Guide

Receipt Obligation in Restaurants

Since 2020, every restaurant must issue a receipt for every transaction. What does this mean for you?

What Is the Receipt Obligation?

The receipt obligation (§146a AO) requires every business using an electronic POS system to create and offer a receipt for every transaction — paper or digital.

Sources: BMF Letter of 29 June 2020, BMF Letter of 29 June 2020

Requirements

Key requirements for all restaurants with electronic POS:

  1. Digital Receipts

    Digital receipts are permitted — but the customer must consent. Paper is the default.

  2. TSE Required

    Your POS must have a certified Technical Security Device (TSE).

  3. Required Receipt Data

    Name, address, date, items, amounts, tax, and TSE signature.

  4. 10-Year Retention

    All receipts and POS data must be stored for 10 years.

  5. Digital Receipts

    Digital receipts are permitted — but the customer must consent. Paper is the default.

Penalties

Non-compliance can be costly:

€25,000

Fine

Intentional violations can result in fines up to €25,000.

Estimation

Tax Audit

Faulty records lead to revenue estimation.

Anytime

Surprise Audit

Tax office can audit your POS without notice.

How GastroSystem Helps

Automatic compliance:

Automatic Receipts

Every receipt includes all required data + TSE signature.

Digital Receipts

Send receipts via email or QR code.

TSE Integration

Certified TSE — hardware and cloud.

Digital Archive

10-year compliant archiving.

More Guides

FAQ — Receipt Obligation

Is GastroSystem TSE-compliant?

Yes. Our POS system is TSE-certified and meets all legal requirements.

Are digital receipts allowed?

Yes — with customer consent.

Do I need a TSE?

Yes. Mandatory since 2023 for all electronic POS systems.

Is GastroSystem TSE-compliant?

Yes. Fully certified.

Is GastroSystem TSE-compliant?

Yes. Our POS system is TSE-certified and meets all legal requirements.

Get TSE-Compliant Now

GastroSystem handles receipt compliance automatically.

Request a demo