Three German GGI member firms recognised as Top German Tax Advisory Firms by Handelsblatt

To determine the “best” list, Handelsblatt commissioned Hamburg-based market-research institute SWI Finance to conduct its annual survey, asking specialist questions and evaluating the answers submitted by more than 4,900 participating firms. Out of more than 4,100 tax advisors and 800 auditors, 588 tax advisory firms, and 133 auditing firms are included in the list of Germany’s top firms. The complete article (in German) can be found at Handelsblatt Test: Beste Steuerberater 2025. 

GGI member firm Benefitax from Frankfurt/Main has been recognised once again by Handelsblatt in 2025 and is included in the list of “Germany's Best Tax Consultants”. Next to the overall recognition, Benefitax was awarded in the categories “International Taxation”, and “Payroll Accounting”. 

Benefitax core focus is on cross-border business with financial compliance of German entities of foreign companies and on international tax matters. Therefore, we are extremely proud to have won in the category “international taxation”.

German Certified Tax Consultant and Senior Manager Martin Thieslauk, who is back to Benefitax after a 2-year break, already supported us in the survey surely contributed to the recognition in payroll accounting. With his national and cross-border experience in this field including (virtual) stock options, expatriates, salary-splits, wage tax audits and audits of the social security carriers, construction withholding tax and checking if the activity of employees leads to a permanent establishment, he is an absolute expert.

Reflecting on the achievement, Benefitax Managing Partner Oliver Biernat, who also serves as Global Chair of GGI’s International Taxation Practice Group, expressed his gratitude: “We consider ourselves fortunate to be among the 588 tax firms recognised. I would particularly like to thank our professional colleagues who helped us answer the specialist questions under time pressure and demonstrated that we are in the top league of tax advisory firms.” (Handelsblatt, 2025).

The leadership of GGI member firm FACT, based in Kassel, Germany, is honoured and excited to be named one of Germany’s top tax advisory and auditing firms for the eighth consecutive year. In addition to overall firm recognition, FACT has shown outstanding results in the categories “international taxation”, “inheritance and testamentary gifts” (tax advisory), as well as “accounting” and “balance sheet analysis” (auditing).

Andreas Gottmann, Managing Partner at FACT, highlighted the significance of this achievement: “We are delighted to be recognised by the Handelsblatt again. This recognition confirms our commitment to providing the highest quality in tax advisory and auditing. Our focus is always providing our clients with personalised, competent service. Above all, the award as overall firm in the areas of auditing and tax consulting make us proud.” (Handelsblatt, 2025).

FACT’s expertise is based on interdisciplinary cooperation on the subjects of tax, audit and law – effectively they serve as a “one-stop shop”. FACT is well-known as a forward-thinking advisory firm with excellent client service. Each client is assigned two contact persons (at least one partner and one qualified employee), fully proficient in the client’s circumstances. Strong personally-tailored communication with their clients, and prompt individual and flexible service are taken for granted by all FACT employees.

nbs partners is again recognised as one of the top auditing firms in Germany, receiving Handelsblatt's “Best Auditors 2025” award. The aim of the survey is to provide accurate answers to specialist questions from specific areas of expertise. Here, auditors from nbs partners achieved a high score, which secured them the coveted top rankings. 

“We are very proud that our auditors have again been awarded by Handelsblatt. We are particularly pleased about the award in the overall evaluation,” said Boris Michels, CPA and partner at nbs partners. “This once again confirms the consistently high quality of our auditing and consulting services for clients. The auditing team was also very pleased about the award in the field of financial reporting and valuation.”

For nbs partners, dealing with the advancing role of artificial intelligence and sustainability represents an opportunity. “For years, we have seen ourselves in a pioneering role in customised digital solutions and modern audit approaches using state-of-the-art software and technology,” said Tobias Schreiber, CPA and partner at nbs partners.

Both Boris Michels and Tobias Schreiber highlighted sustainability reporting and its auditing as an important area for future growth: “We are very proud that our CPAs have once again been recognised by Handelsblatt. This once again confirms our own claim, which we also see in the growth segment of sustainability reporting and its auditing in the coming years." (Handelsblatt, 2025).