This section describes the technical requirements for launching the GlobalTaxCenter (GTC) software, including all of its modules. Full instructions on how to install it are provided in the installation instructions.
The GTC is a web-based application. It serves the group tax department as a tax portal and offers the possibility to automate process steps by connecting to other systems, thus reducing manual activities.
The system architecture is based on a three-tier architecture:
If a fail-safe operation is required, the business logic layer (business layer) can be operated in a load balancer, the availability of individual server applications [Health Check] can be monitored and if necessary a database cluster can be used. The implementation of a Single-Sign-On mechanism (SSO) is also possible on the application server. More detailed configuration information is not included in this document and can be provided separately.
Connection to the other systems is provided via the client or must be triggered by the client.
A data import, e.g. import of IFRS values from the accounting or consolidation system, can be carried out either via the client by uploading an XLSX/CSV file or via the server, i.e. through a direct connection between the server and the accounting or consolidation system.
The electronic tax return is sent to the tax authority via a separate transfer client, which can be installed in a demilitarized zone of the computer centre (access to the Internet is required).
AMANA does not provide support for older software versions that are no longer maintained by the manufacturer. This may concern the operating system, web browser, DBMS and WAS, among other things.
Examples for not supported software versions are Windows XP, Internet Explorer 8 and, since January 2016, Internet Explorer 10.
We recommend that the database server and web application server are installed on different hardware / servers. Virtual servers are supported (e.g. via VMWare, VirtualBox, etc.).
Please also note the additional information on Tomcat versions. |
| If the execution of individual functions with a particular browser is very slow or impossible, please try it with a different browser. Due to the large number of browsers currently on the market, it is impossible for AMANA to take the specific characteristics of each one into consideration. However, please feel free to contact the GlobalTaxCenter Hotline with any issues you encounter. We will do our best to work out a fix. |
For submission of the electronic tax return, the Transfer Client (TC) is required.
The TC can be deployed on a separate system, or it can be installed directly on the web application server (only with Windows).
The electronic tax return is automatically transmitted from the GTC to the TC and then to the tax authority after a first-time configuration in the GTC user interface.
The Transfer Client web service is opened via an encrypted connection and a proxy from the company network into the DMZ. This course of action can be customized to comply with the company’s own security standards, although it may entail additional effort.
We recommend approval of www.esteuer.de [Port 80] and the ELSTER data acceptance server.
The system requirements for the Transfer Client are listed in detail here.
The Elster Rich Client [ERiC] is a closed C library, provided by the tax authority. AMANA has no part in or control over its development or range of functions. The tax authority raises the minimum requirements once a year in April. For this reason, it is absolutely imperative that your GlobalTaxCenter and Transfer Client are updated before April every year if you intend to submit an electronic tax return in or after April. The ERiC API allows the use of a proxy when accompanied by appropriate parameters [host, port, user name, password, authentication method]. However, the ERiC API does not support the use of a proxy auto-config file. |