Blog
Standard chart of accounts - SKR 03 and SKR 04 simply explained
Katharina Rösner
In order to systematically sort company accounts, Standard chart of accounts (SKR) developed. you categorize accounts in classes, groups, subgroups, and individual accounts. That means they forgive as account number Four digits each. The frameworks are free of charge and can be adjusted to suit your chart of accounts. SKR 03 and SKR 04 were developed by DATEV. But you can also use others.
The chart of accounts categorizes accounts into account classes and creates a system for you in bookkeeping. Account classes include goods receipt accounts, inventory accounts, or operating expenses. Die 10 account classes are numbered from 0 to 9. Depending on the industry, there are different account frameworks that you can use. They differ in their functions and interfaces. For all companies, however, can also industry-independent SKR 03 or SKR 04 be used. Therefore, they are the most common frameworks. The SKR 14 is also used in agriculture.
They differ in that the standard account frame 03 after Process structure principle works, but the SKR 04 works after Financial classification principle.
With the process structure principle, the organization of accounts according to operating procedures meant. For example, the item Receipt comes before the Item Inventory. The order is then reflected in the account.
The financial statement principle is sorted according to the structure of Financial statements. Based on the accounts that receive transfers, you calculate your turnover, from which you subtract the accounts with expenses. The different classification principle means that the account classes are given a different order.
The function of the charts of accounts is clear accounting for Profit and loss statement of a company. The income statement is Financial statements made, which is required by law. Tax offices, managing directors and employees thus have an overview of corporate finances. Companies also use account frameworks for internal comparisons of finances for different years or for comparisons in the respective sector of the economy.
The standard charts of accounts were developed by DATEV. The idea is to make different bookings depending on the sector and company. When it industry-specific If there are special features, it makes sense to use an account framework specifically for the profession. For example, there is SKR 14 per agricultural companies or SKR 70 for hotels or restaurants.
In the SKR 14 account framework, wages and salaries are defined as personnel expenses below 6000, in SKR 03 under 4100. The downloads of the frames are listed in table form at DATEV gratuitous available. It is best to coordinate with the tax advisor which account framework should be used. The DATEV export is also important for Advance sales tax return at tax office.
The term “frame” suggests that they can serve as a template. You can modify the chart of accounts to provide your company with a individual Chart of accounts to create. This involves changing or abbreviating names. In addition, you don't have to use all accounts that the account framework provides. You create sub-accounts, which you name individually.
Your chart of accounts should include all necessary accounts and also all necessary breakdowns that make up the plan uncluttered hold. But try not to use too many breakdowns that can lead to confusion.
If you now use different accounts, you don't set the account numbers randomly. That is exactly what the standard account frame is there for. With it, you can four-digit account numbers forgive. The respective standard account frame determines exactly what these are. The first digit stands for the Account class, the second describes the account group, the third the account subgroup and the fourth an individual account.
The first digit 0 indicates a capital account. For example, the second digit then stands for the Machinery account group, the third digit for the Vehicles account subgroup and the last digit for a specific tractor. The account class defines the chart of accounts. It is true that the remaining digits designate the fixed categories. But you can define them yourself to keep track of things.
As Farmer Or owner of a business, are you subject to Accounting obligationWhen your turnover is higher in the year than 600,000 euros. This also applies if your agricultural land has an economic value of at least 25,000 euros, the profit from the commercial enterprise is higher than 60,000 euros, or your Annual profit higher than 60,000 euros is. Then you must also prepare annual financial statements.
According to the Commercial Code (HGB), undertakings thereto obliges, one Financial statements to carry out. As a freelancer or with a small business, you can Income surplus statement use (EUER). To receive the profit, you book all income and expenses into one account, with the expenses deducted from the income. In contrast, there is also the income statement Profit and loss statement. The Commercial Code provides rules (Sections 242 et seq. and Section 275 para. 1 HGB), which you must comply with the P&L. However, there is no specific provision as to what it should look like. However, make sure that it is clear for you and third parties.
The annual financial statements include balance sheet, which is divided into assets and capital. It provides an overall overview of the company's figures and is therefore not detailed.
In the profit and loss statement (P&L), all accounts are closed and all income values and expense costs are reduced to a P&L account booked. The costs are deducted from the income and you receive your profit. The P&L account is on the liabilities side of the balance sheet.
If you use the profit and loss statement, do you also use the double bookkeeping on, also known as double or double bookkeeping. There is one account and one offsetting account. Each balance receives credit. In the annual financial statements, the two accounts cancel their sum. This should ensure that everything has been correctly documented.
Good bookkeeping saves you a lot of work at the end of the year. If your bookkeeping isn't too complicated, you can do it yourself and simply create a accounting software use. They are available from Lexware, for example. Software is essential for larger companies. This makes it easier for you Account reconciliation and the transfer to tax advisor. Of course, the software does not replace the tax advisor.
As direct marketer From food, you can also use the software from Freight pilot use. With that, you can your Chart of accounts Define and use the structure that suits you best. You can document your bookings and in a DATEV export forward it to your tax advisor. If you don't have a tax advisor, you still have to pre-register the sales tax with the tax office. The DATEV export also makes sense for this. You report the sales tax on a quarterly basis tax office Even though it is an annual tax. That's what the Advance sales tax return There, with which the state prevents payment defaults.
The charts of accounts make it easier for you to bookkeepingby categorizing your accounts. With them, you create an individual chart of accounts. You can use SKR 03 and SKR 04 regardless of industry. In agriculture, also SKR 14.
As a small business operator or farmer Do you have to keep a book, with or without softwares. Good bookkeeping makes it easier for you Financial statementswhen you need to do it.
Software can be found at Lexware, DATEV or Sevdesk. For regional direct marketers Has also FrachtPilot the most important functions for accounting.
Ready to find out more? Just get in touch with us. Let's have a personal conversation with you to see if FrachtPilot It's also suitable for your company. Of course she is guidance free of charge and without obligation.
In addition, in an equally free and non-binding Test period Put the FrachtPilot through its paces for 30 days!
