I don't want to write a long history here, so I will try to keep it short and hopefully someone with experience in Germany (or contracting in general) can help 
I was working as contractor in Berlin from October 2015 to February 2016 using an umbrella company that a UK based agency recommend. I will try to summarize some issues I found:
1. It was really difficult to get them to file my tax declaration for 2015. They sent me a draft two months ago (which seemed right, even if my German skills are limited). They are supposed to have submitted it to the tax office, but I am still waiting for any news regarding to do the payment of my taxes.
2. I didn't do any quarterly payment. It was my understanding that as freelancer you are supposed to do quarterly tax payments in advance in Germany.
3. No news about monthly or quarterly VAT declarations.
4. Las year, I just registered my address in Germany and got my tax ID. But I didn't do any registration as freelancer or self employed (umbrella company didn't mention it, and I guessed they would take care of everything). It was my understanding that you are supposed to get a letter from the tax office including some questionnaire when this happens.
My question is... is it possible that my accountant/umbrella company organized all of this for me without me noticing it?
Another problem is that in general it takes a few days to get any answer from them, and they just say everything is ok without explaining many details. In case the situation seems dodgy, what should be the right thing to do? Should I start considering looking for another accountant and suing these guys? Or perhaps should I wait?
What's the major trouble I may face in this case? Note that we are talking about less than 40000 euros in total gross income, but I want to keep it legal.
Thanks!
I was working as contractor in Berlin from October 2015 to February 2016 using an umbrella company that a UK based agency recommend. I will try to summarize some issues I found:
1. It was really difficult to get them to file my tax declaration for 2015. They sent me a draft two months ago (which seemed right, even if my German skills are limited). They are supposed to have submitted it to the tax office, but I am still waiting for any news regarding to do the payment of my taxes.
2. I didn't do any quarterly payment. It was my understanding that as freelancer you are supposed to do quarterly tax payments in advance in Germany.
3. No news about monthly or quarterly VAT declarations.
4. Las year, I just registered my address in Germany and got my tax ID. But I didn't do any registration as freelancer or self employed (umbrella company didn't mention it, and I guessed they would take care of everything). It was my understanding that you are supposed to get a letter from the tax office including some questionnaire when this happens.
My question is... is it possible that my accountant/umbrella company organized all of this for me without me noticing it?
Another problem is that in general it takes a few days to get any answer from them, and they just say everything is ok without explaining many details. In case the situation seems dodgy, what should be the right thing to do? Should I start considering looking for another accountant and suing these guys? Or perhaps should I wait?
What's the major trouble I may face in this case? Note that we are talking about less than 40000 euros in total gross income, but I want to keep it legal.
Thanks!
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