{"id":1733,"date":"2021-04-09T06:25:50","date_gmt":"2021-04-09T04:25:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.accountable.de\/?p=1733"},"modified":"2026-10-06T17:28:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T15:28:14","slug":"what-happens-if-you-miss-a-vat-deadline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.accountable.de\/en\/blog\/what-happens-if-you-miss-a-vat-deadline\/","title":{"rendered":"What Happens If You Miss a VAT Deadline in Germany?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Missing a VAT deadline in Germany can happen, especially when you’re busy running your business. The good news: missing a deadline does not automatically mean you will be fined. What happens next depends on which deadline you missed, how late you are, and whether you also missed the payment deadline<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you file your VAT return late, the tax office may charge a\u00a0late-filing penalty (Versp\u00e4tungszuschlag)<\/strong>. If you also pay the VAT late,\u00a0late-payment surcharges (S\u00e4umniszuschl\u00e4ge)<\/strong>\u00a0may apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most important thing to do if you’ve missed a deadline is simple: submit the return and pay any VAT due as soon as possible.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

VAT Deadlines – In short<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Question<\/th>Answer<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
When is the VAT return due?<\/td>Usually by the 10th day after the reporting period<\/td><\/tr>
What if I’m late?<\/td>A late-filing surcharge may apply<\/td><\/tr>
What if I don’t pay on time?<\/td>A late-payment surcharge may apply<\/td><\/tr>
Should I file even if I’m late?<\/td>Yes, as soon as possible<\/td><\/tr>
Can I get more time?<\/td>Under certain conditions, e.g. permanent extension (Dauerfristverl\u00e4ngerung<\/code>)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What should you do if you missed your VAT deadline?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your VAT return is overdue, don’t wait for a reminder from the tax office. Instead:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Submit your VAT<\/a> return as soon as possible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Pay any VAT due promptly.\u00a0Filing and paying are separate obligations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Check your messages from the tax office\u00a0in case they have already contacted you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. If there was a genuine reason for the delay,\u00a0contact your tax office\u00a0and explain the situation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. For future VAT advance returns, consider a\u00a0Dauerfristverl\u00e4ngerung\u00a0(standing extension) if it makes sense for your business.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Submitting the return late is generally better than continuing to delay it. The longer you wait, the longer potential penalties or surcharges can apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How can you avoid missing VAT deadlines in the future?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Keeping track of VAT deadlines can be difficult when you’re self-employed, especially if you have to manage invoices, receipts, clients and taxes at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Many freelancers use the Accountable App to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n