IamExpat Webinar: Freiberufler or Tradesperson? Avoiding Costly Finanzamt Misclassifications
About
Are you self-employed in Germany and unsure whether you are correctly classified as a Freiberufler or a Gewerbetreibender? This webinar will show you why this distinction matters and how getting it wrong can cost you thousands of euros.
Many expats in Germany assume that the English word "freelancer" translates directly to the German legal term "Freiberufler." It does not. This false friend is one of the most common and most costly misunderstandings among international self-employed professionals in Germany. Whether you have already registered your business or are just starting, your classification under German tax law has significant financial and administrative consequences, and most people do not realise they may have it wrong.
In recent months, the advisors at Consentes have successfully supported numerous clients in reclassifying from Gewerbetreibender to Freiberufler. In many cases, resulting in the elimination of trade tax liability, the cancellation of IHK fees, and the recovery of taxes already paid.
Join us on May 27 at 7 pm to find out whether your classification is correct and what you can do about it.
Sign up for this webinar, which will cover:
• Why "freelancer" and "Freiberufler" are not the same — and why it matters
• The legal distinction between Freiberufler and Gewerbetreibender under German tax law
• Which professions are commonly misclassified — and which ones surprise people most
• The practical consequences of each classification: taxes, bookkeeping, registration obligations
• How a reclassification works, who qualifies, and what to expect
• Live Q&A with our tax advisors
Why should you attend this webinar?
Here are the benefits of attending the webinar:
• Clear explanations in plain English, tailored to expats and international professionals
• Real case examples from successful reclassification proceedings
• Actionable guidance — whether you are just starting out or have been self-employed for years
Don’t miss your chance to ask our experts your questions directly! We will have a live Q&A session at the end of the presentation. Register now and attend Consentes’s webinar on Wednesday, May 27, to find out whether the German tax system has you in the right category before the Finanzamt does.
When
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 · 7:00 p.m.
Amsterdam (GMT +2:00)
Presenters
IamExpat Team
Plamena Koleva
IamExpat Host
Joseph Ledovskich
Tax Advisor
Joseph Ledovskich is a German tax advisor with first-hand experience from the German tax office, now dedicated to supporting expats and international freelancers.
You’re registered
Check your email for a confirmation and link to attend the live session.