ELSTER for freelancers: file your tax returns directly from KontoVexa

What is ELSTER?

ELSTER (Elektronische Steuererklärung, electronic tax return) is the online portal of the German tax administration. Electronic filing is mandatory for the self-employed: the advance VAT return (Umsatzsteuer-Voranmeldung), annual VAT return (Umsatzsteuer-Jahreserklärung), EC sales list (Zusammenfassende Meldung), Anlage EÜR, trade tax and income tax returns all go to the tax office via ELSTER.

ELSTER account and certificate

To file, you need a user account with Mein ELSTER. When you register, you receive activation data by post and then download your certificate file (.pfx), which you protect with your password (PIN). Allow about two weeks for the registration.

Which returns can you file with KontoVexa?

On the Business and Pro plans you file these returns directly from KontoVexa:

• Advance VAT return (Umsatzsteuer-Voranmeldung, UStVA), monthly or quarterly.
• Annual VAT return (Umsatzsteuer-Jahreserklärung).
• EC sales list (Zusammenfassende Meldung, ZM) for services to businesses in the EU.
• Anlage EÜR with the asset register (AVEÜR).
• Trade tax return (Gewerbesteuererklärung).

How filing works

KontoVexa fills in the fields (Kennzahlen) from your bookings and shows each field with its original name from the ELSTER form. Before sending, KontoVexa checks the data with ERiC, the official interface of the tax administration. You send with your ELSTER certificate and PIN, and the transmission log is stored with the return.

You still file the main income tax form (Mantelbogen) in Mein ELSTER or through your tax advisor; the Anlage EÜR comes ready-made from KontoVexa.

Frequently asked questions