Germany
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The fiscalization initiative in Germany was launched in 2016 following the introduction of the first set of specific regulations in this field. Since then, a series of legal acts and obligations have been established as part of the fiscalization mechanism, further clarifying and strengthening its provisions. One of the key requirements of this mechanism is the mandatory use of certified solutions. These solutions are designed to meet the highest standards of security, accuracy, and reliability, ensuring that financial transactions are recorded and reported in a manner that is transparent, fair, and in compliance with the law. The introduction of these requirements has been an important step towards improving the efficiency and integrity of the fiscal system in Germany.
Germany
In order to strengthen the accuracy and reliability of cash register data, the German government introduced the Law on the Protection against Manipulation of Digital Basic Records, also known as the "Kassengesetz," at the end of 2016. This law serves as the foundation for the fiscalization system in Germany. The cornerstone of the fiscalization system in Germany is the use of the Technical Security Element (TSE). All point-of-sale (POS) systems are required to use TSE and must be reported to and registered with the Tax Authority. The TSE is certified by the government and consists of a security module, secured memory, and a digital interface. These components work together to ensure that all transactions are securely recorded and stored, providing a high level of trust in the integrity of the data.
Type of fiscalization: Hardware/Software
Latest news for Germany
See moreGermany: E-Invoicing in Hesse
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
In the German state of Hesse, e-invoicing has been mandatory for suppliers to public bodies since April 18, 2024, following EU directives and the state’s own 2020 E-Invoicing Regulation. Invoices must comply with the European EN 16931 standard and be submitted through designated digital channels. Read more
In the German state of Hesse, e-invoicing has been mandatory for suppliers to public bodies since Ap... Read more
New document was uploaded: S4F backoffice patch
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. Read more
S4F backoffice patch is intended for users who have already installed S4F backoffice and are intende... Read more
Permanent Reduction in the Restaurant Sales Tax on Food from 2026 in Germany
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
Starting January 1, 2026, VAT on restaurant food will be permanently reduced to 7%. This change is part of the 2025 coalition agreement between CDU/CSU and SPD. To make it official, the VAT law will need to be updated in 2025. However, the government will need to cover the cost of this tax cut in future budgets. The reduced VAT is expected to save businesses about €3.5 billion each year, but... Read more
Starting January 1, 2026, VAT on restaurant food will be permanently reduced to 7%. This change is p... Read more
Reminder: Small Businesses Must Be Able to Receive and Store E-Invoices in Germany
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
Starting January 1, 2025, small businesses in Germany must be able to receive and archive electronic invoices, even if they are not required to issue them. Read more
Starting January 1, 2025, small businesses in Germany must be able to receive and archive electronic... Read more
Germany: Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 and XRechnung Now Interchangeable for E-Invoicing
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
Germany now recognizes Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 and XRechnung as functionally equivalent for e-invoicing public authorities, giving businesses the flexibility to use either format. Read more
Germany now recognizes Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 and XRechnung as functionally equivalent for e-invoici... Read more
Germany to Reintroduce 7% Reduced VAT for Hospitality Food Sales in 2026
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
On April 9, 2024, Germany’s coalition government announced that the reduced 7% VAT rate for restaurant and café food will return on January 1, 2026. Originally introduced in 2020 as a COVID-19 relief measure, the rate had expired in early 2024. Its reinstatement is part of the government’s broader economic strategy. On April 9, 2024, Germany’s new coalition government (CDU and SPD) announced... Read more
On April 9, 2024, Germany’s coalition government announced that the reduced 7% VAT rate for restaura... Read more
Latest document for Germany
See moreS4F backoffice patch
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. Read more
S4F backoffice patch is intended for users who have already installed S4F backoffice and are intende... Read more
Recorded webinar: E-invoicing for Global Retailers
If you are struggling with complex e-invoicing implementations across multiple countries, and if you are concerned about mounting costs, potential delays, or compliance risks, our webinar will help you to learn how global retailers can streamline e-invoicing efficiently! With countries worldwide mandating e-invoicing, international retailers face unique challenges adapting to new regulations acros... Read more
If you are struggling with complex e-invoicing implementations across multiple countries, and if you... Read more
ELSTER (ERiC) - State tax office system
Germany
Author: Borislav Vukic
ELSTER (ELektronische STeuerERklärung = electronic tax declaration) is a German online tax office system designed by the Federal Central Tax Office (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern) to enable anyone to submit their tax returns online. The objective of ELSTER integration is to automate the compulsory ERS registration process overseen by tax offices. If you want to learn more about this topic, please read the entire document. Read more
ELSTER (ELektronische STeuerERklärung = electronic tax declaration) is a German online tax office sy... Read more
Registration process in Germany
Germany
Author: Kristina Dosen
The registration obligation in Germany is called „The notification obligation“, and it has been established under § 146a Absatz 4 of the German Fiscal Code (Abgabenordnung - AO). It mandates businesses using electronic recording systems (POS) to notify tax authorities about using and decommissioning such systems. In this document, you’ll learn more about when was this obligation introduced. What data are needed for notification obligation and much more. Read more
The registration obligation in Germany is called „The notification obligation“, and it has been esta... Read more
Draft Guide e-Invoicing Letter
Germany
Author: Kristina Dosen
This document interprets the regulation about mandatory electronic invoicing and describes the implementation of the e-invoice system in Germany. Read more
This document interprets the regulation about mandatory electronic invoicing and describes the imple... Read more
Overview of fiscalization in European countries
This document contains an overview of the presence of fiscalization and its types in all European countries. Read more
This document contains an overview of the presence of fiscalization and its types in all European co... Read more