Value Added Tax (VAT)
Expert-defined terms from the Certificate in German Taxation Laws course at UK School of Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Abzugsbesteuerung #
A withholding tax system in Germany where the tax is deducted at the source of income, such as dividends or royalties.
Additionaltragen #
The German term for "supplementary burden," which refers to the obligation of a taxable person to pay additional tax if they have made an incorrect tax return or have failed to declare taxable income.
Allgemeine Steuersätze #
The general tax rates for Value Added Tax (VAT) in Germany, which are currently 19% for the standard rate and 7% for the reduced rate.
Aufbewahrungspflicht #
The legal obligation for taxpayers in Germany to retain records and documents related to their tax affairs for a certain period of time.
Ausfuhrland #
The country to which goods are exported from Germany.
Ausgleichsverfahren #
A procedure for adjusting the VAT liability of a taxable person in Germany, usually carried out on an annual basis.
Bemessungsgrundlage #
The taxable base or amount on which the VAT liability is calculated.
Betriebsausgaben #
Business expenses that can be deducted from a company's taxable income in Germany.
Besteuerungsgrenze #
The threshold at which a taxpayer in Germany becomes liable to pay VAT.
Bruttobetrag #
The total amount, including VAT, charged to a customer in Germany.
Dauerfristverlängerung #
An extension of the deadline for submitting a VAT return in Germany, usually granted to taxable persons who are considered to be reliable and trustworthy.
Durchschnittssatzbesteuerung #
A taxation system in Germany where the tax liability is calculated based on the average rate of VAT for a particular industry or sector.
Eigenverbrauch #
The self-consumption of goods or services by a taxable person in Germany, which is subject to VAT.
Einfuhrland #
The country from which goods are imported into Germany.
Entlastungsbetrag #
A tax relief or allowance granted to taxpayers in Germany, such as the basic tax-free allowance or the small business exemption.
Erklärungspflicht #
The legal obligation for taxpayers in Germany to file a tax return and declare their taxable income.
Fahrtkosten #
Travel expenses that can be deducted from a taxpayer's taxable income in Germany, such as public transport costs or the cost of using a private vehicle for business purposes.
Fördermaßnahmen #
Government incentives or subsidies provided to taxpayers in Germany, such as tax credits or exemptions.
Freistellungsbescheinigung #
A certificate issued by the German tax authorities confirming that a small business is exempt from VAT.
Geltendmachung #
The process of claiming a tax deduction or credit in Germany.
Gewerbesteuer #
A tax on commercial activities in Germany, levied by local authorities.
Gutschriftverfahren #
A reverse charge mechanism in Germany where the supplier does not charge VAT to the customer, but the customer is responsible for accounting for the VAT on their own VAT return.
Haltende #
Haltende