• Home
  • Imprint
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms
  • Agile and lean law firm
  • Ideal partner
  • Contact
  • Videos
ITMediaLaw - Rechtsanwalt Marian Härtel
  • en English
  • de Deutsch
  • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • About lawyer Marian Härtel
      • Ideal partner
      • About lawyer Marian Härtel
      • Video series – about me
      • Why a lawyer and business consultant?
      • Principles as a lawyer
      • Focus on start-ups
      • Nerd und Rechtsanwalt
      • Ideal partner
      • How can I help clients?
    • Über die Kanzlei
      • How clients benefit from my network of colleagues, partners and service providers
      • Quick and flexible access
      • Agile and lean law firm
      • Team: Saskia Härtel – WHO AM I?
      • Price overview
    • How can I help clients?
    • Sonstige Informationen
      • Einwilligungen widerrufen
      • Privatsphäre-Einstellungen ändern
      • Historie der Privatsphäre-Einstellungen
      • Privacy policy
    • Testimonials
    • Imprint
  • Leistungen
    • Focus areas of attorney Marian Härtel
      • Support with the foundation
      • Games law consulting
      • Advice in e-commerce
      • Support and advice of agencies
      • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
      • Legal compliance and expert opinions
      • Streamers and influencers
      • Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Games
      • Outsourcing – for companies or law firms
    • Arbeitsschwerpunkte
      • Games and esports law
        • Esports. What is it?
      • Corporate law
      • IT/IP Law
      • Consulting for influencers and streamers
        • Influencer & Streamer
      • Contract review and preparation
      • DLT and Blockchain consulting
        • Blockchain Overview
      • Investment advice
      • AI and SaaS
  • Artikel
    • Langartikel / Guides
    • Law and computer games
    • Law and Esport
    • Law on the Internet
    • Blockchain and web law
    • Online retail
    • Data protection Law
    • Copyright
    • Competition law
    • Copyright
    • EU law
    • Law on the protection of minors
    • Labour law
    • Tax
    • Kanzlei News
    • Other
  • Videos/Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Podcast
      • ITMediaLaw Podcast
      • ITMediaLaw Kurz-Podcast
  • Knowledge base
  • Contact
  • E-Books
  • Vertragsmuster
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms
  • Kostenlose Vertragsmuster
Kurzberatung
  • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • About lawyer Marian Härtel
      • Ideal partner
      • About lawyer Marian Härtel
      • Video series – about me
      • Why a lawyer and business consultant?
      • Principles as a lawyer
      • Focus on start-ups
      • Nerd und Rechtsanwalt
      • Ideal partner
      • How can I help clients?
    • Über die Kanzlei
      • How clients benefit from my network of colleagues, partners and service providers
      • Quick and flexible access
      • Agile and lean law firm
      • Team: Saskia Härtel – WHO AM I?
      • Price overview
    • How can I help clients?
    • Sonstige Informationen
      • Einwilligungen widerrufen
      • Privatsphäre-Einstellungen ändern
      • Historie der Privatsphäre-Einstellungen
      • Privacy policy
    • Testimonials
    • Imprint
  • Leistungen
    • Focus areas of attorney Marian Härtel
      • Support with the foundation
      • Games law consulting
      • Advice in e-commerce
      • Support and advice of agencies
      • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
      • Legal compliance and expert opinions
      • Streamers and influencers
      • Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Games
      • Outsourcing – for companies or law firms
    • Arbeitsschwerpunkte
      • Games and esports law
        • Esports. What is it?
      • Corporate law
      • IT/IP Law
      • Consulting for influencers and streamers
        • Influencer & Streamer
      • Contract review and preparation
      • DLT and Blockchain consulting
        • Blockchain Overview
      • Investment advice
      • AI and SaaS
  • Artikel
    • Langartikel / Guides
    • Law and computer games
    • Law and Esport
    • Law on the Internet
    • Blockchain and web law
    • Online retail
    • Data protection Law
    • Copyright
    • Competition law
    • Copyright
    • EU law
    • Law on the protection of minors
    • Labour law
    • Tax
    • Kanzlei News
    • Other
  • Videos/Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Podcast
      • ITMediaLaw Podcast
      • ITMediaLaw Kurz-Podcast
  • Knowledge base
  • Contact
  • E-Books
  • Vertragsmuster
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms
  • Kostenlose Vertragsmuster
ITMediaLaw - Rechtsanwalt Marian Härtel

ITMediaLaw - Rechtsanwalt Marian Härtel > Tax > Cost trap for the self-employed: travel expense report

Cost trap for the self-employed: travel expense report

19. February 2019
in Tax
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0 0
A A
0
documents 158461 1280

Travel expense accounting is important

Content Hide
1. Travel expense accounting is important
2. A lack of travel expenses is like burning cash
3. But beware of the self-employed!
4. Conclusion

My article yesterday on the risk of tax and/or social security audits generated some feedback. This shows me that the topic has surprised some and that it is worth sharing the topic more on social media.

As I mentioned briefly, there are many related problems and risks, which, of course, in the broadest sense also have to do with taxes and social security. While you can also get some things wrong with catering documents (if I’m interested, I’ll also make my own article), here the amount in the room is still quite limited. As a rule, as a self-employed (or small start-up) you will not have thousands of euros in costs for catering per month.

In another case, this may be different, namely for business trips, which one would also like to claim as operating expenses on your income tax return. This starts with trips to conferences or trade fairs, goes over flights to events of partner companies and ends with trips to customers or agencies.

A lack of travel expenses is like burning cash

If you get travel bills right, it can bring you a lot of money, because the so-called extra food costs can quickly exceed the actual cost of food, as well as things like taxi rides, hotels, even tips in addition. However, this requires correct travel expense reports, which carefully indicate the exact amounts, the cost centres (from which account, from which budget, etc.), the day of the trip and, above all, the purpose of the trip. The last two things are often the crux of the matter when you look closely, or if at some point, after two years or something like that, the auditor looks closely. It is then necessary to ensure that the purpose of the trip is specified precisely, sometimes also the activities on each day, and that it is precisely stated why the trip was initiated by the company. The latter must also be proven to the examiner in case of doubt. Otherwise, the full costs will eventually be eliminated and can no longer be claimed. Practical note: After two years, you usually don’t know what exactly you did on individual days!

But beware of the self-employed!

A particular sticking point exists mostly for the self-employed: the mixing of private and business purposes. The tax office examines this separation very closely (especially if an auditor wants to find something to justify his activity), because the auditor also knows how easy it is to combine holidays/sightseeing and a conference in London. Evidence of this is often enough, if you are just looking, also available. Many people post frankly, on Facebook or other social media channels, when you’re experiencing something great in a city. One should therefore take careful care to pick up and sort all receipts (in the case of thermal paper, make sure that it is bleached after a year or so!). Trade fair invitations, schedules of a seminar, or the minutes of a meeting should best be pinned directly behind the travel expense statement.

It gets tricky with a real mixture of the journey. While hotel costs, entrance to a trade fair and the like are still easily attributable, travel expenses would be harder to separate. There must be an appropriate distribution of costs here, which could, of course, lead to differences of opinion with the examiner.

The other receipts are often muddied, be it parking fees, tolls and many smaller things, for which there is often no receipt at all, or no receipt that meets the requirements to claim a VAT refund. But that’s just stupid. Careless action simply costs money here. Then you can also burn banknotes.

Conclusion

As with all things about accounting, taxes, documents or government communication, a care that is often unwelcome helps to save real money. A system should be developed for archiving, storage and creation of travel expenses, including all documents. The effort will be worthwhile!

Tags: AgenturenEventsFacebookFeeSocial securityTestVat

Beliebte Beträge

As a teenager, make e-sports men/streamers self-employed?

As a teenager, make e-sports men/streamers self-employed?
2. January 2020

The industry of streamers and e-sports enthusiasts is very young compared to other industries and therefore also for lawyers and...

Read moreDetails

E-invoicing obligation from 2025: BMF specifies requirements

E-invoicing obligation from 2025: BMF specifies requirements
21. October 2024

In my previous blog posts E-invoicing obligation coming from 2025 - What entrepreneurs need to know and XRechnung and ZUGFeRD:...

Read moreDetails

Internationalization of start-ups: Legal challenges when entering a foreign market

Internationalization of start-ups: Legal challenges when entering a foreign market
10. October 2024

Internationalization offers start-ups enormous growth opportunities, but also brings with it complex legal challenges. Successful market entry abroad requires careful...

Read moreDetails

Internationalization of startups

Internationalization of start-ups: Legal challenges when entering a foreign market
10. October 2024

Internationalization offers start-ups enormous growth opportunities, but also brings with it complex legal challenges. Successful market entry abroad requires careful...

Read moreDetails

Hanover Tax Court on tax deductibility of clothing for fashion influencers!

17. May 2024

Do you know this? You look in your closet, see your work clothes and think: "Wouldn't it be great if...

Read moreDetails

VAT liability for supervisory board members

Small game, big rules – A victory for principle in VAT law
27. February 2024

Introduction As a lawyer with a focus outside of tax law, I still find it important to address relevant legal...

Read moreDetails

Small game, big rules – A victory for principle in VAT law

Small game, big rules – A victory for principle in VAT law
18. March 2024

The joys of detailed work: small amount in dispute, big commitment Sometimes it's the little things that fascinate and challenge...

Read moreDetails

Online poker: BFH confirms possible income tax liability

Online poker: BFH confirms possible income tax liability
3. July 2023

The German Federal Fiscal Court (Bundesfinanzhof, BFH) recently issued an important ruling on the tax implications of winnings from online...

Read moreDetails

BGH clarifies the distinction between pseudo self-employed and employees: An urgent warning for startups, game developers, esports teams and agencies

BGH clarifies the distinction between pseudo self-employed and employees: An urgent warning for startups, game developers, esports teams and agencies
26. May 2023

A new BGH ruling confirms the risks of bogus self-employment - be prepared In recent years, I have repeatedly pointed...

Read moreDetails
Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF)

What is Proof of Stake Off-Chain (POSOF)?

9. February 2025

What is Proof of Stake Off-Chain (POSOF)? Proof of Stake Off-Chain (POSOF) is a consensus mechanism that aims to improve...

Read moreDetails
Venture debt

Venture debt

16. October 2024
More consumer protection when buying apps and software

Pseudo self-employment

11. April 2025
legal drafting of api usage agreements key issues for tech companies

Double optin procedure

16. October 2024
kuenstlersozialkasse ksk und ksk abgabe

Artists’ Social Insurance Fund (KSK) and KSK levy

28. June 2023

Podcast Folgen

Legal challenges in the gaming universe: A guide for developers, esports professionals and gamers

What will 2025 bring for start-ups in legal terms? Opportunities? Risks?

24. January 2025

In this exciting episode of the itmedialaw podcast, we take a deep dive into the legal developments that will shape...

247f58c28882e230e982fa3a32d34dea

Digital sovereignty: Europe’s path to a self-determined digital future

8. December 2024

In this exciting episode of the itmedialaw.com podcast, we take a deep dive into the highly topical subject of digital...

d00527fd01b1f807a4f80c0f202069e7

Legal basics for startup founders – how to start on the safe side!

9. November 2024

In this episode of the Itmedialaw podcast, lawyer and entrepreneur Marian Härtel takes you on a journey through the legal...

9e9bbb286e0d24cb5ca04eccc9b0c902

Legal challenges of innovative business models

1. October 2024

In this captivating podcast episode, I dive deep into the world of legal challenges associated with innovative business models as...

  • Home
  • Imprint
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms
  • Agile and lean law firm
  • Ideal partner
  • Contact
  • Videos
Marian Härtel, Rathenaustr. 58a, 14612 Falkensee, info@itmedialaw.com

Marian Härtel - Rechtsanwalt für IT-Recht, Medienrecht und Startups, mit einem Fokus auf innovative Geschäftsmodelle, Games, KI und Finanzierungsberatung.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
  • Contact
  • Leistungen
    • Support with the foundation
    • Focus areas of attorney Marian Härtel
    • Consulting for influencers and streamers
    • Advice in e-commerce
    • DLT and Blockchain consulting
    • Games law consulting
    • Support and advice of agencies
    • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
    • Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Games
    • Investment advice
    • Booking as speaker
    • Legal compliance and expert opinions
    • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
    • Contract review and preparation
  • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • Agile and lean law firm
    • Focus on start-ups
    • Principles as a lawyer
    • The everyday life of an IT lawyer
    • How can I help clients?
    • Why a lawyer and business consultant?
    • Focus on start-ups
    • How can I help clients?
    • Team: Saskia Härtel – WHO AM I?
    • Testimonials
    • Imprint
  • Videos
    • Video series – about me
    • Information videos – about Marian Härtel
    • Videos on services
    • Blogpost – individual videos
    • Shorts
    • Third-party videos
    • Podcast format
    • Other videos
  • Knowledge base
  • Podcast
  • Blogposts
    • Lange Artikel / Ausführungen
    • Law on the Internet
    • Online retail
    • Law and computer games
    • Law and Esport
    • Blockchain and web law
    • Data protection Law
    • Labour law
    • EU law
    • Corporate
    • Competition law
    • Copyright
    • Tax
    • Internally
    • Other
  • en English
  • de Deutsch
Kostenlose Kurzberatung