Company audit is a tax audit conducted by the tax authorities. The aim is to review the tax affairs of a company based on its bookkeeping, supporting documents, and underlying processes.
Basics
Within the scope of an operational audit, particular attention will be paid to Financial accounting, booking documents, contracts and tax-relevant records were examined. The regularity of the bookkeeping in the sense of proper bookkeeping is at the centre of it.
The examination may cover several tax types and several assessment periods.
Legal framework
The business audit is legally prescribed and serves to ensure uniform taxation. Companies are obliged to present audit-relevant documents and to allow data access within the scope of legal requirements.
For digitally managed systems, in particular, the requirements of GoBD Relevant.
Systematic classification in the compliance cluster
A structured organisation of these areas considerably simplifies the audit.
Data Access Types and Digital Audit Methods
With electronic bookkeeping, the tax authorities can access tax-relevant data. In practice, various forms of data access are used:
- Immediate access Inspection of the accounting system in use.
- Indirect access Evaluation by the company according to the auditors' specifications.
- Data carrier transfer Provision of structured data sets for external evaluation.
Digital testing methods allow for the analysis of large amounts of data, for example, through systematic filter and plausibility checks.
Typical procedure
- Examination Announcement
- Preparation and compilation of documents
- Data provision and analysis
- Follow-up and coordination
- Closing meeting and determination of results
Preparation priorities in practice
- Complete and traceable documentation
- Current Process documentation
- Working IKS
- Compliance with the Retention periods
- Structured digital archiving
A transparent organisation of processes reduces queries and supports factual audit execution.
Typical sources of error
- Incomplete or unsystematic evidence filing
- Missing documentation of process changes
- Unclear responsibilities in accounting
- Unreproducible data changes in digital systems
FAQ
Can every company be audited?
In principle, yes. The selection is made according to internal administrative criteria.
What role do digital systems play?
In electronic bookkeeping, structured data analysis can be part of the audit.
How can one prepare?
Through proper bookkeeping, documented processes, and complete data provision.
Conclusion
The tax 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 process.
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.
