Fiscal subject related
The annual VAT return in Germany is considered by German tax authorities as the final VAT return for the year, and it should contain the information reported in the “preliminary” VAT returns throughout the year – eg. in the monthly or quarterly VAT returns.
The return consists of two forms: the main form “USt 2 A” and the “UN annex” for foreign businesses. The Annual VAT return must be submitted electronically through the Elster portal.
The annual VAT return in Germany is generally submitted by 31 July of the year following the reporting period. As an exception, the 2021 Annual VAT return can be submitted by 31 October 2022. Also, if the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or bank holiday, the date is shifted to the next working day.
Other news from Germany
Germany: Deutsche Fiskal Announces FCC 4.4.0 Release and System Updates for February 2026
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
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
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Already subscriber? LoginNew document was uploaded: S4FiscalBackoffice 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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Already subscriber? LoginGermany Publishes New VAT Return and Prepayment Forms for 2026
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
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
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Already subscriber? LoginGermany Publishes Its Electronic Business Address (GEBA)
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
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
Germany: Businesses Must Prepare for E-Invoicing Earlier Than Expected
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
Although mandatory B2B e-invoicing in Germany will only apply from 2027, businesses have been allowed to use e-invoices voluntarily since January 2025 and adoption is accelerating as 2026 approaches. As more suppliers switch early, companies operating in Germany already need to be technically ready to receive structured e-invoices to avoid compliance and operational disruptions. Although mandatory... Read more
Germany: Court Confirms Tax Authorities Can Request Tax-Relevant Emails During Audits
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
German tax authorities are increasingly requesting tax-relevant emails during audits, and a 2025 Federal Fiscal Court ruling confirmed that such emails must be retained and disclosed when they contain relevant commercial or tax information. Read more
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Already subscriber? LoginGermany and France Update their Common E-Invoicing Standard
Germany and France will jointly update their hybrid e-invoice formats ZUGFeRD and Factur-X on 15 January 2026 to align with EN 16931 and support their upcoming B2B e-invoicing mandates. The new version expands technical capabilities, improves interoperability, and ensures full compatibility between both formats as Europe prepares for unified digital reporting under ViDA Germany and France have ann... Read more