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29. Jul 2026

Editorial

Dear Readers, 

Shortly before the parliamentary summer recess, the Federal Government unveiled a 34-point reform package outlining how Germany can become competitive again. In the Key Issue report we discuss the most important points as they relate to tax measures. Furthermore, we examine the issue of construction withholding tax and explain the obligations of the recipients of construction services that need to be complied with in order to avoid liability. 

In the Accounting & Finance section, first of all, you will find the continuation of our article on comparable reporting. In the last edition of our magazine, we discussed the principles that can ensure that there are consistent metrics and meaningful time series even where the organisational structures and segments have changed. There now follows the application of these to a company that is restructuring its organisation. The goals are the clearer mapping out of market and profit responsibilities and enhanced alignment with the planning and control for products and customers. Next up, we have an overview of the EU Regulation on SEPA instant payments. Nearly all companies are affected so that euro credit transfers can be processed in real time in the future. The Regulation has received little attention so far, however, it requires thorough preparation. 

In the Legal section, we stay with the topic of EU requirements in a report on the EU Packaging Regulation (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation – PPWR). As part of the European Green Deal, the aim is to reduce packaging waste, enhance recyclability, and bolster the use of re-usable and resource-saving packaging. 

In the short reports, first of all, we answer the question of how much risk is necessary to be classified as a co-entrepreneur for tax purposes; subsequently, we have a rude awakening in store for all those who believe that short-term rental expenses do not trigger any add-backs for trade tax purposes - which, despite the high summer temperatures, might give you the shivers.

We wish you an interesting read. 
Your PKF Team

Witty remark

Others have seen what is and asked why. I have seen what could be and asked why not.

Pablo Picasso (* 25.10.1881 in Malaga/Spain, † 8.4.1973 in Mougins/France) was a Spanish painter, graphic artist and sculptor. His extensive body of work includes paintings, drawings, prints, collages, sculptures and ceramics, the total number of which is estimated at 50,000. It is characterised by a wide variety of artistic forms of expression and techniques.