SKR03/SKR04 account finder
Search for a booking, a keyword or an account number. You see the matching account in SKR 03 and SKR 04, its VAT rate and a short hint.
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160 accounts
Software purchase (fixed asset)
Perpetual software licences above €800 net are capitalised; a one-year useful life may be applied to software.
SKR 030027EDV-SoftwareSKR 040135EDV-SoftwareVAT19 %
IT hardware (computer, laptop)
Computers above €800 net are capitalised; the DATEV charts have no dedicated fixed asset account for hardware, and a one-year useful life is allowed.
SKR 030410GeschäftsausstattungSKR 040635GeschäftsausstattungVAT19 %
Office furniture
Furniture and fittings above €800 net that are depreciated over several years (office furniture: 13 years per the official table).
SKR 030420BüroeinrichtungSKR 040650BüroeinrichtungVAT19 %
Company car (fixed asset)
Purchase of a car held as a business asset; the official useful life is six years.
SKR 030320PkwSKR 040520PkwVAT19 %
Low-value assets
Independently usable assets costing €250.01 to €800 net that may be written off in full in the year of purchase.
SKR 030480Geringwertige WirtschaftsgüterSKR 040670Geringwertige WirtschaftsgüterVAT19 %
Asset pool (pooled depreciation)
Optional pool for assets costing €250.01 to €1,000 net, depreciated together over five years.
SKR 030485Wirtschaftsgüter (Sammelposten)SKR 040675Wirtschaftsgüter (Sammelposten)VAT19 %
Asset disposal: net book value (gain)
Takes the remaining book value when the sale price of an asset exceeds its book value.
SKR 032315Anlagenabgänge Sachanlagen (Restbuchwert bei Buchgewinn)SKR 044855Anlagenabgänge Sachanlagen (Restbuchwert bei Buchgewinn)VATnone
Asset disposal: net book value (loss)
Takes the remaining book value when the proceeds are below book value or the asset is scrapped.
SKR 032310Anlagenabgänge Sachanlagen (Restbuchwert bei Buchverlust)SKR 046895Anlagenabgänge Sachanlagen (Restbuchwert bei Buchverlust)VATnone
Cash
The business's cash on hand; every movement must be recorded in the cash book.
SKR 031000KasseSKR 041600KasseVATnone
Bank account
Main account for the business current account; further accounts such as PayPal get their own financial account.
SKR 031200BankSKR 041800BankVATnone
Cash in transit
Clearing account for money moving between your own accounts or between bank and cash; its balance should return to zero.
SKR 031360GeldtransitSKR 041460GeldtransitVATnone
Credit card settlement
Collects card payments until the monthly statement is debited from the bank account.
SKR 031730KreditkartenabrechnungSKR 043610KreditkartenabrechnungVATnone
Trade receivables
Control account for unpaid customer invoices, fed via customer sub-accounts; without them use 1410 / 1210.
SKR 031400Forderungen aus Lieferungen und LeistungenSKR 041200Forderungen aus Lieferungen und LeistungenVATnone
Trade payables
Control account for unpaid supplier invoices, fed via supplier sub-accounts; without them use 1610 / 3310.
SKR 031600Verbindlichkeiten aus Lieferungen und LeistungenSKR 043300Verbindlichkeiten aus Lieferungen und LeistungenVATnone
Security deposit (paid)
A deposit you pay is not an expense but a receivable that is cleared when it is repaid.
SKR 031525KautionenSKR 041350KautionenVATnone
Advance payment made (19% input VAT)
Payments to suppliers before delivery; with an advance invoice the input VAT is deductible when you pay.
SKR 031518Geleistete Anzahlungen, 19 % VorsteuerSKR 041186Geleistete Anzahlungen 19 % VorsteuerVAT19 %
Advance payment received (19% VAT)
Customer prepayments before you deliver; VAT becomes due as soon as the money arrives.
SKR 031718Erhaltene, versteuerte Anzahlungen 19 % USt (Verbindlichkeiten)SKR 043272Erhaltene, versteuerte Anzahlungen 19 % USt (Verbindlichkeiten)VAT19 %
Pass-through items
Amounts you collect or pay in someone else's name and for their account, such as official fees paid for a client.
SKR 031590Durchlaufende PostenSKR 041370Durchlaufende PostenVATnone
Input VAT 19%
Usually posted automatically via expense accounts with an input-VAT function or via a tax code.
SKR 031576Abziehbare Vorsteuer 19 %SKR 041406Abziehbare Vorsteuer 19 %VAT19 %
Input VAT 7%
Input VAT on purchases at the reduced rate, for example books or train tickets.
SKR 031571Abziehbare Vorsteuer 7 %SKR 041401Abziehbare Vorsteuer 7 %VAT7 %
Output VAT 19%
Created automatically when posting to 19% revenue accounts and settled through the VAT return.
SKR 031776Umsatzsteuer 19 %SKR 043806Umsatzsteuer 19 %VAT19 %
Output VAT 7%
VAT on reduced-rate sales, created via the 7% revenue accounts.
SKR 031771Umsatzsteuer 7 %SKR 043801Umsatzsteuer 7 %VAT7 %
VAT prepayment (VAT return)
Payments to and refunds from the tax office resulting from the periodic VAT returns.
SKR 031780Umsatzsteuer-VorauszahlungenSKR 043820Umsatzsteuer-VorauszahlungenVATnone
VAT special prepayment (1/11)
Special prepayment for the filing extension of monthly VAT returns; it is offset in the December return.
SKR 031781Umsatzsteuer-Vorauszahlungen 1/11SKR 043830Umsatzsteuer-Vorauszahlungen 1/11VATnone
Reverse charge: services from EU businesses
Services from businesses in other EU countries: you owe the German VAT and deduct it as input VAT at the same time.
SKR 033123Sonstige Leistungen eines im anderen EU-Land ansässigen Unternehmers 19 % Vorsteuer und 19 % UmsatzsteuerSKR 045923Sonstige Leistungen eines im anderen EU-Land ansässigen Unternehmers 19 % Vorsteuer und 19 % UmsatzsteuerVAT19 %
Reverse charge: services from non-EU businesses
Services from businesses outside the EU for which you, as the recipient, owe the VAT.
SKR 033125Leistungen eines im Ausland ansässigen Unternehmers 19 % Vorsteuer und 19 % UmsatzsteuerSKR 045925Leistungen eines im Ausland ansässigen Unternehmers 19 % Vorsteuer und 19 % UmsatzsteuerVAT19 %
Reverse charge as a small business (EU services)
Small businesses must also pay VAT on services from other EU countries but cannot deduct it as input VAT.
SKR 033143Sonstige Leistungen eines im anderen EU-Land ansässigen Unternehmers ohne Vorsteuer und 19 % UmsatzsteuerSKR 045943Sonstige Leistungen eines im anderen EU-Land ansässigen Unternehmers ohne Vorsteuer und 19 % UmsatzsteuerVAT19 %
Input VAT under reverse charge
Counterpart to the self-assessed reverse-charge VAT; posted automatically via the reverse-charge expense accounts.
SKR 031577Abziehbare Vorsteuer nach § 13b UStG 19 %SKR 041407Abziehbare Vorsteuer nach § 13b UStG 19 %VAT19 %
Output VAT under reverse charge
The VAT you self-assess and pay to the tax office as the recipient under reverse charge.
SKR 031787Umsatzsteuer nach § 13b UStG 19 %SKR 043837Umsatzsteuer nach § 13b UStG 19 %VAT19 %
Input VAT on intra-EU acquisitions
Deductible input VAT on goods bought from other EU countries; posted automatically together with the acquisition VAT.
SKR 031574Abziehbare Vorsteuer aus innergemeinschaftlichem Erwerb 19 %SKR 041404Abziehbare Vorsteuer aus innergemeinschaftlichem Erwerb 19 %VAT19 %
Output VAT on intra-EU acquisitions
When buying goods from another EU country you owe German acquisition VAT, which is usually offset by input VAT.
SKR 031774Umsatzsteuer aus innergemeinschaftlichem Erwerb 19 %SKR 043804Umsatzsteuer aus innergemeinschaftlichem Erwerb 19 %VAT19 %
Import VAT
VAT charged by customs on imports, deductible as input VAT; the duties themselves go to the customs duty account.
SKR 031588Entstandene EinfuhrumsatzsteuerSKR 041433Entstandene EinfuhrumsatzsteuerVAT19 %
Owner's drawings (sole trader)
Money or goods the owner takes out of the business for private use; a GmbH has no drawings.
SKR 031800Privatentnahmen allgemeinSKR 042100Privatentnahmen allgemeinVATnone
Owner's contribution (sole trader)
Private funds the owner puts into the business; they are not business income.
SKR 031890PrivateinlagenSKR 042180PrivateinlagenVATnone
Owner's income tax (private taxes)
The owner's income and church tax are private and are booked here when paid from the business account.
SKR 031810PrivatsteuernSKR 042150PrivatsteuernVATnone
Owner's health and pension insurance
A sole trader's own insurance contributions are not business expenses but personal deductions in the income tax return.
SKR 031820Sonderausgaben beschränkt abzugsfähigSKR 042200Sonderausgaben beschränkt abzugsfähigVATnone
Donations (sole trader)
Donations by a sole trader are private and only count as personal deductions in the income tax return.
SKR 031840Zuwendungen, SpendenSKR 042250Zuwendungen, SpendenVATnone
Share capital (GmbH/UG)
The share capital registered in the commercial register; shareholder payments are booked against it.
SKR 030800Gezeichnetes KapitalSKR 042900Gezeichnetes KapitalVATnone
Capital reserve
Additional equity paid in by shareholders on top of the share capital.
SKR 030840KapitalrücklageSKR 042920KapitalrücklageVATnone
Profit carried forward
Undistributed profit of a corporation from previous years.
SKR 030860Gewinnvortrag vor VerwendungSKR 042970Gewinnvortrag vor VerwendungVATnone
Loss carried forward
Losses of a corporation from previous years that have not yet been offset.
SKR 030868Verlustvortrag vor VerwendungSKR 042978Verlustvortrag vor VerwendungVATnone
Receivables from GmbH shareholders
Used when the GmbH pays something for a shareholder that is neither salary nor dividend; it replaces drawings in a GmbH.
SKR 031381Forderungen gegen GmbH-GesellschafterSKR 041307Forderungen gegen GmbH-GesellschafterVATnone
Payables to GmbH shareholders
Amounts the GmbH owes its shareholders, for example business expenses they paid privately.
SKR 031665Verbindlichkeiten gegenüber GmbH-GesellschafternSKR 043640Verbindlichkeiten gegenüber GmbH-GesellschafternVATnone
Dividend payable
Declared but unpaid distributions to shareholders; the withheld dividend tax goes to a separate account.
SKR 030755Verbindlichkeiten gegenüber Gesellschaftern für offene AusschüttungenSKR 043519Verbindlichkeiten gegenüber Gesellschaftern für offene AusschüttungenVATnone
Interim dividend
Distribution of the expected current-year profit before the annual accounts are approved.
SKR 032870VorabausschüttungSKR 047790VorabausschüttungVATnone
Bank loan
Drawdown and repayment of bank loans; interest is booked separately as an expense.
SKR 030630Verbindlichkeiten gegenüber KreditinstitutenSKR 043150Verbindlichkeiten gegenüber KreditinstitutenVATnone
Loan from third parties
Loans from people or companies that are neither a bank nor a shareholder.
SKR 031705DarlehenSKR 043560DarlehenVATnone
Shareholder loan to the GmbH
A loan from a shareholder to their GmbH, shown separately in the balance sheet.
SKR 030730Verbindlichkeiten gegenüber GesellschafternSKR 043510Verbindlichkeiten gegenüber GesellschafternVATnone
Interest expense (short-term debt)
Interest on liabilities with a term of up to one year.
SKR 032110Zinsaufwendungen für kurzfristige VerbindlichkeitenSKR 047310Zinsaufwendungen für kurzfristige VerbindlichkeitenVAT0 %
Interest expense (long-term loans)
Interest on loans with a term of more than one year, such as investment loans.
SKR 032120Zinsaufwendungen für langfristige VerbindlichkeitenSKR 047320Zinsaufwendungen für langfristige VerbindlichkeitenVAT0 %
Overdraft interest
Interest charged for overdrawing the business account.
SKR 032118Zinsen auf KontokorrentkontenSKR 047318Zinsen auf KontokorrentkontenVAT0 %
Interest income
Interest earned on business balances; withholding tax deducted by the bank is booked separately.
SKR 032650Sonstige Zinsen und ähnliche ErträgeSKR 047100Sonstige Zinsen und ähnliche ErträgeVAT0 %
Bank and payment fees
Account, transaction and card fees; banking services are usually VAT-exempt.
SKR 034970Nebenkosten des GeldverkehrsSKR 046855Nebenkosten des GeldverkehrsVAT0 %
Currency exchange losses
Losses from exchange rate changes, for example when a foreign-currency invoice is settled at a worse rate.
SKR 032150Aufwendungen aus der WährungsumrechnungSKR 046880Aufwendungen aus der WährungsumrechnungVATnone
Currency exchange gains
Gains from exchange rate changes on receivables or payables in a foreign currency.
SKR 032660Erträge aus der WährungsumrechnungSKR 044840Erträge aus der WährungsumrechnungVATnone
Revenue 19% VAT
Standard account for domestic sales at the standard rate; the VAT is split out automatically.
SKR 038400Erlöse 19 % UStSKR 044400Erlöse 19 % UStVAT19 %
Revenue 7% VAT
Domestic sales at the reduced rate, such as books, food or certain cultural services.
SKR 038300Erlöse 7 % UStSKR 044300Erlöse 7 % UStVAT7 %
Revenue as a small business (§ 19 UStG)
Since 2025 the account for VAT-exempt small-business sales; the former accounts 8195 / 4185 are blocked in 2026.
SKR 038192Steuerfreie Erlöse Kleinunternehmer nach § 19 Abs. 1 UStGSKR 044184Steuerfreie Erlöse Kleinunternehmer nach § 19 Abs. 1 UStGVAT0 %
VAT-exempt sales (§ 4 No. 8 ff. UStG)
Sales that are VAT-exempt under § 4 No. 8 to 29 UStG, such as medical treatment or insurance brokerage.
SKR 038100Steuerfreie Umsätze § 4 Nr. 8 ff. UStGSKR 044100Steuerfreie Umsätze § 4 Nr. 8 ff. UStGVAT0 %
Intra-EU supply of goods
VAT-free deliveries of goods to businesses with a VAT ID in other EU countries; they also go into the EC sales list.
SKR 038125Steuerfreie innergemeinschaftliche Lieferungen nach § 4 Nr. 1b UStGSKR 044125Steuerfreie innergemeinschaftliche Lieferungen nach § 4 Nr. 1b UStGVAT0 %
Export of goods (non-EU)
VAT-free deliveries of goods to countries outside the EU; keep the proof of export.
SKR 038120Steuerfreie Umsätze nach § 4 Nr. 1a UStGSKR 044120Steuerfreie Umsätze nach § 4 Nr. 1a UStGVAT0 %
Services to EU businesses (reverse charge)
Services to businesses in other EU countries that owe the VAT there; the sale goes into the EC sales list.
SKR 038336Erlöse aus im anderen EU-Land steuerpflichtigen sonstigen Leistungen, für die der Leistungsempfänger die Umsatzsteuer schuldetSKR 044336Erlöse aus im anderen EU-Land steuerpflichtigen sonstigen Leistungen, für die der Leistungsempfänger die Umsatzsteuer schuldetVAT0 %
Services to non-EU customers
Services whose place of supply is outside the EU and which are outside the scope of German VAT.
SKR 038338Erlöse aus im Drittland steuerbaren Leistungen, im Inland nicht steuerbare UmsätzeSKR 044338Erlöse aus im Drittland steuerbaren Leistungen, im Inland nicht steuerbare UmsätzeVAT0 %
Rental income (VAT-exempt)
VAT-exempt letting of rooms or property; for incidental rental income use 2751 / 4861 instead.
SKR 038105Steuerfreie Umsätze nach § 4 Nr. 12 UStG (Vermietung und Verpachtung)SKR 044105Steuerfreie Umsätze nach § 4 Nr. 12 UStG (Vermietung und Verpachtung)VAT0 %
Other operating income
Business income that is not sales revenue; the former SKR 03 account 8600 is blocked in 2026.
SKR 038603Sonstige betriebliche ErträgeSKR 044830Sonstige betriebliche ErträgeVATnone
Other income 19% VAT
Regular incidental business income with 19% VAT, such as recharged costs.
SKR 038640Sonstige Erträge betrieblich und regelmäßig 19 % UStSKR 044836Sonstige Erträge betrieblich und regelmäßig 19 % UStVAT19 %
Sale of fixed assets (19%, gain)
Sale proceeds of a fixed asset with VAT when they exceed the book value; the book value is written off separately.
SKR 038820Erlöse aus Verkäufen Sachanlagevermögen 19 % USt (bei Buchgewinn)SKR 044845Erlöse aus Verkäufen Sachanlagevermögen 19 % USt (bei Buchgewinn)VAT19 %
Sale of fixed assets (19%, loss)
Sale proceeds of a fixed asset with VAT when they are below the book value.
SKR 038801Erlöse aus Verkäufen Sachanlagevermögen 19 % USt (bei Buchverlust)SKR 046885Erlöse aus Verkäufen Sachanlagevermögen 19 % USt (bei Buchverlust)VAT19 %
Sales deductions 19% (credit notes, price reductions)
Later reductions of 19% sales such as credit notes or goodwill refunds; without automatic VAT use 8700 / 4700.
SKR 038720Erlösschmälerungen 19 % UStSKR 044720Erlösschmälerungen 19 % UStVAT19 %
Cash discounts granted 19%
Discount customers deduct for early payment; the VAT is corrected proportionally.
SKR 038736Gewährte Skonti 19 % UStSKR 044736Gewährte Skonti 19 % UStVAT19 %
Goods purchased 19%
Purchase of goods for resale; the input VAT is posted automatically.
SKR 033400Wareneingang 19 % VorsteuerSKR 045400Wareneingang 19 % VorsteuerVAT19 %
Goods purchased 7%
Purchase of reduced-rate goods for resale, such as food or books.
SKR 033300Wareneingang 7 % VorsteuerSKR 045300Wareneingang 7 % VorsteuerVAT7 %
Raw materials and supplies
Material that goes into your own products or is used up in production.
SKR 033000Einkauf Roh-, Hilfs- und BetriebsstoffeSKR 045100Einkauf Roh-, Hilfs- und BetriebsstoffeVAT19 %
Subcontracted services
Third-party services that go directly into what you deliver to your customer.
SKR 033100FremdleistungenSKR 045900FremdleistungenVAT19 %
Customs duties
Duties on imported goods; import VAT does not belong here but on its input VAT account.
SKR 033850Zölle und EinfuhrabgabenSKR 045840Zölle und EinfuhrabgabenVAT0 %
Intra-EU acquisition of goods 19%
Goods bought from EU suppliers without German VAT; acquisition VAT and input VAT are posted automatically.
SKR 033425Innergemeinschaftlicher Erwerb 19 % Vorsteuer und 19 % UmsatzsteuerSKR 045425Innergemeinschaftlicher Erwerb 19 % Vorsteuer und 19 % UmsatzsteuerVAT19 %
Cash discounts received 19%
Discount you deduct when paying supplier invoices early; the input VAT is reduced proportionally.
SKR 033736Erhaltene Skonti 19 % VorsteuerSKR 045736Erhaltene Skonti 19 % VorsteuerVAT19 %
Supplier rebates received 19%
Retrospective rebates from suppliers; the input VAT is reduced proportionally.
SKR 033760Erhaltene Boni 19 % VorsteuerSKR 045760Erhaltene Boni 19 % VorsteuerVAT19 %
Cashback (card, bank, platform)
Cashback from third parties such as card issuers is other income without VAT; supplier discounts belong under rebates received.
SKR 038603Sonstige betriebliche ErträgeSKR 044830Sonstige betriebliche ErträgeVAT0 %
Packaging materials
Material for packing and shipping goods to customers.
SKR 034710VerpackungsmaterialSKR 046710VerpackungsmaterialVAT19 %
Outbound shipping
Costs of sending goods to customers, such as parcel services or freight forwarders.
SKR 034730AusgangsfrachtenSKR 046740AusgangsfrachtenVAT19 %
Wages and salaries
Gross wages and salaries of employees; the employer's social security share is booked separately.
SKR 034100Löhne und GehälterSKR 046000Löhne und GehälterVATnone
Salary of a shareholder managing director
Salary of a managing director who is also a shareholder of the GmbH.
SKR 034124Geschäftsführergehälter der GmbH-GesellschafterSKR 046024Geschäftsführergehälter der GmbH-GesellschafterVATnone
Salary of a non-shareholder managing director
Salary of an employed managing director who holds no shares in the GmbH.
SKR 034127GeschäftsführergehälterSKR 046027GeschäftsführergehälterVATnone
Casual staff wages
Wages for short-term or casual staff.
SKR 034190AushilfslöhneSKR 046030AushilfslöhneVATnone
Mini-job wages
Pay for marginally paid employees (mini-jobs).
SKR 034195Löhne für MinijobsSKR 046035Löhne für MinijobsVATnone
Flat-rate wage tax for mini-jobs
Flat-rate wage tax that the employer pays for mini-jobs.
SKR 034194Pauschale Steuer für MinijobberSKR 046036Pauschale Steuer für MinijobberVATnone
Employer social security contributions
Statutory employer contributions to health, care, pension and unemployment insurance.
SKR 034130Gesetzliche soziale AufwendungenSKR 046110Gesetzliche soziale AufwendungenVATnone
Statutory accident insurance (Berufsgenossenschaft)
Contributions to the statutory accident insurance association.
SKR 034138Beiträge zur BerufsgenossenschaftSKR 046120Beiträge zur BerufsgenossenschaftVATnone
Voluntary employee benefits (tax-free)
Tax-free benefits for individual employees processed through payroll, such as childcare allowances.
SKR 034140Freiwillige soziale Aufwendungen, lohnsteuerfreiSKR 046130Freiwillige soziale Aufwendungen, lohnsteuerfreiVATnone
Voluntary social benefits
Voluntary benefits for the workforce as a whole, such as staff events or company sports.
SKR 034946Freiwillige SozialleistungenSKR 046822Freiwillige SozialleistungenVATnone
Wages payable
Net wages between the payroll run and payment to employees.
SKR 031740Verbindlichkeiten aus Lohn und GehaltSKR 043720Verbindlichkeiten aus Lohn und GehaltVATnone
Wage tax payable
Withheld wage and church tax until it is paid with the wage tax return.
SKR 031741Verbindlichkeiten aus Lohn- und KirchensteuerSKR 043730Verbindlichkeiten aus Lohn- und KirchensteuerVATnone
Social security payable
Employee and employer social security contributions until they are paid to the health insurance funds.
SKR 031742Verbindlichkeiten im Rahmen der sozialen SicherheitSKR 043740Verbindlichkeiten im Rahmen der sozialen SicherheitVATnone
Rent for business premises / coworking
Rent for office, shop, storage or coworking space; VAT only applies if the landlord charges it.
SKR 034210Miete (unbewegliche Wirtschaftsgüter)SKR 046310Miete (unbewegliche Wirtschaftsgüter)VATnone
Service charges on rent
Service charges passed on by the landlord that are not added back for trade tax.
SKR 034228Miet- und Pachtnebenkosten, die gewerbesteuerlich nicht hinzuzurechnen sindSKR 046318Miet- und Pachtnebenkosten, die gewerbesteuerlich nicht hinzuzurechnen sindVATnone
Heating
Heating costs for business premises.
SKR 034230HeizungSKR 046320HeizungVAT19 %
Electricity, gas, water
Energy and water costs for business premises.
SKR 034240Gas, Strom, WasserSKR 046325Gas, Strom, WasserVAT19 %
Cleaning
Cleaning of business premises by service providers, plus cleaning supplies.
SKR 034250ReinigungSKR 046330ReinigungVAT19 %
Maintenance of business premises
Repairs and redecoration of rented or owned business premises.
SKR 034260Instandhaltung betrieblicher RäumeSKR 046335Instandhaltung betrieblicher RäumeVAT19 %
Home office room
Proportional costs of a home office that is the centre of all your work; otherwise the daily allowance applies.
SKR 034288Aufwendungen für ein häusliches Arbeitszimmer (abziehbarer Anteil)SKR 046348Aufwendungen für ein häusliches Arbeitszimmer (abziehbarer Anteil)VATnone
Home office flat rate (daily allowance)
Flat rate of €6 per day worked mainly at home, capped at €1,260 per year.
SKR 034287Tagespauschale für die Tätigkeit in der häuslichen WohnungSKR 046347Tagespauschale für die Tätigkeit in der häuslichen WohnungVATnone
Vehicle running costs (fuel, charging)
Fuel, charging and other running costs of business vehicles.
SKR 034530Laufende Fahrzeug-BetriebskostenSKR 046530Laufende Fahrzeug-BetriebskostenVAT19 %
Vehicle repairs and servicing
Workshop, servicing and repair costs of business vehicles.
SKR 034540Fahrzeug-ReparaturenSKR 046540Fahrzeug-ReparaturenVAT19 %
Vehicle insurance
Liability and comprehensive cover for business vehicles; insurance premiums carry no input VAT.
SKR 034520Fahrzeug-VersicherungenSKR 046520Fahrzeug-VersicherungenVAT0 %
Vehicle tax
Motor vehicle tax for business vehicles; in SKR 04 the account sits with the taxes.
SKR 034510Kfz-SteuerSKR 047685Kfz-SteuerVATnone
Vehicle leasing
Lease payments for business vehicles (operating lease).
SKR 034570Mietleasing KfzSKR 046560Mietleasing KfzVAT19 %
Leasing of electric vehicles and bicycles
Separate account for leasing electric vehicles and bicycles because a reduced trade tax add-back applies.
SKR 034575Mietleasingaufwendungen für Elektrofahrzeuge und Fahrräder, die gewerbesteuerlich hinzuzurechnen sindSKR 046565Mietleasingaufwendungen für Elektrofahrzeuge und Fahrräder, die gewerbesteuerlich hinzuzurechnen sindVAT19 %
Garage and parking space rent
Regular rent for the company car's garage or parking space; one-off parking fees belong to vehicle or travel costs.
SKR 034550GaragenmieteSKR 046550GaragenmieteVAT19 %
Tolls
Road and bridge tolls for business vehicles.
SKR 034560MautgebührenSKR 046580MautgebührenVATnone
Other vehicle costs
Vehicle costs that fit no more specific account, such as parking fees or accessories.
SKR 034580Sonstige FahrzeugkostenSKR 046570Sonstige FahrzeugkostenVAT19 %
Rental cars and car sharing
Costs of vehicles you do not own; on business trips travel costs can be used instead.
SKR 034595FremdfahrzeugkostenSKR 046595FremdfahrzeugkostenVAT19 %
Private car used for business (mileage)
Business trips in a private car, usually at the flat rate of €0.30 per kilometre driven.
SKR 034590Kosten für betrieblich genutzte zum Privatvermögen gehörende FahrzeugeSKR 046590Kosten für betrieblich genutzte zum Privatvermögen gehörende FahrzeugeVATnone
Private use of a company car
VAT-liable part of the owner's private use of a company car; the VAT-free part goes to 8924 / 4639.
SKR 038921Verwendung von Gegenständen für Zwecke außerhalb des Unternehmens 19 % USt (Fahrzeug-Nutzung)SKR 044645Verwendung von Gegenständen für Zwecke außerhalb des Unternehmens 19 % USt (Fahrzeug-Nutzung)VAT19 %
Owner travel: transport
Train, flight, taxi or mileage on the owner's business trips.
SKR 034673Reisekosten Unternehmer FahrtkostenSKR 046673Reisekosten Unternehmer FahrtkostenVATnone
Owner travel: meal allowance
Statutory meal allowances for the owner's business trips.
SKR 034674Reisekosten Unternehmer VerpflegungsmehraufwandSKR 046674Reisekosten Unternehmer VerpflegungsmehraufwandVATnone
Owner travel: accommodation
Hotel and accommodation costs plus incidental travel expenses on the owner's business trips.
SKR 034676Reisekosten Unternehmer Übernachtungsaufwand und ReisenebenkostenSKR 046680Reisekosten Unternehmer Übernachtungsaufwand und ReisenebenkostenVAT7 %
Employee travel: transport
Transport costs of employees on business trips.
SKR 034663Reisekosten Arbeitnehmer FahrtkostenSKR 046663Reisekosten Arbeitnehmer FahrtkostenVATnone
Employee travel: meal allowance
Tax-free meal allowances for employees on business trips.
SKR 034664Reisekosten Arbeitnehmer VerpflegungsmehraufwandSKR 046664Reisekosten Arbeitnehmer VerpflegungsmehraufwandVATnone
Employee travel: accommodation
Accommodation costs of employees on business trips.
SKR 034666Reisekosten Arbeitnehmer ÜbernachtungsaufwandSKR 046660Reisekosten Arbeitnehmer ÜbernachtungsaufwandVAT7 %
Office supplies
Office consumables such as paper, toner or stationery.
SKR 034930BürobedarfSKR 046815BürobedarfVAT19 %
Postage
Letter postage and postal fees; Deutsche Post letters are usually VAT-exempt, parcel services are not.
SKR 034910PortoSKR 046800PortoVAT0 %
Phone and mobile
Landline and mobile costs; with mixed use only the business share.
SKR 034920TelefonSKR 046805TelefonVAT19 %
Internet, web hosting, domains
Internet connection plus ongoing costs for web hosting and domains.
SKR 034925InternetkostenSKR 046810InternetkostenVAT19 %
Software subscriptions and licences (SaaS)
Ongoing time-limited software licences and subscriptions; the account is flagged for the trade tax add-back, which often does not apply to pure use.
SKR 034964Aufwendungen für die zeitlich befristete Überlassung von Rechten (Lizenzen, Konzessionen)SKR 046837Aufwendungen für die zeitlich befristete Überlassung von Rechten (Lizenzen, Konzessionen)VAT19 %
IT maintenance and support
Maintenance, upkeep and repair of hardware and software.
SKR 034806Wartungskosten für Hard- und SoftwareSKR 046495Wartungskosten für Hard- und SoftwareVAT19 %
Professional literature and media
Books, magazines and digital media for the business; usually at 7% VAT.
SKR 034940Zeitschriften, Bücher, digitale Medien (Fachliteratur)SKR 046820Zeitschriften, Bücher, digitale Medien (Fachliteratur)VAT7 %
Tools and small equipment
Tools and small devices of low value that are expensed immediately.
SKR 034985Werkzeuge und KleingeräteSKR 046845Werkzeuge und KleingeräteVAT19 %
Equipment rental
Rent for movable items such as copiers, devices or furniture (vehicles excluded).
SKR 034960Mieten für Einrichtungen (bewegliche Wirtschaftsgüter)SKR 046835Mieten für Einrichtungen (bewegliche Wirtschaftsgüter)VAT19 %
Leasing of office and business equipment
Lease payments for equipment and furnishings other than vehicles.
SKR 034965Mietleasing bewegliche Wirtschaftsgüter für Betriebs- und GeschäftsausstattungSKR 046840Mietleasing bewegliche Wirtschaftsgüter für Betriebs- und GeschäftsausstattungVAT19 %
Advertising
Ads, online advertising, printed matter and agency services for marketing.
SKR 034600WerbekostenSKR 046600WerbekostenVAT19 %
Promotional giveaways
Low-value promotional items up to €10 that do not count as gifts.
SKR 034605StreuartikelSKR 046605StreuartikelVAT19 %
Business gifts (deductible)
Gifts to customers or business partners up to €50 per recipient per year.
SKR 034630Geschenke abzugsfähig ohne § 37b EStGSKR 046610Geschenke abzugsfähig ohne § 37b EStGVAT19 %
Business gifts (non-deductible)
Gifts above €50 per recipient per year; neither the expense nor the input VAT is deductible.
SKR 034635Geschenke nicht abzugsfähig ohne § 37b EStGSKR 046620Geschenke nicht abzugsfähig ohne § 37b EStGVAT19 %
Business entertainment (70% deductible)
The deductible 70% of net costs for entertaining business partners; input VAT is fully deductible.
SKR 034650BewirtungskostenSKR 046640BewirtungskostenVAT19 %
Business entertainment (30% non-deductible)
The non-deductible 30% share of entertainment costs.
SKR 034654Nicht abzugsfähige BewirtungskostenSKR 046644Nicht abzugsfähige BewirtungskostenVAT19 %
Small gestures for staff
Small gifts in kind up to €60 on personal occasions plus drinks for staff.
SKR 034653AufmerksamkeitenSKR 046643AufmerksamkeitenVAT19 %
Representation costs
Costs for image and events that are neither entertainment nor gifts.
SKR 034640RepräsentationskostenSKR 046630RepräsentationskostenVAT19 %
Sales commissions paid
Commissions you pay to agents, partners or sales platforms.
SKR 034760VerkaufsprovisionenSKR 046770VerkaufsprovisionenVAT19 %
Legal and consulting fees
Fees for lawyers, notaries, tax and business advisers other than bookkeeping and annual accounts.
SKR 034950Rechts- und BeratungskostenSKR 046825Rechts- und BeratungskostenVAT19 %
Bookkeeping fees
Costs of ongoing bookkeeping and payroll by external providers.
SKR 034955BuchführungskostenSKR 046830BuchführungskostenVAT19 %
Annual accounts and audit fees
Costs of annual accounts, balance sheet or cash-basis statement and any audit.
SKR 034957Abschluss- und PrüfungskostenSKR 046827Abschluss- und PrüfungskostenVAT19 %
Training and education
Seminars, courses and conferences that serve your business or profession.
SKR 034945FortbildungskostenSKR 046821FortbildungskostenVAT19 %
Business insurance
Premiums for business insurance other than vehicles; they contain no input VAT.
SKR 034360VersicherungenSKR 046400VersicherungenVAT0 %
Membership fees (chambers, associations)
Mandatory and voluntary fees to chambers and professional associations.
SKR 034380BeiträgeSKR 046420BeiträgeVAT0 %
Trade tax
Trade tax prepayments and back payments; it is not itself a deductible business expense.
SKR 034320GewerbesteuerSKR 047610GewerbesteuerVATnone
Corporate income tax
Corporate income tax of a GmbH or UG for the current year.
SKR 032200KörperschaftsteuerSKR 047600KörperschaftsteuerVATnone
Solidarity surcharge (corporation)
Solidarity surcharge on the company's corporate income tax.
SKR 032208SolidaritätszuschlagSKR 047608SolidaritätszuschlagVATnone
Withholding tax on the company's investment income
Withholding tax deducted by the bank from a GmbH's investment income; for sole traders use private taxes instead.
SKR 032213Kapitalertragsteuer 25 %SKR 047630Kapitalertragsteuer 25 %VATnone
Withholding tax on dividends paid (payable)
Withholding tax and surcharge the GmbH deducts from a dividend and pays to the tax office.
SKR 031746Verbindlichkeiten aus Einbehaltungen (KapESt und SolZ, KiSt auf KapESt) für offene AusschüttungenSKR 043760Verbindlichkeiten aus Einbehaltungen (KapESt und SolZ, KiSt auf KapESt) für offene AusschüttungenVATnone
Depreciation of tangible assets
Scheduled depreciation of tangible assets such as computers or furniture, excluding vehicles and buildings.
SKR 034830Abschreibungen auf Sachanlagen (ohne AfA auf Fahrzeuge und Gebäude)SKR 046220Abschreibungen auf Sachanlagen (ohne AfA auf Fahrzeuge und Gebäude)VATnone
Depreciation of vehicles
Scheduled depreciation of business vehicles.
SKR 034832Abschreibungen auf FahrzeugeSKR 046222Abschreibungen auf FahrzeugeVATnone
Amortisation of intangible assets
Scheduled amortisation of capitalised software, licences and other intangibles.
SKR 034822Abschreibungen auf immaterielle VermögensgegenständeSKR 046200Abschreibungen auf immaterielle VermögensgegenständeVATnone
Immediate write-off of low-value assets
Full write-off of low-value assets up to €800 net in the year of purchase.
SKR 034855Sofortabschreibung geringwertiger WirtschaftsgüterSKR 046260Sofortabschreibungen geringwertiger WirtschaftsgüterVATnone
Depreciation of the asset pool
Annual release of one fifth of the asset pool.
SKR 034862Abschreibungen auf den Sammelposten WirtschaftsgüterSKR 046264Abschreibungen auf den Sammelposten WirtschaftsgüterVATnone
Other operating expenses
Catch-all account for business expenses that fit no more specific account.
SKR 034900Sonstige betriebliche AufwendungenSKR 046300Sonstige betriebliche AufwendungenVAT19 %
Bad debt 19% (uncollectible receivable)
Definitively lost receivable from a 19% sale; the VAT is corrected automatically.
SKR 032406Forderungsverluste 19 % USt (übliche Höhe)SKR 046936Forderungsverluste 19 % USt (übliche Höhe)VAT19 %
Bad debt 7% (uncollectible receivable)
Definitively lost receivable from a 7% sale with automatic VAT correction.
SKR 032401Forderungsverluste 7 % USt (übliche Höhe)SKR 046931Forderungsverluste 7 % USt (übliche Höhe)VAT7 %
Donations by a GmbH (charitable)
Charitable donations by a corporation; they are tax-deductible only within statutory limits.
SKR 032383Zuwendungen, Spenden für kirchliche, religiöse und gemeinnützige ZweckeSKR 046393Zuwendungen, Spenden für kirchliche, religiöse und gemeinnützige ZweckeVATnone
Fines and penalties
Fines are not tax-deductible; sole traders often book them as drawings.
SKR 032308Sonstige nicht abziehbare AufwendungenSKR 046968Sonstige nicht abziehbare AufwendungenVATnone
Norman assigns every booking to the right account automatically, in SKR 03 or SKR 04, and exports it for your tax advisor in DATEV format.
Try it for freeAccount numbers and names follow the standard charts of accounts SKR 03 and SKR 04 by DATEV eG, valid for 2026. Norman is not affiliated with DATEV eG. The list shows common accounts, without guarantee and not as tax advice; the official chart and your tax firm have the final word.
Bookkeeping that assigns accounts itself
Norman books your bank transactions to the right accounts automatically, in SKR 03 or SKR 04, and exports everything in DATEV format.
Start for freeSKR 03 or SKR 04?
SKR 03: orders the accounts by business process, from fixed assets through purchases and expenses to revenue. Common with sole traders, freelancers and crafts businesses.
SKR 04: follows the structure of the balance sheet and the income statement under the HGB. Many GmbHs and UGs use it because the annual accounts follow directly from the account order.
Account classes: The first digit is the class. In SKR 03 expenses are in class 4 and revenue in class 8; in SKR 04 revenue is in class 4 and expenses in classes 5 to 7.
Same tax: Both charts lead to the same tax. What matters is that you and your tax firm use the same one. Only switch at the start of a financial year.
How to find the right account
Search for the thing: Enter what you bought or sold, such as printer cartridges, a train ticket or web hosting.
Convert: Enter an account number to see its counterpart in the other chart.
Mind the VAT: Many accounts are set up for one VAT rate. There are separate accounts for 7%, 0% and services from abroad.
Your firm's own accounts: Tax firms often add sub-accounts. The list shows the DATEV standard accounts.
FAQ
What is the difference between SKR03 and SKR04?
SKR 03 is organised by business process, SKR 04 by the structure of the balance sheet and income statement. That is why the same accounts have different numbers: office supplies are account 4930 in SKR 03 and 6815 in SKR 04.
SKR03 or SKR04: which is better for a GmbH?
Both are allowed and give the same tax. Many GmbHs use SKR 04 because it follows the annual accounts; sole traders and freelancers often use SKR 03. What counts is the chart your tax firm uses.
Can I switch the chart of accounts?
Yes, ideally at the start of a financial year, when the balances are carried over to the new accounts. Switching mid-year makes reports and the year-end close needlessly hard.
Which account is used for office supplies?
Account 4930 Bürobedarf in SKR 03 and account 6815 Bürobedarf in SKR 04. Postage, software and specialist books have their own accounts.
How do I book an uncollectible receivable?
On bad debt accounts: at 19% VAT SKR 03 2406 or SKR 04 6936, at 7% 2401 or 6931. The VAT on the lost receivable is corrected at the same time under § 17 UStG.
How do I book cashback?
Cashback from a credit card, bank or platform is usually other operating income without VAT: SKR 03 8603, SKR 04 4830. A supplier's bonus on your purchases goes to Erhaltene Boni instead (3760 or 5760) and reduces the input VAT.
Where can I find the full chart of accounts?
DATEV publishes SKR 03 and SKR 04 in full every year. The account finder shows the accounts self-employed people and small companies need most, with search and conversion.