GuidesGermany
VAT on German freelance invoices: 19%, 7%, reverse charge
Most German B2B services use 19% MwSt. Reduced 7% applies only to specific categories. Kleinunternehmer skip VAT entirely. Cross-border EU work often uses reverse charge — with special invoice wording.
Standard 19% vs reduced 7%
For typical freelance services (IT, consulting, design, marketing), the standard rate of 19% applies. The reduced 7% rate covers a limited list (e.g. certain books, some cultural services) — do not apply 7% to software or consulting unless you have confirmed the category with a tax advisor.
Convert net ↔ gross with the MwSt-Rechner.
How to show VAT on the invoice
- Net amount per line (or total)
- Applicable rate (19% or 7%)
- VAT amount
- Gross total payable
- Your USt-IdNr. / Steuernummer
Full field list: invoice requirements in Germany.
No VAT under Kleinunternehmer
If you opted into § 19, do not add 19%/7%. State that VAT is not charged due to Kleinunternehmerregelung. Guide: Kleinunternehmer in Germany.
Reverse charge and EU B2B
For many B2B services to VAT-registered clients in other EU countries, reverse charge can apply: you invoice net and note that the recipient accounts for VAT. Both parties usually need valid VAT IDs. Rules are fact-specific — confirm with your Steuerberater before your first cross-border invoice.
Structured e-invoices still need the correct tax category codes in XML — wrong VAT treatment is a common rejection reason. See e-invoice basics.
German version: MwSt auf Rechnungen →
Hinweis: Dieser Inhalt dient der Orientierung und ersetzt keine Rechts- oder Steuerberatung. Steuer- und E-Rechnungsregeln können sich ändern — maßgeblich sind die jeweils geltenden Gesetze (z. B. § 19 UStG, § 14 UStG). Im Einzelfall Steuerberater oder Fachanwalt konsultieren.