Fiscal subject related
General information
There are various taxes in Germany that apply either to legal entities or to economic transactions (like VAT). All taxes are governed by their own legal frameworks.
For businesses, tax rates significantly affect pricing strategies and overall profitability. Taxes due must always be clearly listed on invoices or receipts, this is a legal requirement.
VAT Rates in Germany (As of 2024)
Germany applies different VAT rates depending on the product or service:

The standard 19% rate applies to most goods and services. The reduced 7% rate is reserved for essential items like food, books, and newspapers.
Special VAT rules for the catering industry (As of 2024)
A temporary VAT relief on restaurant food was also introduced but ended on December 31, 2023. As of January 1, 2024, the following VAT rates apply:
- Food consumed on-site: 19%,
- Food sold for takeaway or delivery: 7%,
- Beverages: 19%.
Important exceptions (Beverages):
- Cow’s milk and drinks made mostly with milk (like latte macchiato) are considered staple foods and taxed at 7%, regardless of whether they are consumed in the café or taken to go,
- If the same drink is made with plant-based milk (e.g., oat milk), it is taxed at 19%.
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