VAT ID on invoice in Germany Thread poster: Natalia Elo
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Natalia Elo 
Germany
Local time: 12:02
English to Russian
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Dear all,
I apologise if this matter has been covered before and would appreciate if you give me directions on where to look. My quick search didn't bring me any decent results.
I've got today my German VAT ID. Should I from now on use this number on my invoices or should I use both VAT ID and ordinary Tax ID?
Danke im Voraus
Natalia
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Anne Wosnitza
Netherlands
Local time: 12:02
Member
English to German
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Marc P (X)
Local time: 12:02
German to English
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| VAT ID on invoice in Germany | Jan 9, 2007 |
NataliaElo wrote:
I've got today my German VAT ID. Should I from now on use this number on my invoices or should I use both VAT ID and ordinary Tax ID?
Put the VAT ID on all invoices. Technically, you are allowed to use the ordinary tax code instead under some circumstances (but not all), but there is no benefit to doing so. Also, the tax code is considered to be confidential information, whereas the VAT ID is considered public.
Marc
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Natalia Elo
Germany
Local time: 12:02
English to Russian
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TOPIC STARTER
Dear Anne and Marc,
Thank you both for clarification.
Best regards
Natalia
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Natalia Elo
Germany
Local time: 12:02
English to Russian
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TOPIC STARTER | One more question | Jan 10, 2007 |
I thought I'd use the same thread, because the matter is closely related.
Up until now I used to write on my invoice a clause about Kleinunternehmerregelung (Don't know its English equivalent), according to which I didn't charge my clients any VAT. Now, when I issue an invoice to, let's say, Finland, I don't add VAT, but should I write then some paragraph according to which I do so or should I just state VAT 0%?
Thank you for your help.
Natalia
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| Put it on ALL invoices | Jan 10, 2007 |
Hello,
as Marc already mentioned put your VAT no. on all your invoices even if you do not charge any tax - or should I say just because...?!?
This issue has been a hot topic in other threads...please have a look... Important is to add clearly both VAT IDs -your own and your client's no. - in order to avoid problems.
Please try to state your client's valid VAT ID in any case.
Then you might add a sentence on your invoice like "tax free intracommunity s... See more Hello,
as Marc already mentioned put your VAT no. on all your invoices even if you do not charge any tax - or should I say just because...?!?
This issue has been a hot topic in other threads...please have a look... Important is to add clearly both VAT IDs -your own and your client's no. - in order to avoid problems.
Please try to state your client's valid VAT ID in any case.
Then you might add a sentence on your invoice like "tax free intracommunity services/deliveries" (depending on the business case)... I use this English version...sometimes even up to 2-3 language versions to avoid any problems that might occur later on.  )
[Bearbeitet am 2007-01-10 10:33] ▲ Collapse
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Natalia Elo
Germany
Local time: 12:02
English to Russian
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TOPIC STARTER
Katrin Hollberg wrote:
Hello,
This issue has been a hot topic in other threads...please have a look... Important is to add clearly both VAT IDs -your own and your client's no. - in order to avoid problems.
Please try to state your client's valid VAT ID in any case.
Yeah, I know, have been reading them from time to time, just wasn't sure about this transformation from VATless to VATfull life.
Then you might add a sentence on your invoice like "tax free intracommunity delivery". Depending on the business case I use this English version...sometimes even up to 2-3 language versions to avoid any problems that might occur later on. )
Katrin, would you mind to share a German version of this sentence?
Thank you in advance
Natalia
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Steffen Walter
Germany
Local time: 12:02
Member (2002)
English to German
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| Be careful to distinguish between delivery and service | Jan 10, 2007 |
Katrin Hollberg wrote: Then you might add a sentence on your invoice like "tax free intracommunity delivery". Depending on the business case I use this English version...sometimes even up to 2-3 language versions to avoid any problems that might occur later on. )
Hi Katrin,
Translation and interpreting are services (German: Leistungen), not deliveries (German: Lieferungen). I strongly advise to make this distinction and change the wording accordingly.
Steffen
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| Yes Steffen's comment is very important!!! | Jan 10, 2007 |
Absolutely right. Sorry Natalia, I was not going to cause any confusion. And thank you Steffen for correcting me!
So in your case, Natalia...the German corresponding sentence would be: "Steuerfreie innergemeinschaftliche Dienstleistungen" - At least this is what I use...Any other suggestions, comments?
I am using both "services" and "deliveries" because I also have foreign customers ordering magazines from me. It is mandatory to be very precise when stating towards you... See more Absolutely right. Sorry Natalia, I was not going to cause any confusion. And thank you Steffen for correcting me!
So in your case, Natalia...the German corresponding sentence would be: "Steuerfreie innergemeinschaftliche Dienstleistungen" - At least this is what I use...Any other suggestions, comments?
I am using both "services" and "deliveries" because I also have foreign customers ordering magazines from me. It is mandatory to be very precise when stating towards your tax authorities as well. So be careful that everything matches.
Katrin
[Bearbeitet am 2007-01-10 10:48] ▲ Collapse
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| Not charging VAT (Section 19(1) of the German VAT Act) and VAT ID | Jan 10, 2007 |
Up until now I used to write on my invoice a clause about Kleinunternehmerregelung (Don't know its English equivalent
I didn't want to start a new thread for this but maybe someone on this forum knows the answer: I opted to be treated in accordance with Sec 19(1) UStG, so don't charge VAT, and was told by the office in Saarlouis I could not have a VAT ID (was told this on the phone). How did you get it? I would much prefer to state a VAT ID on my invoices, it's much easier to satisfy EU-customers and suppliers of your business status, using the VAT ID.
Thanks.
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Natalia Elo
Germany
Local time: 12:02
English to Russian
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TOPIC STARTER
Birgit Richter wrote:
I didn't want to start a new thread for this but maybe someone on this forum knows the answer: I opted to be treated in accordance with Sec 19(1) UStG, so don't charge VAT, and was told by the office in Saarlouis I could not have a VAT ID (was told this on the phone). How did you get it? I would much prefer to state a VAT ID on my invoices, it's much easier to satisfy EU-customers and suppliers of your business status, using the VAT ID.
Thanks.
Dear Birgit,
Last year I exceeded the limit of earnings set for Kleinunternehmer (I will use the German term in order to avoid confusion), so I just applied for paying VAT myself before Finanzamt tells me to do so on the basis on my tax declaration which I will have to submit this year some time later.
I'm not sure, but I think it's up to you whether to register for VAT or not. I wouldn't say it is so much easier than being Kleinunternehmer, I will have to fill in every three months (or for some people every month) VAT return sheet after all.
If you want to register for VAT, you should write to your Finanzamt and then send the letter, you will get from them to Saarlois and wait for the VAT ID number.
Best regards
Natalia
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| registering for VAT - VAT ID | Jan 10, 2007 |
Natalia wrote: "If you want to register for VAT, you should write to your Finanzamt and then send the letter, you will get from them to Saarlois and wait for the VAT ID number."
Thanks Natalia,
I just thought there might be a way of not having to submit monthly or quarterly VAT advance returns and still being able to have a VAT ID.
[Edited at 2007-01-10 16:30]
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