The purpose of this document is to explain the rules governing the tax audit regime in Germany, including the legal framework, the main focus areas of a tax audit, and the procedures followed by the tax authorities. It also outlines the increasing importance of digital data access and audit techniques. Read more

Germany has clarified that small businesses under Section 19 UStG are exempt from issuing e-invoices even after the 2028 mandate, allowing continued use of paper or PDF invoices. However, they must still be able to receive, process, and store structured e-invoices from January 1, 2025, as part of the phased transition to full digital B2B invoicing. Germany has confirmed how new e-Invoicing obligat... Read more

Germany is considering a major tax reform that would increase the standard VAT rate to 21–22% while lowering reduced rates and introducing a 0% rate on essential goods to offset the impact on households. Germany is currently debating a major tax reform that could shift the burden from income to consumption. The proposed changes, discussed by the CDU/CSU-SPD coalition, include increasing the standa... Read more

Germany and France will release ZUGFeRD version 2.5 on May 20, 2026, introducing support for gross invoices and aligning the format with the latest EN 16931 standards. Germany and France have announced a new version of the ZUGFeRD e-invoicing format (version 2.5), which will be released on May 20, 2026. The update is developed jointly by Forum for Electronic Invoicing Germany and FNFE-MPE (a Fren... Read more

Germany has clarified its e-invoicing transition rules, allowing paper and PDF invoices until the end of 2026 (or 2027 for smaller businesses), ensuring a gradual shift to digital invoicing. After these periods, mandatory e-invoicing will apply to domestic B2B transactions, giving businesses more time and clarity to prepare for compliance. Germany has updated its guidance on mandatory e-invoicing,... Read more

The ECJ ruled in case C-436/24 that customer loyalty points are not vouchers under EU VAT rules, as they do not create a legal obligation for the supplier to accept them as payment. Read more

Germany has published a draft to replace the existing BpO 2000 with new External Audit Regulations (ApO), aiming to modernize and speed up tax audit procedures. The proposal introduces a stronger focus on risk-based, more targeted audits, along with structured cooperation between taxpayers and authorities through framework agreements. Read more

KoSIT has confirmed strong progress on XRechnung 4.0, which will align with the upcoming EN 16931-1:2026 standard and enable a single, EU-compliant format for both B2G and future B2B e-invoicing. The update introduces major technical and regulatory changes (including ViDA alignment), is not backward compatible, and requires businesses to upgrade systems and prepare early for mandatory e-invoicing... Read more

The purpose of this document is to describe how electronic invoices are handled in Germany. This document explains e-invoices, what they are, and how they are used, with special attention being paid to their legal treatment in Germany. Read more

A new guidance issued by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Finance, effective 1 January 2025, replaces the 2013 instructions and clarifies taxpayers’ rights and cooperation duties during external tax audits, with the document now required to be attached to audit orders. Taxpayers must support audits by providing records, data access, workspace, and knowledgeable staff, while auditors must identify themselves, respect taxpayer rights, and conduct audits fairly, including in the taxpayer’s favor. Read more

Germany is fundamentally transforming invoicing by introducing mandatory B2B e-invoicing, requiring companies to receive e-invoices from 2025 and to issue structured, EN 16931-compliant e-invoices from 2027 under the amended German VAT Act. As a result, 2026 is the key preparation year for businesses to upgrade systems, align processes with partners, and ensure compliance while laying the groundwo... Read more

The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) will pilot a new TR-03185 “Secure Software Lifecycle” certification from February 2026 that keeps certified software compliant after updates without re-certification by certifying secure development processes, enabling faster releases, less administrative burden, and sustained trust. The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) i... Read more

Deutsche Fiskal announced a February 2026 rollout of FCC version 4.4.0, mandatory system upgrades, and related technical changes, including new TSE selection options (initially test-only) and required authentication adjustments for customers upgrading from older FCC versions. All FCC DC installations will be upgraded during February 2026, February invoices will be temporarily issued from a fiskaly email address, and customers must ensure payments are made to the updated Commerzbank account. Read more

S4F backoffice patch is intended for users who have already installed S4F backoffice and are intended to update existing installations to latest version. To do so apply only patches that are marked with version number that is newer than your currently installed instance of backoffice. Please make sure to install all available patches sequentially (without skipping). This package contains instruction, release notes, changelog and software packages required for deployment of this software component. Read more

Germany has published new legally binding VAT return and advance-payment forms for 2026, released on 29 December 2025 and mandatory for all VAT filings via ELSTER. Read more

Germany has introduced the German Electronic Business Address (GEBA), published on 18 December 2025 by XStandards Einkauf, as a standardized electronic identifier to accurately route e-documents—especially e-invoices—within networks like Peppol. While GEBA is voluntary, it enhances interoperability, clarity of sender/receiver identification, and readiness for future digital tax and reporting frame... Read more