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
Aachen's kiosk ban confirms Germany's strict Sunday work restrictions.
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
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.
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
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.
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