted that, depending on the form of the company, additional notifications need to be sent to the Liechtenstein authorities, such as annual employee payroll reports to the Old Age and Survivors Insurance (AHV) and other social insurance funds.
Our competent experts in Liechtenstein tax matters at the Viehbacher law firm can help you with all your tax matters. We would be pleased to draw on our expertise and professionally prepare the respective tax returns for companies, regardless of legal form, in a timely and tax-efficient manner. We look forward to hearing from you!
Switzerland
Compilation of business tax statements
Tax returns for companies are the annual current tax returns that must be submitted to the cantonal and federal tax authorities. The deadlines for the annual income tax return are different from the value added tax return, which is to be submitted quarterly or half-yearly.
Depending on the legal form of the company and turnover, different tax returns need to be submitted in Switzerland. In detail, these are:
- Income tax return, for natural or legal persons
- VAT returns for companies liable for value added tax
- Annual employee payroll reports to the Old Age and Survivors Insurance (AHV) and other social insurance funds
- The tax balance sheet is required to be included on the tax return, for those drawing up statements
For legal entities, capital and profit are taxed. The taxes paid can be deducted from the profit. Natural persons who operate as a sole proprietorship or a member of a partnership will have their income and assets taxed. The taxes paid are not deductible for natural persons.
Our expert lawyers and Swiss tax consultants at the Viehbacher law firm will professionally prepare your tax returns for companies, regardless of legal form, in a timely and tax efficient manner. We look forward to hearing from you!
Italy
Our information in the English language concerning preparation of corporate tax returns in Italy is currently still being developed. We kindly ask for your understanding. Therefore, please do not hesitate to contact us directly with your queries and concerns. For over ten years now, we have been preparing corporate tax returns for clients in five different countries. With us you are always competently advised and well represented. We look forward to receiving your message or call!
