1. VAT in Europe
3. VAT in Germany
5. VAT Returns in Germany
7. German Intrastat Returns

German Intrastat Returns

Frequency and deadline of German Intrastat returns

Like in most EU countries, German Intrastat returns are filed monthly. These periods always follow the calendar month.

The due date to file these returns is the 10^th working day of the following month. If this due date falls on a Sunday or public holiday, the date is shifted to the next working day. Saturdays are considered as working days for Intrastat purposes

The due dates to submit Intrastat returns are published by the authorities in this calendar. 

German Intrastat thresholds

The following annual Intrastat thresholds apply in Germany (calendar year):

• Type of Intrastat
  Standard return
• Arrivals
  800,000€
• Dispatches
  500,000€
• Type of Intrastat
  Detailed Intrastat
• Arrivals
  n/a
• Dispatches
  n/a

Germany does not have detailed Intrastat returns. All Intrastat filings are simplified. Some countries require detailed Intrastat returns when exceeding a given threshold, these returns often require more granular data such as statistical value, port of arrival, etc.

These thresholds are computed annually according to the calendar year. Once the threshold is exceeded once, a calendar year needs to be a completed under the threshold in order to stop filing these returns. For example, if a company exceeds the threshold in March 2021 on arrivals, Intrastat returns for arrivals are due until December 2022. These thresholds are calculated according to the invoice value.

Reporting of specific Intrastat scenarios in Germany

Very often, the transactions reported in the Intrastat return are standard sales from one taxable person to another. However, a number of scenarios have specific reporting requirements, so it is necessary to check the updated nature of transaction codes.

For more details, see the German Intrastat manual.

German nil and corrective Intrastat returns

If there are no transactions to be reported in a given period, a nil Intrastat return must be filed in Germany.

Regarding corrective returns, data reported in the Intrastat return that was incorrect at the time when the return was submitted must be corrected.

Small corrections are not required. If the change in the mass amount reported is below 10% of the originally reported mass, there’s no need for a corrective return. Similarly, if the value amended is below €5,000, a corrective Intrastat return is not required.

Corrective Intrastat returns are filed electronically using Idev.

Penalties on Intrastat returns in Germany

Missing an Intrastat return may trigger a penalty up to EUR 50,000. Check here the official information.