TSE & KassenSichV — automatically compliant
Since 2020, §146a of the German Tax Code (AO) and the Cash Register Security Regulation (KassenSichV) require all restaurateurs in Germany to cryptographically secure every transaction. GastroSystem has TSE and KassenSichV fully integrated — you do not need to handle a single requirement yourself.
The Technical Security Device (TSE — Technische Sicherheitseinrichtung) has been mandatory for all electronic POS systems in Germany since March 2020 under §146a AO. It prevents manipulation by signing every transaction with a unique cryptographic hash and storing it in a tamper-proof memory. Additionally, the Cash Register Security Regulation (KassenSichV) requires individual transaction recording, a receipt issuance obligation and a standardised data export format (DSFinV-K). GastroSystem fulfils all these requirements automatically — both cloud TSE and hardware TSE are supported. Note: these are German regulatory requirements; if you operate outside Germany, your local jurisdiction may have equivalent but differently structured obligations.
§146a AO: what the German law specifically requires
§146a of the German Tax Code requires that every electronic recording of tax-relevant data must be secured in real time by a certified TSE. This applies to all restaurant operators with an electronic POS from the first order euro. GastroSystem holds the certificate of an approved TSE (BSI-certified) and ensures that every transaction is signed at the time of booking. The transaction counter, TSE serial number and signature appear on the customer receipt — as prescribed by KassenSichV.
KassenSichV in detail: individual recording, receipt obligation, DSFinV-K
The Cash Register Security Regulation (KassenSichV) specifies §146a AO in three core obligations: (1) individual recording — every transaction must be recorded individually and immutably, no aggregation; (2) receipt issuance obligation — every customer must be offered a receipt (physical or digital), showing the transaction number, TSE serial number and signature; (3) DSFinV-K data format — at a tax audit all transaction data must be available in the defined format (DSFinV-K). GastroSystem fulfils all three automatically: individual recording is the system basis, receipts are generated at every checkout, DSFinV-K export is available at the push of a button.
GoBD: immutability and retention
The German bookkeeping principles (GoBD) require that accounting data is stored immutably, retained for 10 years and reproducible in the original at any time. GastroSystem stores all transaction data in write-once storage: subsequent changes to stored transactions are technically impossible. For a tax audit you export the entire period with one click — fully GoBD-compliant.
Cloud TSE vs. hardware TSE: which is right?
Cloud TSE: the TSE runs as a certified service in the cloud. Setup takes 10 minutes, no physical device needed, works on any internet-capable device. Disadvantage: requires an internet connection for every transaction. Hardware TSE: a USB or SD stick with BSI-certified TSE is connected directly to the POS device. Works offline too — transactions are signed locally, connection to the backend is optional. GastroSystem supports both and helps with the selection: cloud TSE for well-connected locations, hardware TSE for venues with unreliable Wi-Fi.
What happens at a tax audit
When the tax auditor arrives, they typically request the DSFinV-K export for a specific period. You open the dashboard, navigate to Exports, select the period and click 'Export DSFinV-K'. The system generates a ZIP file with the prescribed files in the correct format. Done — typically in under 2 minutes. No accountant, no IT support, no preparation effort for the audit.
Why this matters
Legally compliant under §146a AO & KassenSichV
No fines, no tax demands: GastroSystem fulfils all requirements of KassenSichV, GoBD and §146a AO completely and automatically.
No additional compliance costs
TSE integration, receipt obligation and DSFinV-K export are included in the flat rate. You only pay for the TSE itself (cloud subscription approx. €3–5/month or hardware from approx. €50).
Audit-ready at the push of a button
DSFinV-K export for any period in under 2 minutes — no IT support, no accountant needed for audit preparation.
How it works
Choose and connect TSE type
Cloud TSE: activate in settings and link with the certificate — 10 minutes. Hardware TSE: plug in the stick, select in settings, done.
Automatically compliant from day one
Every transaction is signed immediately, receipts are generated, data stored GoBD-compliantly — fully automatic without further action.
Prepare for an audit
Dashboard → Exports → select period → export DSFinV-K. ZIP file for the tax authority ready in under 2 minutes.
More features
POS system
The complete POS system with integrated TSE.
Read more →Receipt printer
Print receipts — including TSE signature, transaction number and QR code.
Read more →Dashboard
All transactions, Z-reports and DSFinV-K export clearly in the dashboard.
Read more →TSE & Cash Register Security FAQ
All answers about TSE obligation, KassenSichV, cloud TSE vs. hardware TSE and DSFinV-K export.
Read more →Frequently asked questions about TSE & KassenSichV
Since when does the TSE obligation apply and who is affected?
The TSE obligation applies since March 2020 under §146a AO for all operators of electronic POS systems in Germany. Transitional exemptions have expired. Affected are all restaurant operators, cafés, bars and fast food venues with an electronic till in Germany.
What is the difference between cloud TSE and hardware TSE?
Cloud TSE: runs as a certified service in the cloud, requires internet connection for every transaction, easy setup. Hardware TSE: USB or SD stick, runs locally and offline, ideal with unreliable Wi-Fi. GastroSystem supports both.
What is the DSFinV-K export and when do I need it?
DSFinV-K is the standardised data format that the German tax authority may request at a cash register audit. GastroSystem generates this export in under 2 minutes for any period — no IT support needed.
What happens concretely at a tax audit?
The auditor requests the DSFinV-K export for a period. You open Dashboard → Exports, select the period and export. The ZIP file contains all prescribed files in the correct format. Done.
Do I have to handle KassenSichV compliance myself?
No. GastroSystem fulfils all three KassenSichV requirements automatically: individual recording, receipt issuance obligation and DSFinV-K exportability. Only prerequisite: an active TSE (cloud or hardware).
Does the TSE integration cost extra?
No. TSE support, receipt obligation and DSFinV-K export are included in the flat rate. You only pay for the TSE itself: cloud TSE approx. €3–5/month from the provider, hardware TSE one-off approx. €50–80.
How long is transaction data retained?
GoBD requires 10 years of retention. GastroSystem stores all transaction data immutably for 10 years — including TSE signatures and receipts.