Tax representative and tax agent in Germany
VAT registration and VAT returns in Germany
Introduction

Do you need to register for VAT in Germany? Need a tax representative in Germany? File your VAT returns ? You’ve come to the right place! On this page we explain clearly how to get your DE VAT number and which service provider to call if you want to outsource this process. Understand everything about tax representation in Germany in 5 minutes!

Table of Contents

Use our Tax Representative service in Germany

A tax representative in Germany supports foreign companies in completing tax formalities.

Companies registered for VAT and whose seat is located in the EU or outside of the EU, conducting transactions involving the payment of VAT in Germany, may appoint a fiscal representative or tax agent. He or she will go through any VAT-related formalities in this country. Certain transactions, such as purchase and resale in Germany, oblige foreign companies to register for VAT purposes in Germany in order to calculate and declare German VAT. A common practice aimed at simplifying administrative procedures is to appoint a VAT specialist that will deal with the registration procedure and declarations on behalf of the company.

Below you will find useful information on VAT registration in Germany.

How do I get a VAT number in Germany?

Each company may conduct business activity in Germany, even if its registered office is not located in that country. However, such companies are subject to VAT regulations for “companies without registered office”. If a foreign company performs one of the following operations, it will be obliged to register for VAT purposes and obtain a local tax number or German intra-Community VAT number (here is a sample list of transactions):

  • Export of goods from Germany
  • Storage of goods or warehouse consignment
  • Purchase of goods in Germany, which are then resold in Germany (no reverse-charge)
  • Exceeding the mail order threshold in the amount of EUR 100,000 (sale to German natural persons)
  • Purchase/supply of goods from Germany

To register for VAT purposes in Germany, it is necessary to fill in and send registration forms to a German tax office and submit the documents listed below. First, you will receive a local VAT number (Steuernummer) which, if necessary, will be used to obtain a German intra-Community VAT number. A German VAT number consists of 2 letters and 9 digits (you can check the validity of a European VAT number here). The average waiting time for a VAT number in Germany is 3 to 4 weeks.

 

Documents that must be provided for VAT registration in Germany:

  • Extract from the National Court Register (KRS) that is not older than 3 months
  • Company’s Articles of Association (the administration authority may ask for a translation)
  • Copy of the ID card of the company’s owner
  • Proof of conducting business activity in Germany
  • Registration form and authorisations

A tax representative will help you prepare and send a German VAT declaration

All companies registered for VAT in Germany must submit a VAT declaration (the equivalent of VAT-7 in Poland). This declaration contains a detailed summary of any and all transactions (purchase, sale, import, export, services, etc.) conducted in Germany. Declarations may be filed on a monthly or quarterly basis. The declaration needs to be submitted electronically by the 10th day of the following month. In the event of a breach of these rules, the administration authority may impose penalties of up to 10% of the VAT due (increased by 12% interest per annum). An annual summary must also be submitted by 31 May of the following year. More information can be found on the European Commission’s website.

 

Are you obliged to register for VAT purposes in Germany? Would you like to find out more about the services provided by our tax representatives and tax agent? Contact us using the contact form – our experts are at your disposal.

Why use our Service to be your tax representative / tax agent?

Eurofiscalis is an international tax company specialising in tax representation. Our experts (statutory auditors, accountants, lawyers) speak 3 languages and will take care of all tax obligations on behalf of your company. European tax law and related aspects are a critical issue in a company’s development on the international arena, which is why we establish long-term relations based on trust.

Analysis of your tax obligations

Analysis of your flows and compliance with VAT, intrastat, invoices, customs

VAT registration

Processing and submission of your VAT registration

Getting your local number

Getting your local and EORI numbers

Bookkeeping

Simplified customer/supplier bookkeeping

Submission of your VAT returns

Filing of your periodic VAT and Intrastat returns

Contact with the authorities

Single point of contact with local authorities

You are looking for a

International accounting firm

Get in touch today with a sales representative

Ask for a quote
Book a meeting
More than 500 international companies trust us

Countries where we offer the service of fiscal representative

Western Europe
Eastern Europe
Northern Europe
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • Sweden
  • Norway
Southern Europe
  • Cyprus
  • Croatia
  • Malta
  • Greece