Invoicing, VAT, USt-ID info

If your turnover exceeded 17,500€ in the last calendar year then you must add 19% VAT to all your invoices this year, and submit a VAT return every month, by the 10th day of the month following. If you've not done this this year, then you should complete the forms for January and February as soon as possible and for March by April 10. Remember that all your business purchases in 2013 will qualify for refund of applied VAT. Simply submitting the first form will advise the Finanzamt that you are effectively now registered for VAT.

You don't NEED a USt-ID number. For the purposes of invoicing and reporting for VAT your standard tax number (Steuernummer) is sufficient. It doesn't hurt to apply for one though, and you will need it if you do any international trade. You can apply for the number on the internet.

http://www.toytowngermany.com/lofi/index.php/t128197-30.html