I am dealing with a similar situation, I work as a freelance designer after receiving a BA in Design from a German university.
Just learner that FA decided I'm a Gewerbe back in 2017, and I had to pay in total over 10k in Gewerbesteuer.
My tax advisor has appealed this and they've just responded that they still think I'm a Gewerbe.
What should I do in this situation? This is clearly wrong according to their official criteria. Does it make sense to involve a lawyer?