17.11.2022

THE HISTORY OF TAX CONSULTING

Tax is not one of the inventions of modern times, but has been common practice for more than five thousand years. The first professional tax system existed in early antiquity, while in Egypt, for example, state scribes collected a duty for crossing the Nile or a harvest tax. In Greece, city states like Athens also financed themselves through taxation and customs duties. The taxation system extended into Roman times and was varied in the levies. From obolus to tribute to state-imposed taxes, an elaborate administration emerged that took its place in history. Among them were some curious taxes, such as the beard tax under Tsar Peter the Great in the 17th century or the wig tax under Frederick I of Prussia in the 18th century. This shows that taxes do not always have to be dry and dusty.

The history of tax consultancy begins during the Weimar Republic. Although tax advisors did not yet have a special professional law, various tradesmen were already seeking professional advice, while lawyers also took over the work until the time of the First World War. In the German Reich, the Legal Tax Code came into force in 1919, which summarised all the tax regulations of the time. It included the possibility for taxpayers to hire an authorised representative to take care of their affairs.

Thus, in addition to lawyers and notaries, tax advisors also took over the task, which was subject to strict and complex regulations, and gradually began to replace the lawyers. The professional title of tax advisor was mentioned for the first time in 1933, while just three years later taxpayers received permission from the tax office to obtain legal advice and assistance.

In contrast to today's conditions, tax advisors at that time did not require any specific training and were not subject to compulsory examinations. This only came about in the 1940s, when separate regulations were laid down for licensing, for which a university degree was also compulsory. Today's tax advisors are specialised and provide knowledge in various business areas. The work also includes continuing education in view of new developments and globalisation. Thus, our firm Baldessarelli & Partners can take over partial areas or provide the entire accounting, special legal advice or general business advice. Contact us for more information. We look forward to hearing from you.

Tax consultancy in Merano

Many areas of accounting and the applicable tax laws are difficult for laymen to understand. At the same time, companies need the professional help of a tax consultancy and are thus able to save considerable costs. Digitalisation and extensive economic interdependencies influence business strategies and require an experienced expert who is familiar with the matter and can optimise profits sustainably. The task of a tax advisor is to provide impeccable and correct accounting, prepare the annual financial statements and advise and support private individuals and companies in all tax matters. This can also be useful when setting up and restructuring a company or developing new financial products. Trust, communication and transparency between clients and experts form an important basis for successful cooperation, while insight into the asset situation and financial expenditure makes it possible to optimise costs. This is also the high standard of the tax law firm Baldessarelli & Partner in Merano. We advise you in detail and represent you in all tax matters.

Tax consultancy - what lies behind it

Tax consultancy enables taxpayers to significantly minimise their tax burden and to be represented competently and professionally before the tax authorities. In this respect, Baldessarelli & Partner offers the profound expertise and extensive experience from which companies, organisations and individuals benefit. We support clients in various tax matters, with the main focus on optimising costs and taxes. Other tasks within tax consultancy relate to bookkeeping, the preparation of annual financial statements, payroll accounting, the preparation of tax returns and representation before tax authorities and courts. We advise you on the choice of legal form for your company, on the development of viable succession solutions or further developments. We help private individuals with their tax returns, with gifts or with the drafting of their wills, taking inheritance tax into account.

Transparent cooperation with clients and companies

Professional tax advice reduces the overall cost of accounting, while the scope of tasks does not only concern cost saving, but also advice for investments and communication with the tax office. As tax advisors in Merano, we examine the profit and loss account and can sustainably promote the potential for savings and investments.
It often becomes apparent to lay people that they are giving away a lot of money if there is no obligation to file a tax return. Even if this requires a lot of effort, it enables advantages in professional expenses or contribution payments to reduce increased costs at the same time. Here, too, we are happy to assist you.
A basis of trust is crucial for cooperation. This is also important because the involvement of a tax advisor is usually desired on a long-term basis. As tax advisors in South Tyrol, we make it a point to be available for you at all times and to represent you correctly and reliably in all matters.