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I should probably add even more info:

* If you are a freelancer and your income depends primarily on the time you invest, you should aim for a higher income, because obvioulsy vacation and sickness don't earn you any money.

* As someone with a product that provides a more or less reliable income stream independent from time you put in, a yearly income of around 40-50K is certainly good and sufficient, to make a living. Eiswuxe said he made 3,500 €, which is a yearly salary of 42K. Not too bad and he can expect to steadily increase it, since more and more games are added to his portfolio.

* Don't be afraid of taxes when you are self-employed. They aren't that much different from being employed. The main differene is that you are responsible for a steady income.

* Go to a tax consultant (Steuerberater). Good ones offer you a free introduction, where you can ask questions. As a gentleman, it would be nice to use their service then at least once (if they seem to be reasonable). They can fill your tax return (Steuererklärung) for around 150-200 €, if you are employed and don't have tons of bills that need to be entered in a computer.

For me at least, talking to a tax consultant gave me a way better understanding of the whole subject and even took away some fears what would happen, if I quit my job and start traveling the world while "only" making 50K in renevue per year on the side with my product.



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