Tax authorities disclose citizens' tax refund statuses - "Yeah you goddamn it"
In the upcoming episode of "Hartz and Heartfelt," a popular German series airing on RTL2 on August 8th at 3 pm, characters Petra, Pascal, and Selina face a challenge related to the tax program Elster. The episode, titled "Once a Scrounger, Always a Scrounger," showcases the trio's journey as they aim to build a career as influencers, relying on their TikTok videos as a means to live off their passion.
The mother-son duo, Petra and Pascal, have already registered their self-employment, but they express concern about their lack of expertise in tax matters. They seek help from the chamber of commerce to fill out the Elster online form, as they are unable to afford a tax consultant.
The chamber of commerce employee clarifies that self-employment requires learning to do tasks independently. While offering help, they emphasize the need for self-employed individuals to be able to do such tasks independently.
Creating an ELSTER user account and obtaining a tax identification number for self-employment in Germany can be a bit complex. Here's a step-by-step guide to help benefit recipients or anyone interested in self-employment navigate this process:
Step 1: Register for an ELSTER Account
- Access the ELSTER portal at www.elster.de.
- Choose your registration method, whether it's an ELSTER certificate or an electronic ID card.
- Fill out the registration form with your personal details.
- Activate your account following the instructions received.
Step 2: Obtain a Steuer-ID (Tax Identification Number)
- If you have a German tax obligation, you should receive your Steuer-ID automatically when you register with the local tax office or file your first tax return.
- If you haven't received one, contact your local tax office (Finanzamt) to request it. They will guide you through the process.
Step 3: File Self-Employment Tax Forms
- Login to the ELSTER portal using your account.
- Complete the main tax return form (Einkommensteuererklärung) and any relevant additional forms, such as the Gewerbesteuererklärung (trade tax return) if applicable.
Additional Information
- Benefit recipients should ensure they understand how their benefits interact with their self-employment income. You may need to report your income and benefits on specific forms.
- If you are unsure about any part of the process, consider consulting a tax advisor to ensure compliance with German tax laws.
The job center is mentioned as a potential source of blame in the challenges faced by Petra and Pascal. However, their future success as influencers remains uncertain. The series "Hartz and Heartfelt" follows benefit recipients in their daily lives, highlighting their financial and interpersonal challenges.
- Petra and Pascal, the mother-son duo, delve into the realm of fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and home-and-garden influencing, hoping to create a lifestyle brand.
- Despite registering their self-employment, they find themselves in need of guidance on tax matters, particularly regarding the Elster program.
- Without the means to hire a tax consultant, they turn to the chamber of commerce for assistance with filling out the Elster online form.
- Using their newfound ELSTER account, Petra and Pascal can navigate their way through relationships with various brands for potential shopping collaborations, domestic travels, and car sponsorships.
- After successfully filing their tax forms, they can focus on nurturing their pet companion and expanding their reach in the influencer world, blending travel experiences, fashion trends, and TEST in their content.
