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:
-
Digital Receipts
Digital receipts are permitted — but the customer must consent. Paper is the default.
-
TSE Required
Your POS must have a certified Technical Security Device (TSE).
-
Required Receipt Data
Name, address, date, items, amounts, tax, and TSE signature.
-
10-Year Retention
All receipts and POS data must be stored for 10 years.
-
Digital Receipts
Digital receipts are permitted — but the customer must consent. Paper is the default.
Penalties
Non-compliance can be costly:
Fine
Intentional violations can result in fines up to €25,000.
Tax Audit
Faulty records lead to revenue estimation.
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
Allergen Labeling in Restaurants
Since 2014, all restaurants must label allergens. Here's how to comply correctly. →
GoBD for Restaurants
GoBD governs digital bookkeeping in Germany. What it means for your restaurant. →
Hygiene Regulations & Digitalization
HACCP, temperature controls, cleaning protocols — how digital tools simplify compliance. →
TSE Compliance for Restaurants in Germany
Since 2020, electronic cash register systems must be equipped with a certified TSE. What does this mean for your restaurant? →
KassenSichV — Cash Register Security Regulation Explained
The KassenSichV specifies the requirements for electronic cash register systems. What does it mean for the restaurant industry? →
GDPR for Restaurants
The General Data Protection Regulation affects every restaurant. From reservation data to newsletters to video surveillance — what do you need to consider? →
Planning delivery zones: how to define your catchment area
Whether radius or polygon — operators who plan delivery zones deliberately deliver more profitably, faster, and with fewer wasted runs. →
Staff scheduling in the restaurant industry
Shift plans that work: how to reliably cover peak times without producing unnecessary labour costs. →
Marketing for restaurant operators: what actually works
No agency budget needed — these five channels are within your own reach and produce measurable guests. →
Calculating food cost: the most important metric in hospitality
Not knowing your goods cost is flying blind. Here is how to calculate your food cost percentage and reduce it deliberately. →
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
Thank you!
We'll get back to you within 24 hours.