Daně a legislativa ČR
When Is a Tax Adviser Worth It for an Investor?
Key takeaways
- A tax adviser typically costs CZK 3,000–15,000 depending on complexity; for a larger portfolio the investment pays off.
- A foreign broker, foreign dividends, and tax credits under double-taxation treaties are areas where mistakes come most easily.
- An adviser can extend the filing deadline to 1 July instead of 1 April.
- You can manage on your own especially when you have just one Czech broker, no dividends, and few transactions.
- From 2025 there is a CZK 40 million cap on gain exemption under the time test — above this limit an adviser is a necessity.
A tax adviser is always worth it for an investor when the complexity of the portfolio exceeds what they can handle correctly on their own — and the cost of a mistake is higher than the adviser's fee. The question is therefore not "do I want to save money?" but "what will a mistake cost me?"
When You Can Manage on Your Own
If you have a single Czech broker (Portu, Fondee, Partners…), buy only accumulating ETFs with no dividends, and sell a minimum of positions per year, you can handle the tax return on your own. Appendix No. 3 has a clear structure and the broker will provide you with a transaction overview.
- No foreign dividends → no exchange-rate conversion, no double-taxation treaty.
- Few transactions → you can calculate the tax base manually or in a spreadsheet.
- Time test met on all sales → exempt, you just need to report it.
When an Adviser Makes Sense
The situation becomes complicated as soon as you add a foreign broker (Interactive Brokers, Saxo, Degiro), multiple currencies, dividends from multiple countries, or sales of assets with an unclear acquisition cost. Typical complex cases:
- Credit for foreign withholding tax on dividends (USA, Germany, France — each treaty is different).
- Portfolio with equities, ETFs, and bonds — different types of income, different lines on the return.
- Cryptocurrencies alongside equities — the taxation methodology differs.
- Gain from a sale above CZK 40 million — from 2025 a cap on exemption under the time test applies.
What an Adviser Costs and What You Get
A simpler case (one broker, dividends with up to ten line items) costs CZK 3,000–6,000. A more complex portfolio with multiple brokers and foreign transactions runs from CZK 8,000 upwards. An experienced adviser will explain not just the form but also optimisation — when to sell, how to use the value test, or how to plan future transactions. More on the basics of ETF taxation is in the article ETF taxes in the Czech Republic.
How to Choose an Adviser
Look for an adviser with direct experience with an individual investor's portfolio — corporate accounting is a different discipline. Ask for references in the field of foreign brokers and ETFs. The Czech Chamber of Tax Advisers maintains a public register where you can verify that an adviser is licensed.
This article is not tax advice. Always consult a specialist for your specific case — more context is in the guide ETF taxes in the Czech Republic.
FAQ
How much does a tax adviser cost for an investor?
Simpler cases (one broker, a small number of transactions) range from CZK 3,000 to 6,000. More complex portfolios with multiple brokers, foreign dividends, and many transactions can cost CZK 10,000 or more.
Can an adviser extend my filing deadline?
Yes. A tax adviser files the return by 1 July instead of the standard 1 April. The condition is that a power of attorney must be granted to them before the basic deadline expires.
Do I need an adviser if I only have Portu or Fondee?
Usually not. These platforms offer a transaction overview and the tax base is typically straightforward. Complexity arises with a foreign broker, dividends, or a higher volume of sales.
What is the CZK 40 million cap from 2025?
From 2025, the exemption of gains from selling securities when the time test (three-year holding) is met is capped at CZK 40 million per year. Gains above this limit are subject to standard taxation.