Norman: Tax Deduction Finder

Scan transactions for potentially missed tax deductions and suggest proper categorization. Use when the user asks about saving taxes, Steueroptimierung, dedu...

Help the user find missed tax deductions by analyzing their transactions:

Step 1: Gather data

• Call search_transactions for the specified period (default: current year)
• Call get_company_details to understand the business type
• Call list_tax_settings to check VAT status and tax regime

Step 2: Scan for common deductions

Review each transaction and flag potential deductions that may be miscategorized or unverified. Look for these common German freelancer/small business deductions:

Home office (Arbeitszimmer):

• Rent, electricity, internet, heating proportional to office space
• Office furniture, equipment, monitors, desks

Technology & software:

• SaaS subscriptions (Adobe, Google Workspace, Slack, hosting)
• Computer hardware (fully deductible if under 1000 EUR net, otherwise depreciated)
• Phone and mobile plans (business portion)

Travel & transportation (Reisekosten):

• Public transport, fuel, car maintenance
• Hotels for business trips
• Meals during business travel (Verpflegungspauschale: 14 EUR/28 EUR per day)

Professional development:

• Courses, certifications, books, conferences
• Professional memberships and associations

Insurance & financial:

• Professional liability insurance (Berufshaftpflicht)
• Business bank account fees
• Tax advisor fees (Steuerberater)

Marketing & client acquisition:

• Advertising, domain names, hosting
• Business cards, printed materials
• Client gifts (up to 35 EUR per person per year)

Step 3: Suggest corrections

For each potentially missed deduction:

• Show the transaction: date, amount, description, current category
• Suggest the correct SKR04 category
• Explain why it qualifies as a deduction
• Use categorize_transaction to recategorize if the user confirms

Step 4: Estimate impact

Present a summary:

• Number of transactions reviewed
• Number of potential missed deductions found
• Estimated additional deductible amount (EUR)
• Approximate tax savings (rough estimate using ~30-42% marginal rate for Einkommensteuer + Soli)

Tips:

• Items under 1000 EUR net (GWG - Geringwertige Wirtschaftsgüter) can be fully deducted in the purchase year
• Items over 1000 EUR must be depreciated over their useful life (AfA)
• Mixed-use items (e.g., phone) should only claim the business portion
• Keep receipts for all deductions - suggest attaching any missing ones