EMTAK (Eesti majanduse tegevusalade klassifikaator) in the questions and extra checks: “Why do you list IT, but in reality you sell goods?”.annual report is public information about what your company does. Banks see it during KYC/compliance, partners may look it up, and sometimes clients do too. A wrong EMTAK code rarely leads to a direct fine, but it often triggers
EMTAK is often reviewed by bank compliance, not by accountants. The closer the code is to what you actually get paid for (by turnover), the fewer questions — and the fewer manual reviews.
Below is a practical way to choose EMTAK so it matches real activity and looks logical to banks and partners.
In practice, before filing, verify the requirements in Commercial Code (ÄS) and Accounting Act (RPS).
How to choose the main code (turnover decides)
- Split your revenue by business line for the year.
- Main EMTAK = the line with the highest turnover.
- Add extra codes only if you actually run the activity (not “just in case”).
If the business changed mid-year:
- reflect the actual activity for the reporting year in the annual report;
- in planned activities, list only what you genuinely plan to launch next year.
Quick EMTAK sanity check (5 minutes)
Open your 3 largest contracts/invoices for the year and ask:
- Does the code describe what you were paid for?
- Does it match your website (services/products)?
- Would it make sense to a bank (no “mystery”)?
If the answer is “yes” — you are likely fine.
Typical mistakes
- choosing a very generic code (“other services”) when you can be more precise;
- listing 10–15 codes “just in case” — it looks suspicious;
- not updating EMTAK after a pivot or business model change;
- the main code does not match turnover (e.g., “consulting” as main, while most turnover is trade).
How to fill it in e‑Äriregister without extra bureaucracy
- start with the main code;
- add 1–3 additional codes if needed;
- don’t try to describe your entire potential business — this is a classifier, not a business plan.
What to keep on file
If a bank asks questions, you should have:
- a simple table showing revenue split by business line;
- examples of invoices/contracts;
- a short explanation of why the code was chosen.
How we can help
If you want to close this quickly and avoid refiling: we can review the data, prepare the report in Contact us.e‑Äriregister, advise on documentation, and take it to filing.
Main vs additional codes: keep it simple
In most annual reports, it’s enough to have:
- 1 main code (põhitegevusala);
- 1–3 additional codes (secondary lines).
If you have 5 lines but 90% of turnover is in one of them — don’t turn EMTAK into a catalogue. A good approach is:
- main = the 90% line;
- one additional = the #2 line (if it’s truly active);
- leave the rest until it becomes material.
How to find a code in the Statistikaamet classifier
A practical workflow:
- search by keywords (for example: “konsultatsioon”, “programmeerimine”, “hulgimüük”, “jaemüük”, “reklaam”);
- open the description and check if it matches your service/product;
- make sure the code reflects what you are paid for, not “how you do it”.
Why EMTAK matters for banks and licences
Banks use EMTAK as part of the risk profile:
- mismatch between activity and payments → more questions;
- a “wide set” of codes → suspicion that the company doesn’t understand its model or tries to hide the real industry.
In licensed industries (finance, gambling, payment services), activity description becomes particularly important: mismatch can delay bank onboarding and trigger document requests.
Practical examples (without tying to exact codes)
- If you sell a SaaS subscription, “software development / IT services” is usually more logical than “marketing”.
- If you resell goods, that is trade (not “consulting”, even if you advise customers).
- If you provide advertising services, choose a code that reflects advertising/marketing rather than the tools you use to deliver it.
- If you do several things, choose the main code by turnover and keep additional codes limited.
Checklist
- The main code matches the main revenue source.
- There are no unnecessary “just in case” codes.
- Codes match contracts/invoices and your website.
- You have a short explanation ready (for a bank/partner).
If there is no revenue (or it’s tiny)
Even if the year was almost zero:
- choose the main code based on actual activity (what you actually did/sold, even if little);
- in planned activities, list only what you will realistically launch — not everything.
If the business hasn’t started yet but the company exists, keeping EMTAK logical still helps: it reduces questions when opening a bank account or connecting a payment provider.
See also on blog.accres.eu
The ideal outcome is when EMTAK explains your business in 10 seconds and doesn’t trigger questions. If you’re unsure, align the code with your accountant before you submit the annual report.
FAQ
We're a startup still searching for a business model. What should we put?
Choose the code based on your actual revenue source (even if small) and update it when the model stabilizes.
Can we change EMTAK every year?
Yes, if the real activity changes. Keep it logical and documentable.
Do we need to change EMTAK if we added a new line of business?
If the new line becomes material by turnover or risk profile — yes. If it was a one-off sale, usually no.
We provide services abroad. Does that affect EMTAK?
The code describes the type of activity, not geography. Geography is reflected in contracts and, if needed, in notes/tegevusaruanne.