What Are the GoBD?
The GoBD (Grundsätze zur ordnungsmäßigen Führung und Aufbewahrung von Büchern, Aufzeichnungen und Unterlagen in elektronischer Form) are German regulations governing how business documents must be stored digitally. For freelancers and small businesses operating in Germany, proper compliance is essential to avoid problems during tax audits.
Key GoBD Requirements
The GoBD require that digital receipts be archived in a way that is immutable, complete, and timely:
- Immutability: Once captured, receipts cannot be altered. A version history must be maintained.
- Timely capture: Receipts must be digitized and stored within 10 days of receipt.
- Process documentation: You must document how your digital archiving system works.
GoBD Requirements in Detail
1. Traceability and Verifiability
Every booking must be traceable to its source documents. Digital receipts must be linked to their corresponding transactions.
2. Completeness
All business transactions must be recorded without gaps. Missing receipts can lead to tax estimates by the Finanzamt.
3. Order and Immutability
Documents must be systematically organized and protected against retroactive changes. Timestamps and version control are mandatory.
4. Timely Recording
Cash transactions: record daily. All other business transactions: within 10 days.
How Fisnap Simplifies GoBD Compliance
With Fisnap, simply photograph your receipts with your smartphone. The app automatically extracts all relevant data via OCR – amount, date, vendor – and stores the receipt immutably in the cloud. Each receipt receives a timestamp proving timely capture.
Benefits of digital receipt archiving with Fisnap:
- ✅ Automatic OCR recognition of all receipt data
- ✅ Immutable cloud storage
- ✅ Timestamp for every captured receipt
- ✅ Export function for accountants and DATEV
- ✅ Categorization by expense type
- ✅ 10-year secure retention
Retention Periods in Germany
Business receipts in Germany must be retained for 10 years. With a digital solution like Fisnap, you no longer need to worry about fading thermal receipts or lost paper records.
Common GoBD Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Digitizing receipts at month-end (deadline: 10 days!)
- ❌ Not creating process documentation
- ❌ Destroying originals after scanning (consult your accountant first)
- ❌ Storing receipts in editable formats (Word, Excel)
Conclusion
GoBD-compliant receipt archiving doesn't have to be complicated. With Fisnap, digitize your receipts in seconds, meet all legal requirements, and keep your expenses organized. Start free today!
