Nothing But Paperwork!

It is a very frustrating time, as far as my small business is concerned. We seem to be overwhelmed by paperwork, all the forms which need to be filled out, all the various institutions we have to register with, tax, selling on certain platforms, just general work. I wonder whether it is all necessary? Fine, we are keeping other people in work, but is it necessary to run a business?

Photo Credit: TheeErin – Creative Commons

Just to give you a small idea of what is happening: we are busy with paperwork for the German, British and American tax collectors. We’re in Germany, and so pay our tax here, but registered in England, so have to sort out their returns too and, to add to it all, if we want to trade in the US we need to register with the IRS too. All three have completely different systems, and they all need to be satisfied. That means applying in Germany for the right tax numbers and then filling out massive forms to show what the business does. That means de-registering in England and proving that we are still paying tax, even if it is elsewhere. That means registering in the US so that we don’t have to pay tax there and in Germany.

Photo Credit: moominmolly – Creative Commons

Today we sought out a tax accountant here, for all those things we can’t do ourselves, and are hopeful that this will make things, in Germany at least, easier. The fact that he is on holiday for another ten days… Fine, I’m sure that he deserves it, and it is the spring holiday season in Germany. It all adds to the time we are going to need, though. Certain returns have to be submitted by a set date, and these dates really are set, there is little chance of changing them, not even by a week or so.

And there are so many other things to do! All I wanted was to set up a small business and publish books, that the rest of the world – or so it seems – needs to be involved is hardly a benefit!

Love & Kisses, Viki.

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