What is GoBD?

GoBD stands for guidelines issued in Germany that specify how accounting records need to be stored and managed. This relates to situations where German laws relating to tax or commercial regulations demand that taxpayers maintain the required records in connection with their tax and/or business dealings. The GoBD specifies requirements with regard to record completeness, traceability, and verifiability of the entries made, protection from tampering, and availability.

GoBD stands for “Grundsätze zur ordnungsmäßigen Führung und Aufbewahrung von Büchern, Aufzeichnungen und Unterlagen in elektronischer Form sowie zum Datenzugriff.” This guidance was issued by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) as an interpretation of existing requirements, rather than being a standalone law.

GoBD clarifies the way bookkeeping, recordkeeping, retention, and access requirements under the German Fiscal Code (Abgabenordnung, AO), the German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch, HGB), and related regulations apply to both traditional and digital processes.

GoBD recordkeeping framework outlines principles for managing and retaining records:

• Nachvollziehbarkeit und Nachprüfbarkeit (traceability and verifiability): Each transaction and process step should be recorded to allow later reconstruction and review.
• Vollständigkeit (completeness): Records are expected to cover all necessary entries and documents.
• Richtigkeit (accuracy): Records must correctly reflect the underlying transactions and applicable requirements.
• Zeitgerechte Buchungen und Aufzeichnungen (timely recording): Entries are documented within a defined timeframe after events occur.
• Ordnung (order): Records must be maintained systematically.
• Unveränderbarkeit (protection against undocumented changes): The original data is left unchanged, and any later changes must be traceable.

GoBD outlines standards for the integrity, retention, documentation, and accessibility of tax-related records. Germany’s domestic e-invoicing rules clarify when structured electronic invoices are used for specific B2B transactions.

Since January 1, 2025, businesses in Germany are to have the capability to receive E-Rechnungen, while certain invoice formats remain valid under transitional measures through 2026 or, for some businesses, through 2027. E-Rechnung must be produced in a structured electronic format to allow electronic handling.

ViDA, or VAT in the Digital Age, is a distinct EU VAT reform package adopted in March 2025. Plans to implement ViDA are arranged in stages. Digital reporting within the EU for identified cross-border B2B transactions is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2030.

KassenSichV outlines technical criteria for specific electronic recording systems, such as computer-based cash register systems, that are addressed in Section 146a AO. These systems are required to implement certified Technical Security Equipment (TSE) in order to document and secure transaction records against manipulation.

GoBD addresses the organization and management of all relevant records, documents, and digital processes, not just those covered by KassenSichV. As a result, having a TSE in place fulfills certain technical needs but does not automatically demonstrate full alignment with all GoBD guidelines.

For practical purposes, businesses should review whether their accounting, billing, and invoicing systems retain complete records and track changes as required. Records must remain accessible and readable for the duration required by regulations, and need to be structured for possible review by tax authorities.

A key requirement is Verfahrensdokumentation, or procedural documentation. This documentation is created to enable third parties familiar with the subject to review system operations. System or procedure changes are also recorded if they affect existing documentation.

Retention periods depend on the record type. Section 147 AO provides that certain records and books are kept for ten years, booking vouchers for eight years, and a range of other specified documents for six years, unless exceptions apply.