What is a special chart of accounts?

An special account system in accounting is a specially developed account system that is tailored to the specific requirements of certain industries, company forms or areas of activity. While general charts of accounts such as SKR 03 or SKR 04 can be used by a wide range of companies and industries, special charts of accounts are designed to better reflect specific legal, tax or operational requirements. They provide a more detailed structure and the customisations that are necessary for special accounting obligations.

The purpose and benefits of special charts of accounts:

1. Adaptation to industry-specific needs:
   Special account frameworks take into account the particular financing and business processes of a specific industry or organisation. For example, non-profit organisations require different accounting systems than profit-oriented companies. This is where special account frameworks such as SKR 49 (for non-profit organisations) or SKR 70 (for agriculture) come into play.
2. Complying with legal and tax requirements:
   In Germany, various types of companies and industries have special legal obligations, for example with regard to accounting or tax returns. A special chart of accounts helps to precisely meet these requirements by specifying exactly which accounts must be used for which business transactions. For example, a special chart of accounts for non-profit organisations differentiates between ideational areas and commercial business operations.
3. Simplifying accounting:
   An industry-specific chart of accounts ensures that accounting is clearer and more efficient. The predefined structure and industry-specific accounts make it easier to assign and document business transactions. This simplifies the preparation of annual financial statements and communication with tax authorities.
4. Industry-specific adaptation of account classes:
   A special chart of accounts can be used to adjust account classes and account designations that are not included in general charts of accounts. This often concerns special transactions such as subsidies, grants or industry-specific taxes.

Examples of special charts of accounts:

1. SKR 49 / SKR 42:
   SKR 49, which will be replaced by SKR 42 from 2025, is a chart of accounts specifically for non-profit organisations. It takes into account the special features of non-profit accounting, such as the separation of ideational activities, special-purpose entities, and commercial business operations, and provides a clear structure for presenting the use of funds.
2. SKR 70:
   The SKR 70 is a chart of accounts for agriculture and is adapted to the specific requirements of agricultural businesses. For example, it contains special accounts for livestock farming and crop farming, as well as for agricultural subsidies and grants.
3. SKR 80:
   This chart of accounts is often used for doctors, health professionals and pharmacies and contains specific accounts for medical operations, such as fees, medical supplies or laboratory services.
4. SKR 03 and SKR 04:
   Although these are considered general accounting frameworks, they can be adapted in special forms for specific industries. For example, SKR 03 is suitable for smaller companies and freelancers, while SKR 04 is often used by industrial companies that require detailed cost and performance accounting.

Advantages of special accounting frameworks:

• Industry relevance: They are adapted to the specific needs and requirements of certain industries or organisations, which makes it easier to map business processes.
• Legal certainty: Special account frameworks help to organise accounting in accordance with legal requirements and to fulfil tax obligations correctly.
• Efficiency in accounting: The clearly defined structure and industry-specific accounts mean that business transactions can be posted faster and more efficiently.

Conclusion:

special account frameworks are an important tool in accounting to meet industry-specific and legal requirements. They offer the advantage of a customised account structure that enables more precise and efficient accounting for certain activities and company forms. In particular, special account frameworks such as SKR 42 or SKR 70 provide an indispensable basis for correct and clear accounting for non-profit organisations, agricultural businesses or special professional groups.