Cash register receipt: What must be written on the receipt?
A well-filled wallet is not always a sign of prosperity. Sometimes it's just countless receipts that make for a fat wallet. That's because with the introduction of mandatory cash receipts in 2020, retailers will have to issue every customer with a receipt proving the sale of the product. Bakeries are just as affected by this regulation as decor stores, steam stores or florists. Other industries such as the service sector with hair salons or beauty salons are also included. But what exactly belongs on the sales slip? Is it absolutely necessary to print it out and what legal regulations do I have to observe? We take a closer look at the cash register receipt.
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Cash receipt, receipt, receipt and invoice: What is the difference?
Terms such as receipt, invoice or receipt are often used as synonyms. This may be understandable in everyday life, but it is not correct. There are some important differences that you should be aware of.
- Document: The document is something like the upper category under which all documents for the proof of a business transaction are summarized.
- Receipt: The receipt is automatically generated by electronic cash register systems. This document proves that you have sold a good or service.
- Receipt: With a receipt you confirm the receipt of a payment. Receipts are usually issued when the customer can deduct the purchased goods or services for tax purposes.
- Invoice: Invoices alone are not proof of payment. They are only an indication that you have delivered a product to the customer, but it has not yet been paid (in full).
There are other differences as well. In this article, however, we will focus on the cash register receipt, which plays a significant role for you as a business owner or store owner in the retail sector on a daily basis.
Retail: Do I have to issue a receipt?
As a retailer or store owner, you're probably using a modern POS system by now. Digital solutions like those from LocaFox have many advantages, but of course they are also associated with legal obligations. One example is the already mentioned obligation to issue receipts. This was introduced on 01 January 2020 and is intended to manipulations the digital cash register data and provide you as a retailer with legal certainty. So far, only open store cash registers have been exempt from the obligation to issue receipts. Here, a receipt must only be issued at the express request of the customer.
What belongs on a receipt?
A look in the wallet shows: Vouchers, receipts and receipts are designed quite differently. Nevertheless, there are certain obligatory details that you must observe as a retail store owner. These are defined in § 6 KassenSichV as follows:
The full name and address of your company.
✓ The exact date and time of the checkout process and its completion.
✓ The type and quantity of goods or services sold.
✓ The exact amount and the amount of tax omitted as well as the respective sales tax rate.
✓ A note if a tax exemption applies.
✓ A unique and consecutive transaction number and the serial number of the electronic cash register.
The TSE information must also be displayed on the receipt - either as a list or in the form of a QR code. In some cases, both variants are also displayed. The QR code enables the auditor to determine much more quickly whether everything is correct. This is because the QR code contains the signature of the data on the receipt and thus simplifies the digital reading of the receipt - for example, via an app. By the way: You can find out more about technical security devices in this article.
Is a digital receipt enough?
Yes - you may also issue the receipt digitally. If you want to send it by email, you must be able and allowed to contact the customer. LocaFox offers the possibility to scan the QR code as described above. The customer then receives the receipt as a PDF on his smartphone and does not have to enter any further data. With a digital POS system, processes like this can therefore be carried out easily and in a legally compliant manner . Word has spread. More and more customers are therefore accepting digital cash register receipts. Because this also avoids superfluous paper waste. This protects the environment and at the same time relieves you as an entrepreneur. After all, paper and printer cartridges are expensive. Since printer cartridges in particular are a burden on the environment, we provide you with sustainable eco receipt paper. At LocaFox we also use thermal receipt printers, which do not require classic printer cartridges and therefore represent a sustainable alternative.
Issue cash voucher: Who advises me?
You are founder or already active as a retail entrepreneur? Would you like to learn more about the obligation to issue receipts, the issuing of cash register receipts or the possibilities of digital cash register systems? We will be happy to advise you personally and look forward to answering your questions.
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