Tax authority guidance on cash audit procedure

In a recent circular letter, the Federal Ministry of Finance explains the principles behind the new 'cash register review' procedure, which has been introduced as part of an amendment to the application decree. The cash register review is a special procedure for prompt checking of the correctness of the cash records and the proper transfer of the cash records into the books of account. The new rules apply to a range of devices including traditional cash registers, electronic or computer-aided cash register systems, app systems, scales with a cash register function, taximeters, odometers and gaming machines. The retrospective determination of daily receipts and manual individual recordings without the use of technical aids are also covered by the new rules. Among other controls, a tax official may require a so-called 'cash check' to reconcile the cash records with takings being declared.