What information should be included on an invoice in Germany (Rechnung)?

German businesses can issue outgoing invoices to other EU countries in the German language. In return, German businesses must also accept incoming invoices in a different language. As a rule, tax authorities cannot require a translation from the entrepreneur for VAT purposes, especially for input tax deduction (Art. 248a of the German VAT Act).

According to Article 27 of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland, the Polish language is the official language. According to the position of the Minister of Finance, a taxpayer is entitled to issue an invoice in a foreign language if it is issued to another business or a foreign consumer.

However, if your company is a German entity or for the purpose of increasing trust and convenience for your German buyers, you can also send invoices to buyers in Germany in the German language.

The following information must be included on any invoice sent to Germany:

• Issuer’s details, including all required information according to commercial law, such as company name, full address, and company registration number
• Customer’s address
• Invoice date
• Sequential invoice number
• Date of delivery or service performed
• Detailed breakdown of the service
• Net amount. VAT amount
• Invoice amount (= gross amount)
• Bank account details
• Tax identification number or EU VAT number
• Customer’s order number
• Payment terms, if applicable
• Deadline or reference to the statutory deadline for consumers, which is 30 days
• Any discounts or agreed-upon rebates
• Reservation of ownership, if applicable