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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: Procedure in Case of POS or Cash Register Failure

In Germany, if a POS or cash register fails, businesses must follow strict procedures set out in §146 AO, §146a AO, the KassenSichV, and AEAO. The preferred solution is to switch to another TSE-compliant system, but if none is available, continuous handwritten records must be kept, and the outage fully documented with supporting evidence. Read more
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In Germany, if a POS or cash register fails, businesses must follow strict procedures set out in §14... Read more
Germany Published New E-Invoicing Guideline Linking VAT Law to EU Standard

Germany has released a new e-invoicing guideline that maps the legal requirements of the VAT Act (UStG) to the EU standard EN 16931, ensuring structured compliance and interoperability. Developed by XStandards Einkauf, FeRD, and AWV, the guideline provides businesses and software providers with a practical tool to guarantee that e-invoices meet all mandatory VAT information requirements. A new gui... Read more
Germany Published New E-Invoicing Guidel...

Germany has released a new e-invoicing guideline that maps the legal requirements of the VAT Act (US... Read more
Germany: Deutsche Fiskal Released a New Update of the FCC

The latest update of the Fiskal Cloud Connector (FCC version 4.2.2) is now available for download. More information is given as follows. Read more
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The latest update of the Fiskal Cloud Connector (FCC version 4.2.2) is now available for download.... Read more
Germany Amends the Application Decree to the Tax Code – AEAO

On September 1, 2025, Germany’s Federal Ministry of Finance issued a BMF letter amending the Application Decree to the Tax Code (AEAO), updating rules on bookkeeping, electronic recording systems with TSE, and document retention. The changes align references with the July 14, 2025 GoBD update, ensuring consistency with Germany’s new mandatory e-invoicing system. Read more
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On September 1, 2025, Germany’s Federal Ministry of Finance issued a BMF letter amending the Applica... Read more
Germany: Rounding Rules in Tax Invoices

Germany follows strict VAT invoice rounding rules under the UStAE, requiring tax amounts to be shown to the cent and rounded down if the next digit is 4 or less, or up if it is 5 or more. While EN 16931 allows flexibility in rounding methods, Germany mandates this specific approach to ensure consistency in tax calculations. Read more
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Germany follows strict VAT invoice rounding rules under the UStAE, requiring tax amounts to be shown... Read more
Germany: Is a QR Code Enough Instead of a Paper Receipt?

Germany’s Higher Administrative Court of Lüneburg asked the ECJ to decide whether a QR code can replace a paper receipt from weighing scales, challenging the long-held view that only printed paper meets legal standards. The case could redefine receipt rules under EU law, focusing on whether digital formats still guarantee transparency, legibility, and customer protection. In August 2025, the Highe... Read more
Germany: Is a QR Code Enough Instead of...

Germany’s Higher Administrative Court of Lüneburg asked the ECJ to decide whether a QR code can repl... 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. 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
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Q&A from the webinar: Germany's cash register rules - reporting mandate and TSE certificate

On July 17th, 2025, Fiscal Solutions organized a free webinar on the topic of "Germany's cash register rules: reporting mandate and TSE certificate." The webinar was held by Fiscal Solutions Legal Consultant Ivana Picajkić and Technical Consultant Ištvan Božoki. Let’s find out more about answers to questions asked during the webinar. Read more
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On July 17th, 2025, Fiscal Solutions organized a free webinar on the topic of "Germany's cash regist... Read more
Cash register reporting obligation in Germany

The document outlines Germany’s mandatory cash register reporting obligation effective January 1, 2025, requiring all businesses using electronic recording systems with a Technical Security Element (TSE) to register their devices with the tax authority. This applies to cash registers, POS systems, and other devices, including temporary and unused ones, and must be done electronically via Mein ELSTER or the ERiC interface. Read more
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The document outlines Germany’s mandatory cash register reporting obligation effective January 1, 20... Read more
EV-chargers from the Fiscalization Perspective in Germany

Germany’s fiscalization system is based on the Technical Security Element (TSE), which secures POS transactions but does not apply to EV chargers. Let's find out what this means in practice. Read more
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Germany’s fiscalization system is based on the Technical Security Element (TSE), which secures POS t... Read more
On May 15th, 2025, Fiscal Solutions organized a free webinar on the topic of "Fiscalization and online sales in European countries". The webinar was held by Fiscal Solutions Legal Consultant Nikolina Basić. Let’s find out more about answers to questions asked during the webinar. Read more
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Already subscriber? LoginELSTER (ERiC) - State tax office system

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
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ELSTER (ELektronische STeuerERklärung = electronic tax declaration) is a German online tax office sy... Read more