Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions I am most commonly asked. If yours is not here, please get in touch directly.
Getting Started
We speak for approximately 30 minutes — by phone or video call, in German or English. You describe your situation, I ask questions, and I give you an honest first assessment. There is no charge for this initial call, and no obligation to proceed.
Yes. My entire practice is digital. I advise clients across Germany and internationally. We communicate by phone, video, and email. Physical meetings are the exception, not the rule.
A brief summary of your situation is helpful — where you live, where your income comes from, what countries are involved, and what question you most need answered. You do not need documents for the first call.
US Citizens & Expats
Yes. This is one of my primary areas of focus. I handle the German side of dual-filing situations and work in coordination with US CPAs where the American filing is also required. I am fluent in the complexity of FATCA, PFIC rules, and the treatment of US retirement accounts under German tax law.
This is one of the most frequently misunderstood areas I work in. Germany does not automatically recognise the US tax-free treatment of these accounts. The answer depends on your specific situation, the relevant treaty provisions, and the type of account. I advise on this regularly — book a call.
FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) requires foreign financial institutions to report accounts held by US persons to the IRS. If you are a US citizen with German bank accounts or investments, these may be reported to the US authorities. I advise on the implications and on your US reporting obligations.
Exit Taxation & Relocation
Under §6 AStG, if you hold a stake of 1% or more in a German corporation and leave Germany, the tax authorities treat your departure as a deemed sale of those shares — triggering a capital gains tax liability even though no actual sale has taken place. The rules are complex and the implications can be significant. Planning well in advance is essential.
As early as possible — ideally 12 to 18 months before your planned departure. Many of the most effective strategies require time to implement, and some options close once you have formally notified the authorities of your relocation.
Process & Fees
Fees depend on the complexity and scope of the work. For ongoing advisory mandates, I work on a transparent monthly retainer basis. For one-off projects — tax returns, specific advisory engagements — I provide a fixed fee estimate before we begin. There are no surprises.
Yes. Changing advisors is straightforward. I will handle the transfer of files and any communication with your previous advisor directly. Many of my clients came to me precisely because their previous advisor was not equipped to handle international situations.