Detailed explanation of the information required for VAT declaration in Germany and the UK: a key guide to complying with tax regulations

In Germany and the United Kingdom, companies must provide a series of accurate and complete information when making value-added tax (VAT) returns to ensure compliance and comply with the requirements of the tax authorities. The following will provide a detailed analysis of the core information required by the two countries in VAT declaration.

1. Information required for German VAT declaration

1. Company Information

   • Company Registration Certificate: Enterprises need to provide a valid company registration certificate to prove their legal existence.
   • Articles of Incorporation: Articles of incorporation are required, containing details about the company’s structure and operations.
   • Proof of company address: Proof of registered address must be provided, such as a lease contract or proof of property ownership.

2. Transaction-related information

   • Sales and Purchasing Records: Detailed records of sales and purchasing activities in Germany allow tax authorities to verify VAT returns.
   • Invoices and Receipts: All invoices and receipts related to your German business must be saved for review.

3. Tax Representative

   • Letter of power: If it is a foreign company, it needs to designate a tax representative in Germany and provide a formal power of attorney.
   • Proof of identity of the tax representative: Document including passport or German resident ID card.

4. Financial Documents

   • Financial Statements: The most recent financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement) are required.
   • Bank Statements: To verify the accuracy of sales and purchase records.

5. Registration Application Form

   • Fill out and submit the German VAT registration application form, providing company information, business description, estimated sales, etc.

6. Other related documents

   • Including employment contracts, salary records, transportation and logistics-related documents, etc., depending on specific business circumstances [[1]].

2. Information required for UK VAT declaration

1. Basic information

   • Company information: Such as company name, registration number and business address, etc.
   • Tax registration number: A VAT tax registration number used to uniquely identify a taxpayer.
   • Turnover data: Includes sales, purchases and other related transaction data.

2. Sales and purchase records

   • Detail the amount, date and customer or supplier information for each sale and purchase transaction.
   • Save sales invoices, purchase invoices and related receipts as proof.

3. Banking and Financial Records

   • Bank Statement: Provide a recent bank statement to verify transactions.
   • Financial statements: Such as income statements and balance sheets, used to provide comprehensive information on a company’s financial status.

4. Other relevant information

   • If import and export business is involved, corresponding records must be provided; if there are employees, employee salary records and other documents must be provided.

5. Notes on data preparation and submission

   • Ensure data accuracy, consistency and completeness.
   • Adhere to filing deadlines and submit all required information regularly to avoid tax issues and penalties.
   • Establish a good record and filing system to prepare for future inspections and audits [[2]].

Summary

Whether it is in Germany or the UK, properly preparing and submitting the information required for VAT declaration is crucial to corporate compliance. Enterprises must abide by relevant tax regulations and ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information provided, so as to establish good tax records and credibility and achieve stable growth and sustainable development of business.