Accounting principles under tax law expand on the general bookkeeping obligations (Buchführungspflicht) set forth by commercial law (Unternehmensgesetz). Therefore, all taxpayers who are obliged to keep accounts under commercial law are also obliged to keep accounts for tax purposes.
In corporations, account records must be kept in accordance with general accounting principles. The same applies to  sole proprietors and partnerships with an annual profit of more than €700,000.
All companies that are not subject to the general accounting obligations can either prepare a statement of income and expenses (Einnahmen-Ausgabenrechnung) or opt for lump sum taxation (Pauschalierung).