Fiscal subject related
- Release of FCC Version 4.1.1
As previously communicated, this is a mandatory update that must be implemented for all active FCC installations in both test and production accounts utilising cloud TSS, with a compliance deadline set for July 31, 2024.
Important Update Features:
- Service Installation Fix: Resolves an issue related to updates when FCC is installed as a service.
- CSP 1.4 Update: Enhancements to the Cryptographic Service Provider.
- Java Update: Transition to Java version 17 for improved performance and security.
- Admin Authentication for Actuators: Addition of admin authentication to actuator endpoints.
- Process Disabling Changes: Introduction of a new finalExportFlag endpoint in the disable process.
- ERS Info Validation: Modification in ERS info validation during registration due to integration with ERIC.
- Operating System Certifications: Updates to the list of certified operating systems.
We recommend conducting tests with the new version before deploying it in production environments. For detailed instructions and additional information, please refer to the changelog notes related to the new Java version in the "package versions" section.
Fiscal Solutions adapted the S4FService middleware to the new version of FCC. This will already be supported in versions 1.82.41 and 1.82.115, which are expected to be released soon. Do not forget that these changes are mandatory until July 31, because after that, the old version will not give the fiscal signature due to the expiration of the certificate.
- Enhancements to the Documentation Portal and the New ELSTER Documentation Area
To improve the user experience and accessibility, the documentation portal has been updated too. The redesign aims to make information more easily accessible and navigable for all users.
Additionally, we are introducing a dedicated section for electronic registration, facilitating direct access to all materials related to ELSTER reporting. This new section hosts comprehensive documentation available in both German and English, designed to assist with understanding and compliance related to electronic tax reporting.
These updates reflect a commitment to improving the functionality and user experience of DF systems.
Other news from Germany
In Germany, there are harsher penalties for failing to issue receipts.
The German government plans to strengthen enforcement of the receipt issuance obligation for retailers by amending § 379 of the Fiscal Code to classify failure to issue receipts as an administrative offense. This amendment will allow tax authorities to impose fines ranging from €5,000 to €25,000 to ensure compliance and enhance efforts to combat tax evasion. The move emphasizes using technical sec... Read more
German Government Clarifies Implementation of B2B e-Invoicing Mandate
The German federal government has provided an official update on the progress and requirements for the upcoming B2B e-Invoicing mandate, set to begin on January 1, 2025. The government clarified that while a simple invoice sent by email may suffice for basic compliance, alternative communication methods can also be agreed upon between parties. More details are as follows. Read more
Enforcing the Receipt Issuance Obligation in Germany
In recent years, the digitalization of financial transactions has driven the need for stricter measures to ensure the accuracy and integrity of recorded sales data. Among these measures is the receipt issuance obligation ("Belegausgabepflicht"), introduced under § 146a Absatz 2 AO as part of Germany's law to prevent the manipulation of digital records. But what measures exactly are we talking about? Let's find out! Read more
Reform of External Audits in Germany from 2025
Starting January 1st, 2025, Germany will introduce reforms to its external audit procedures under the Fiscal Code, aiming to enhance efficiency and transparency for businesses. Major chages include: Audit orders must be issued by the end of the calendar year following the year in which the tax assessment was first completed. For example, if a sales tax return for 2025 is approved in March 2027,... Read more
Reporting of cash registers to the Tax Authority in Germany
In Germany, there is a mandatory registration and decommissioning of the cash registers to the tax authorities, which has been part of the fiscal law since 2021, but there has been no platform to report this information so far. So, what can you do now and how can you report cash registers? On June 28th, 2024, the German Federal Ministry of Finance issued a new application decree specifying the ca... Read more
Understanding the Business Identification Number (W-IdNr) in Germany
The Business Identification Number or Wirtschafts-Identifikationsnummer (W-IdNr) is a new type of identifying number that will be introduced starting in November 2024. The Federal Central Tax Office will begin assigning the W-IdNr automatically to both new and existing businesses from that time, with the process expected to continue until 2026. The Wirtschafts-Identifikationsnummer (W-IdNr) is a u... Read more
EU to protect domestic e-commerce sellers with a cross-border tax reform
As online shopping continues to grow, the European Union is planning to implement new regulations to protect local e-commerce sellers. One significant change affects consumers who shop on international platforms like Temu or AliExpress. The EU has already taken some steps at the first sign of growing foreign e-commerce sellers, and since July 1, 2021, all goods entering the EU, regardless of their... Read more