tax authorities / fiscus
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tax authorities
A formal term for the state as the holder of financial authority, especially with regard to the collection of taxes. Often used as a synonym for the tax authorities or the tax office.
Selbstständige müssen vierteljährlich eine Vorauszahlung an den Fiskus leisten.
Self-employed people have to make a quarterly advance payment to the tax authorities.
fiscus
In ancient Rome, the emperor's private treasury, which was separate from the public state treasury (the aerarium).
Die Erträge aus den kaiserlichen Provinzen flossen direkt in den Fiskus.
The revenues from the imperial provinces flowed directly into the fiscus.
'Der Fiskus' (the tax authorities) is a formal term, often used in the media, for the state as the recipient of taxes. The word sounds slightly detached and is sometimes also used ironically.
Jedes Jahr im Mai muss die Steuererklärung beim Fiskus eingereicht werden.
Every year in May, the tax return has to be submitted to the tax authorities.
The word is often treated like a person. Typical phrases are 'an den Fiskus zahlen' (to pay the tax authorities), 'der Fiskus fordert' (the tax authorities demand), or 'etwas vom Fiskus zurückbekommen' (to get something back from the tax authorities).
Viele hoffen, nach der Steuererklärung Geld vom Fiskus zurückzubekommen.
Many people hope to get money back from the tax authorities after filing their tax return.
You can clearly recognize the historical meaning from the context. If 'Kaiser' (emperor), 'Provinzen' (provinces), or 'antiken Rom' (ancient Rome) is mentioned, the emperor's private treasury is meant.
Im Römischen Reich wurden die Steuern aus Ägypten direkt an den Fiskus abgeführt.
In the Roman Empire, taxes from Egypt were paid directly to the fiscus.
tax office
Finanzamt and Fiskus can both be used in connection with a tax demand. The Finanzamt is the specific authority handling a case; Fiskus is a formal term for the state as the recipient and claimant of taxes. Use Finanzamt for a visit to a government office; in formal language, Fiskus is more suitable.
Der Fiskus fordert mich zur Zahlung der Steuer auf.
The tax authorities are asking me to pay the tax.
Das Finanzamt fordert mich zur Zahlung der Steuer auf.
The tax office is asking me to pay the tax.
