this post was submitted on 24 Sep 2023
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Given that you're studying, apply to any software company as a "Werkstudent". You can work up to 40 hours per week during periods without lectures, up to 20 hours otherwise. The benefits of that versus normal employment are reduced taxes for you and the company. Companies usually do that and also invest in upskilling you in the hope of being able to hire you later. Look up different companies located close to you and just apply.
Source: I worked like that for a small webdev company and than a rather big company til 2021.
Out of curiosity, what license do need?
That depends a lot on the work that you do. If you are mainly developing simple software solutions, then you most probably need to register as a business. If you want to work really freelance (as in "Freiberufler"), you need to "proof" that your job overlabs in complexity with the defined framework for these Jobs. To quote the Bundesgerichtshof, software development may qualify ...
Having an engineering like degree will help with this a lot. If you don't have one, as is the case here, it will be tough to get the argument to pass with the IRS
Thank you for the answer!
I'd contact a tax consultant to decide which way to go (Freelancing or a registered business). They will also help you in case of problems with the Finanzamt.
You have to pay taxes (Gewerbesteuer) only if you're making more than 24500 € in profit. It does not sound like OP will make anywhere near that, so there's no harm in getting a "Gewerbeanmeldung" (registering a business) and being able to sell things as well. It costs 30-100 € depending on where you're living
Except that you will be on the IRS' radar for ever and ever, ie. tax declaration will be mandatory for you at the earliest possible time even if you stop being self employed or your business no longer exists
You should submit a tax declaration regardless. Either it's required, or you'll most likely receive a refund. So no, there is no harm; on the contrary.
Since the original poster likely won't do this anyway, this discussion is pointless.
As a takeaway message: Just submit your tax declaration, even as a working student. In most cases, you'll get some money back. And send it to your Finanzamt (tax office), not the IRS. The US won't process your German tax declaration.
Cheers
I did try and look around for some werkstudent jobs but almost all of them are java or c# (which im willing to learn, but don't know yet except like a hello world which isnt much)
There's no need to be perfect. Just apply, you'll learn most on the job. Languages are just tools and most are similar, especially in the java, c#, js, python world. You can also take the initiative and apply to companies without open Werkstudent positions
tbf what i have learnt has all come from just doing stuff, either for self or friends or freelance jobs and so
I just assumed i shouldnt apply as i had no experience in them but i guess ill try anyway?