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 / update instructions.

System architecture

The application Income Taxes 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:

1. Client (Web browser)

2. Business logic (Web Application Server)

3. Data (Database Server)

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.

Open

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.

Open

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).

System requirements for components

AMANA does not provide support for older software versions that are no longer maintained by the manufacturer.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.

Database

• Microsoft SQL server 2017 / 2018 / 2019. Since 2023 Oracle isn't supported for new installations any more.

• Current multiple-core server processor/system (at least 2 GHz clock speed), for processor-intensive reports at least 2 cores, for larger installations (from approx. 100 companies) preferably 4 cores (also for VMs)

• At least 8 GB RAM for the server. For larger installations (from approx. 100 companies) preferably 16 GB RAM for the database server

• The database must be UTF-8 coded

• Authorization to "CREATE", "INSERT“, "UPDATE“, "DELETE“ and "ALTER“ on the database, for Oracle: CONNECT + RESSOURCE authorization

• The required database memory depends to a large degree on company size and user behaviour. In the latter case, it is particularly relevant how often file attachments or documents (Excel, csv, ...) are stored (sometimes these files are stored in an external folder). As a rough guide, we recommend approx. 500 MB memory per 10 companies and period.

• A regular backup of the database schemas is strongly recommended.

Web application server

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.).

• Java version: JDK 17 (AMANA is testing the application with Oracle's JDK 17 and Eclipse Temurin 17 from the Adoptium Working Group).

• JDBC driver for the database used

• Apache Tomcat 9.0.xx (Tomcat 10.xx is not allowed to be used under any circumstances!)

• Current multiple-core server processor/system (at least 2 GHz clock speed), for processor-intensive reports at least 2 cores, for larger installations (from approx. 100 companies) preferably 4 cores (also for VMs).

• At least 4 GB RAM for each installation of Tomcat, for larger installations (from approx. 100 companies) preferably 8 GB RAM working memory (assigned to each Tomcat). We strongly advise to have additional 4 GB memory for the underlying operating system.

• At least 1 GB hard disk capacity for the application, plus 1 GB for the application server and the Java installation

• 10 GB for the additional folder for storing temporary files

• If file attachments are not stored in the database but in an external folder, the required memory space increases by approx. 500 MB per 10 companies and period.

Web browser

• Current Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Edge Chromium

• JavaScript must be allowed in the browser for the application

Transfer to tax authority (Tax Return module)

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 application to the TC and then to the tax authority after a first-time configuration in the 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.