GoBD Certificate?

GoBD Certification – does a GoBD certificate actually exist?

You may have already heard the term GoBD and GoBD certification in connection with the cash register obligation and are now wondering what you should pay attention to when purchasing POS software? Here you can find out more about the details of a GoBD certification.

GoBD Certification – What does GoBD actually mean?

GoBD includes all principles for proper accounting in electronic form as well as for data access, which is intended to make things easier for the tax office. GoBD has thus been considered the successor to GDPdU and GoBS in Germany since 2015, as the contents of both were merged. In this context, many POS system manufacturers now describe their devices as GoBD-compliant. Some even advertise with certificates that are supposed to prove this compliance. But does this GoBD certification officially exist yet?

There is no such thing as a GoBD certification

A POS system must be GoBD-compliant, but a specific GoBD certification does not yet exist. This means that such a certificate does not indicate whether the offered POS system actually complies with the legal requirements for GoBD compliance. Therefore, all business owners who are upgrading to a new POS system should carefully check whether the legal requirements can actually be met by the POS systems. After all, nothing would be more frustrating than investing in a new, possibly very expensive POS system only to end up with one that is not GoBD-compliant and cannot withstand a tax audit. This could lead to high back payments or even penalties. And acquiring a so-called GoBD certificate when purchasing a POS system is by no means a guarantee that the tax office will recognize the system's compliance during an audit.

GoBD Certification – proper bookkeeping is more important

To be on the safe side during a tax audit, you should focus more on proper bookkeeping and revenue recording in accordance with the cash register obligation rather than relying on a supposedly secure certificate. This means all revenues must be traceable and verifiably documented with all necessary details. Whether using software or handwritten records in the cash book and paper receipts – what matters is that everything is verifiable and that no entries are omitted or subsequently altered.

Although many software systems can be used in a GoBD-compliant manner, it doesn't work automatically. Diligent use by the business owner and their employees is always necessary. Even with a supposedly secure certificate, no software can be absolutely audit-proof – for example, if data is recorded incorrectly or entries are completely forgotten.

GoBD Certification – reputable companies don’t advertise with it

Many POS system providers advertise a GoBD certificate for their products. However, there are also reputable providers who deliberately avoid this misleading practice. Certificates and promotional slogans generally serve advertising purposes only. More important to some providers are the functionalities that are necessary to comply with GoBD and that optimally match the needs of their business customers. The aim of such a system should be to simplify accounting, not to emphasize legal compliance as its main feature. The best approach is to get comprehensive advice on GoBD compliance before choosing a specific POS software – for example, from an independent financial advisor or accountant who is already well-versed in this subject. If you have already chosen a POS system provider, their customer support is often available to help clarify GoBD compliance questions.

CONCLUSION

A POS system must be GoBD-compliant. However, there is no official GoBD certification from the government. It is a fact that many providers advertise with a so-called "certificate." However, this certificate does not indicate whether the offered POS system truly complies with the legal requirements for GoBD compliance.

As a reputable provider, Tillhub consciously avoids such misleading practices and instead ensures compliance with the legal requirements. In addition, Tillhub has a cooperation agreement with the German Association of Tax Advisers, which confirms compliance.

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GoBD Certification – does a GoBD certificate actually exist?