XRechnung – Quoting VAT on Used Parts

What has changed with electronic invoicing and how to solve problems regarding differential taxation

The e-invoicing standard XRechnung has been causing problems with regards to differential taxation, for example in terms of stating a special form of VAT levied on used parts (such as those for cars). KoSIT’s proposed approach contradicted the applicable validation rules, presenting companies that specialize in automotive and production with some significant challenges. Cooperating with MAN Truck & Bus SE on a global e-invoicing project, IT provider Comarch has found a solution for this problem and is now shedding light on how to correctly post the VAT on used parts.

The method originally suggested by the Coordination Office for IT Standards (KoSIT) for indicating the abovementioned tax in electronic invoices contradicted the business rules for XRechnung prescribed by the authorities, which resulted in invoices being rejected.

Comarch has developed a solution for the correct indication and validation of that special form of VAT in e-invoices that use the XRechnung standard. The workaround was implemented as part of a global e-invoicing project with MAN Truck & Bus SE. It allows companies from the automotive industry to state the VAT correctly in their electronic invoices while authorities are working to adjust the regulations regarding this topic and enable proper validation.

 
 

What is so problematic about differential taxation with XRechnung?

One of the questions listed in the FAQ section of the KoSIT website was how differential taxation (such as VAT on used parts) should be indicated in invoices that use the XRechnung standard.

The answer stated that invoice issuers were to indicate differentiated taxation as per section 25a of the German Value Added Tax Act (UStG) in a separate invoice line. For that invoice line, they were to choose the VAT tax category code E (“Exempt from VAT”) from the code list UNTDID 5305, while also taking into account the appropriate business rules (BR-E-1 to BR-E-10). The note pointing out the differentiated taxation was to be transmitted in the BG-1 Invoice Note.

How that was to be put into practice was unclear since, according to BR-E-5, the “Invoiced item VAT rate” (BT-152) must equal “0” if the “Invoice Line” (BG-25) in the “Invoiced item VAT category code” (BT-151) has the value “Exempt from VAT”. This rule cannot, however, apply to VAT on used parts as its rate does not equal “0”. Upon contacting KoSIT and calling their attention to the mistake, Comarch was told that the section of the FAQ would be deleted and that the BMF (German Federal Ministry of Finance) would be contacted to find a solution to the problem. So, while it has yet to be fixed, the error is rather obvious.

That being said, the problem regarding the tax category code is not the only difficulty that VAT on used parts presents.

A second problem becomes apparent once you take a look at how the tax is calculated.

Example:
== Tax Calculation ==

The VAT on used parts equates to the full current VAT rate levied on an assessment basis, to be determined as per section 10 (2) sentence 2 UStG. The assessment basis is an average value defined as being 10% of the list price of the equivalent new component (exclusive of discounts and VAT).


XRechnung

Since the assessment basis for the used part is defined as being an average value of 10% of the list price of the equivalent new part, the VAT on the value of the old part has to be calculated in a separate invoice line (19% of €100). Up to this point, the process is in line with KoSIT recommendations. The problem now, however, is that the full net value has already been taxed and that you cannot repeat the taxation without falsifying the net total since you would have to increase it by the “fictive” assessment basis for the used part in a separate invoice line.

Numerous companies are currently facing these difficulties – after all, the VAT in question affects automotive businesses and manufacturers whose products are bound to need some parts replaced eventually.

If you too are struggling with this problem, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Visit our website to learn more about Comarch EDI:

Do you have questions about the used parts tax in XRechnung?

Contact us now for a non-binding consultation with our Comarch experts.

Your consent is being requested under the regulations governing the distribution of unsolicited commercial communications and direct marketing by email to allow our representatives to contact you by an email message. In this case your personal data will be processed by companies of the Comarch Group based on their legitimate interests. Learn more  about the processing of personal data by the Comarch Group companies. 

Based on this consent your personal data will be processed by companies of the Comarch Group to send you a newsletter. You can withdraw your consent at any time, but remember that this will not affect the lawfulness of data processing based on the consent before its withdrawal. Your consent is being requested primarily under the personal data protection regulations. By giving this consent, you agree to receive – via the email– unsolicited commercial and direct marketing communications contained in our newsletter. Learn more about the processing of personal data by the Comarch Group companies. 

By submitting this form, you give us access to your personal data. Read about: The processing of your data by companies of the Comarch Group and your rights as the data subject.