Fiscal subject related
Performing sale and other operation at the cash register without a certified TSE (Technical Security Element or System) has not been permitted in Germany since April 1, 2021 – unless the transitional period until December 31, 2022, applies to systems that cannot be retrofitted due to the design, but which comply with GoBD. German Tax Authorities can approve a relief following AO in individual cases, for example, if the certification of a cloud TSE has not yet been completed.
German Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) pointed out that cash register systems that are operated with a certain relief following § 148 Tax Code, which means that are operating without a certified TSE – TSE that is under the process of certification, may print information on the receipt which is legally prescribed, such as transaction start/end, transaction number, serial number of the security module, signature, etc., but only if it is ensured that the additional information cannot be confused with the information required by law. Therefore, the receipts must contain a clear and definite indication of the use of a TSE that has not been certified yet (e.g. “Not certified yet” or “TSE under evaluation”) to avoid the appearance of the business transaction being secured with a certified TSE.
Other news from Germany
Germany: Guidance on Taxpayer Rights and Duties During External Audits
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
A new guidance issued by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Finance, effective 1 January 2025, replaces the 2013 instructions and clarifies taxpayers’ rights and cooperation duties during external tax audits, with the document now required to be attached to audit orders. Taxpayers must support audits by providing records, data access, workspace, and knowledgeable staff, while auditors must identify themselves, respect taxpayer rights, and conduct audits fairly, including in the taxpayer’s favor. Read more
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Already subscriber? LoginGermany: Mandatory e-Invoicing is Coming – 2026 is the Key Preparation Year
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
Germany is fundamentally transforming invoicing by introducing mandatory B2B e-invoicing, requiring companies to receive e-invoices from 2025 and to issue structured, EN 16931-compliant e-invoices from 2027 under the amended German VAT Act. As a result, 2026 is the key preparation year for businesses to upgrade systems, align processes with partners, and ensure compliance while laying the groundwo... Read more
BSI Enables Faster Software Updates Without Recertification
Germany
Author: Ištvan Božoki
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Germany: Deutsche Fiskal Announces FCC 4.4.0 Release and System Updates for February 2026
Germany
Author: Ivana Picajkić
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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