A company starting a business in Germany apart from a regular Tax ID number often needs a VAT ID (USt-ID, in German). The VAT ID is important for companies that trade with companies in other EU countries. For German companies, it begins with the country code "DE", followed by up to twelve digits.
What is considered under the VAT ID number in Germany?
Public
Germany
Author: Kristina Dosen
Category:
Fiscal subject related
Views:
1672
Content accuracy validation date:
27.07.2022
Content accuracy validation time:
11:24h
The VAT ID eliminates the time-consuming double taxation process. The supplier of the goods or services does not pay sales tax, only the recipient is obliged to do so. The prerequisite is that both companies have a valid VAT ID.
In order to get the VAT ID, you have to apply for it at the Federal Central Tax Office, It can be done online or by post.
However, even when dealing with German customers you can use VAT ID, it offers greater security and data protection. If a company has a VAT ID it has to be shown on the imprint on its website.
Other news from Germany
Transition to e-invoicing in Germany—what businesses operating in B2B need to know.
Germany
Author: Tara Nedeljković
Starting January 1, 2025, Germany will mandate e-invoicing for B2B transactions between resident companies, replacing traditional formats like paper and PDF. Read more
New document was uploaded: S4F backoffice patch
Author: Kristina Dosen
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. Read more
Aachen's kiosk ban confirms Germany's strict Sunday work restrictions.
Germany
Author: Tara Nedeljković
Germany's strict Sunday work restrictions, governed by the Ladenschlussgesetz (Shop Opening Act), limit retail operations on Sundays to preserve rest and family time, with exceptions for specific businesses like bakeries, pharmacies, and souvenir shops. In Aachen, a kiosk operator was prohibited from opening on Sundays and public holidays because their product range did not meet the Act's criteria for exemptions. Read more
New document was uploaded: Recorded webinar: E-invoicing for Global Retailers
Public
All countries
Author: Kristina Dosen
If you are struggling with complex e-invoicing implementations across multiple countries, and if you are concerned about mounting costs, potential delays, or compliance risks, our webinar will help you to learn how global retailers can streamline e-invoicing efficiently! With countries worldwide mandating e-invoicing, international retailers face unique challenges adapting to new regulations acros... Read more
A proposal for VAT in the digital age (ViDA) has been approved.
Public
Author: Nikolina Basić
The EU's Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) has approved the Value Added Tax in the Digital Age (ViDA) proposal, aiming to modernize VAT rules and combat tax fraud. ViDA introduces key measures like Digital Reporting Requirements (DRR), VAT collection for the platform economy, and expanded Single VAT Registration, with implementation planned from 2027 to 2035. Businesses must prepare... Read more
Fiscalization in German Taxis
Public
Germany
Author: Stefan Ditrih
Germany
Author: Stefan Ditrih
In Germany, taxi and rental car services must comply with KassenSichV by using Technical Security Equipment (TSE) to secure and record cash transactions, ensuring transparency and traceability. Mobile TSE solutions, including portable receipt printers and electronic receipts, enable taxis to meet compliance requirements effectively, with no exemptions, thanks to advancements in affordable, mobile-... Read more
In Germany, there are harsher penalties for failing to issue receipts.
Public
Germany
Author: Stefan Ditrih
Germany
Author: Stefan Ditrih
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