Company audit is a tax audit by the tax authorities. The aim is to review the tax circumstances of a company based on its bookkeeping, receipts and the underlying processes.
Basics
As part of an operational review, in particular the Financial accounting, booking confirmations, contracts and tax-relevant records were examined. The regularity of the bookkeeping within the meaning of proper bookkeeping is at the heart of this.
The examination may cover multiple tax types and multiple tax periods.
Legal framework
The operational audit is legally provided for and serves to ensure uniform taxation. Companies are obliged to present audit-relevant documents and to grant data access within the scope of legal requirements.
In digitally managed systems, in particular, the requirements of GoBD relevant.
Systematic classification in the compliance cluster
A structured organisation of these areas considerably eases examination.
Data Access Types and Digital Audit Methods
With electronic accounting, the tax authorities can access tax-relevant data. In practice, different forms of data access are used:
- Immediate access Inspection of the implemented accounting system.
- Indirect access Evaluation by the company according to the auditors' specifications.
- Data carrier transfer Provision of structured data sets for external analysis.
Digital testing methods enable the analysis of large volumes of data, for example, through systematic filter and plausibility checks.
Typical procedure
- Exam announcement
- Preparation and compilation of documents
- Data provision and analysis
- Enquiries and Coordination
- Final meeting and determination of results
Key areas of preparation in practice
- Complete and comprehensible proof of evidence
- Current Process documentation
- Functional IKS
- Compliance Retention periods
- Structured digital archiving
A transparent organisation of processes reduces the need for follow-up enquiries and helps to ensure that audits are carried out objectively.
Typical sources of error
- Incomplete or unsystematic evidence storage
- Missing documentation of process changes
- Unclear responsibilities in accounting
- Unaccounted-for changes to data in digital systems
FAQ
Can every company be audited?
Essentially yes. The selection is made according to internal administrative criteria.
What role do digital systems play?
With electronic accounting, structured data analyses can be part of the audit.
How can you prepare?
Through proper bookkeeping, documented processes, and complete data provision.
Conclusion
The business audit is a regular instrument of tax control. A structured organisation of bookkeeping, documented processes and traceable data form the basis for an objective and transparent audit procedure.
Brasser Accounting Solutions GmbH is a specialised accounting service provider and part of a corporate group with Quint GmbH (tax consultancy/auditing) and Service Place Årjäng AB (Swedish tax office). BAS exclusively performs services according to § 6 No. 3 and 4 StBerG and does not provide tax or legal advice.
