Fiscal subject related
- VAT certificate from your home country
- Business register extract confirming your company’s validity
- Article of Association
The average time for registering is 6 months. Once registered the seller will receive two numbers VAT Identification number and Tax number (Steuernummer). The tax number is a more general number, which is being assigned to traders. The VAT identification number is being used for the reporting of intra-community supplies.
In Germany two state bodies are dealing with taxation, one is Federal Central TaxOffice (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern (BZSt)) which deals with national tax matters, and the Local Tax Offices (Finanzamt). In Germany, there are around 650 tax offices and those are responsible for collecting income taxes, calculating and collecting property taxes, collecting business taxes, processing annual tax returns and registering freelancers and new businesses
Other news from Germany
New webinar was uploaded: Recorded Webinar: Are You Audit-Ready? Retail Tax Checks in Germany, France & Italy
Tax audits are increasingly important in European retail due to high transaction volumes and evolving compliance rules. With different fiscal systems in Germany, France, and Italy, understanding audit focus areas is essential. This webinar covers key audit frameworks, differences, and practical compliance insights for retailers. Read more
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Already subscriber? LoginNew event was created: Reminder - Join our free webinar: Are You Audit-Ready? Retail Tax Checks in Germany, France & Italy
Tax audits are becoming an increasingly important part of modern tax systems across Europe, especially in the retail sector where transaction volumes are high and compliance requirements are constantly evolving. With different fiscalization models in place across Germany, France, and Italy, understanding what authorities actually check during tax audits is essential for retailers and software pro... Read more
German Court Clarifies No Right to Final Meeting in VAT Fraud Investigations
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkič
The German Federal Fiscal Court ruled that taxpayers are not entitled to a final meeting during a VAT audit once tax evasion proceedings are initiated. At that point, the procedure shifts from a standard audit to a criminal tax investigation, where different rules apply and procedural rights are more limited. Read more
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Already subscriber? LoginGermany Updates VAT Registration Certificate Rules (VAT 1 TN)
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
Germany introduced a new standardized VAT registration certificate (VAT 1 TN), replacing previous guidance. The certificate serves only as proof of VAT registration, is valid for up to one year, and can be issued electronically without signature. The update mainly simplifies procedures and supports digitalization and cross-border VAT use. Read more
Subscribe to get access to the latest news, documents, webinars and educations.
Already subscriber? LoginNew event was created: Join our free webinar: Are You Audit-Ready? Retail Tax Checks in Germany, France & Italy
Tax audits are becoming an increasingly important part of modern tax systems across Europe, especially in the retail sector where transaction volumes are high and compliance requirements are constantly evolving. With different fiscalization models in place across Germany, France, and Italy, understanding what authorities actually check during tax audits is essential for retailers and software pro... Read more
New document was uploaded: Tax Audit in Germany
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
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
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Already subscriber? LoginGermany Expands X-Rechnung as the Core of Its E-Invoicing System
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
Germany is expanding the role of XRechnung as a core structured e-invoicing format, moving from public-sector use to a mandatory standard for domestic B2B transactions between 2025 and 2028, based on EU Directive 2014/55/EU and national legislation. Businesses must adapt their systems and processes to handle XML-based invoices, ensure compliance with EN 16931 standards, and manage proper transmiss... Read more