The EÜR (cash-basis profit calculation) explained simply

Who may use the EÜR?

Freelancers may always use an EÜR. So may traders, as long as they are not required to keep full books. They are required to if turnover is above 800,000 euros or profit above 80,000 euros a year (section 141 AO), or if they are merchants entered in the commercial register.

The cash principle

In an EÜR what counts is when the money flows, not when the invoice is written (section 11 EStG). An invoice from December that is paid in January belongs to the new year. The same applies to expenses.

Regularly recurring payments around the turn of the year, such as rent, count for the year they belong to economically if they flow within ten days before or after 31 December.

What counts as a business expense?

• Everything that is business related: rent, materials, software, vehicle costs, advice, insurance
• Entertainment at 70 percent, with a receipt and details of occasion and participants
• Purchases above 800 euros net are depreciated over their useful life; up to 800 euros net they can be deducted immediately
• Private items do not belong in it, mixed costs are split

Submitting to the tax office

You submit the EÜR form electronically through ELSTER. An exception for business income under 22,000 euros a year allows an informal profit statement in which you list income and expenses. The deadline for the tax return is on the tax office website; it is usually in summer of the following year, later with a tax adviser.

How Saldiqo helps

Saldiqo matches payments from your bank statement to invoices and expenses and calculates the EÜR from them on the cash principle, with the figures for the VAT return. You can see at any time where you stand in the year and export the numbers for ELSTER or your tax adviser. Saldiqo does not replace tax advice.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between EÜR and a balance sheet?

The EÜR counts cash inflows and outflows, the balance sheet also records receivables, liabilities and inventory.

Do I have to submit the EÜR electronically?

Yes, the EÜR form goes through ELSTER. Under 22,000 euros of business income an informal statement is enough.

Does an open invoice count as income?

Only once the money has arrived. What matters is the payment received.

Can I do the EÜR with Saldiqo?

Saldiqo prepares it. You submit it to the tax office through ELSTER or your tax adviser.

Which records do I have to keep?

Accounting records for eight years, business letters for six years.

More guides

• E-invoicing in Germany: obligation, formats and deadlines
• GoBD for self-employed people: the essentials
• Invoicing as a small business: how to do it right
• Writing a payment reminder: deadlines, interest and fees
• Writing an invoice: the mandatory details under section 14 UStG
• Assigning invoice numbers correctly
• XRechnung or ZUGFeRD: what is the difference?