Accountant Certification in Tel Aviv – Appendix 6 and Income

What is an Accountant's Income Certificate?

An income certificate (also called "Appendix 6" or "income certificate for legal purposes") is an accounting document signed by an accountant and submitted to the tax authority, as well as provided to the client. The document attests to the amount of income reported for each tax year, based on the accounting records maintained.

It is not "proof of income" in the absolute sense – it is evidence of reporting that was made. The tax authority may examine the data, and the certificate is valid only for the period specified in it.

Who Needs an Income Certificate?

Primarily three groups:

• Self-employed individuals with business licenses – when they apply for a bank loan, mortgage, or when they need to prove income for legal purposes (divorce, alimony proceedings, contractual disputes).
• Ltd. company owners – when the company needs to prove clear income for banking or legal purposes, or when a company manager applies for a personal loan.
• Employees with additional income – if you received income from self-employment or rental property, an accountant may issue a certificate for such income.

How to Obtain an Income Certificate?

The process is relatively straightforward, but requires two to three steps:

1. Contact your accountant – if you are already working with an accountant, simply request an income certificate. If not – you will need to contact an office that can provide such a certificate (Ben Or Kok, for example, issues such certificates for self-employed individuals and companies in Tel Aviv and the surrounding area).
2. Data preparation – the office will review your accounting data (annual reports, income records, expenses) and verify that they are up-to-date and accurate.
3. Certificate issuance – the accountant will sign the certificate and provide you with a copy. They will also report to the tax authority if required.

Typically, the time from request to issuance is 3–7 business days, depending on the scope of data that needs to be reviewed.

What You Should Know About Income Certificates

One point that is not always clear: an income certificate is not "proof of income" that cannot be challenged. It is evidence of reporting that was made. If someone questions the data (for example, a bank or court), the tax authority may conduct an examination of the original data – invoices, bank payments, tax reports.

Therefore, for an income certificate to be reliable and strong:

• Accounting data must be well documented (invoices, receipts, bank statements).
• Reporting to the tax authority must be current and lawful.
• If there are gaps or discrepancies, such a certificate may be problematic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting a request at the last minute – if you need a certificate for a bank or court, do not wait until the last day. Give your accountant time to review the data carefully.
• Attempting to "correct" data after the year – if you discover that an expense or income is missing, do not try to add it now. The correction should be made through an amended report or written explanation to the tax authority.
• Requesting a certificate from an accountant who is not yours – an accountant can only issue a certificate based on data they have personally reviewed. If you work with one firm, you cannot request a certificate from another firm.
• Assuming the certificate covers all needs – different banks, different courts, different institutions – each may require additional documents. An income certificate is only part of the picture.

When Should You Contact an Accountant in Tel Aviv?

If you are in Tel Aviv or the surrounding area (Ramat Gan, Petah Tikva, Gush Dan) and anticipate needing an income certificate, it is advisable to reach out today. Even if you are unsure whether you need such a certificate – an initial consultation at no cost can clarify exactly what is required and what the next steps are.

Ben Or Kok handles self-employed individuals, business owners, and company owners in Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, Petah Tikva, Netanya, and the central region. We issue such certificates based on accurate data and proper accounting.

Appendix 6 – What Exactly Is It?

Appendix 6 is an official form of the Israeli Tax Authority that a certified public accountant transmits when signing an annual report of a business owner or company. The form contains details of income, expenses, and profit (or loss) for the tax year.

When you request an "income certificate," you are essentially requesting a copy of this appendix or an explicit certification based on it. The accountant issues it based on the data reported to the Tax Authority.

Important to remember: Appendix 6 is an official document and tax filing with the Tax Authority. If there is an error in it, it reflects an error in the filing itself – and this will require official correction.

Comparison: When Do You Need an Income Certificate?

As you can see, the certificate is most useful in financial and legal contexts. If you are unsure whether you need it – ask the entity that requested proof of income from you. They will be able to tell you exactly what type of document they require.

Practical Tips Before Issuing an Income Certificate

If you are planning to issue an income certificate soon, here are a few things you should do in advance:

• Check what you exactly need. If a bank or court has asked you for proof of income, ask them what type of document they require. Not every certificate is the same.
• Update your accounting data. If months have passed since you last updated your books, update them now. This will save time for your accountant.
• Request in advance. Don't wait until the last day. Give your accountant time to review and issue the certificate without rush.
• Keep a copy. When you receive the certificate, keep a copy of it. You may need it again in the future.

Why You Should Work with an Accounting Firm in Tel Aviv

If you are in Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, Petah Tikva, or the surrounding area, working with a local accounting firm can be an advantage. Not only because of physical proximity, but also due to understanding of the local market, the needs of banks and legal entities in contracts, and the possibility of in-person meetings if needed.

Ben Or Cook serves freelancers, business owners, and company owners in Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, Petah Tikva, Netanya, and the central region. We issue income certificates based on accurate data, and we also assist with additional matters: bookkeeping, annual reports, payroll, tax planning, and tax returns. First consultation is free of charge.