Earlier quoted context omitted.
But only für employees! As an independent or small company owner you have todo it every year.
Right, most people are employees though. Germany has another problem though - getting a Steuerberater (tax advisor) to help you with the paperwork as a business owner is next to impossible.
Is it really? Are you talking about an advisor for employees or for self-employed people/companies?
I was searching for a tax advisor two years ago and it took me exactly one attempt to get one. My parents got an appointment within a month as well. Also, unless there are very specific circumstances there is little to no reason for an employee to get an advisor. Most of my friends just use the ELSTER form provided by the Finanzamt or use tax software the purchased which makes it slightly less painful.
But I have no clue about how hard it is for companies