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Accounting and invoicing for catering companies

Buffet, menu, staff, crockery and delivery: in catering an invoice has many parts that change with headcount and date. Saldiqo issues a deposit on order, adjusts the final invoice to the final headcount and records purchases and staff per event.

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What comes up for catering companies

Price by headcount

The quote comes before the final guest count. The final invoice has to reflect the actual number.

Many cost types

Goods, staff, crockery, transport and rentals belong to every event and have to be assigned to it.

Deposit and payment term

Corporate customers pay on terms, private customers before the party.

How Saldiqo helps

  • Quote by headcountMenu price per person, staff and equipment as lines.
  • Deposit and final invoiceDeposit on order, final invoice with the final number.
  • Cost centre per eventAssign goods, staff and rentals and see the result.
  • RemindersPayment reminders with deadlines for overdue invoices.

Typical invoice lines

Examples that often appear on invoices in this industry. You set the prices yourself.

  • Buffet, 3 mains and 2 sides, per person, 80 people
  • Service staff, hours
  • Crockery and cutlery, hire
  • Drinks package per person
  • Delivery and set-up
  • Deposit 40 % on order

Tax and invoicing in Germany

What applies to invoices in Germany, in short. As of October 2026.

VAT
Standard rate 19 %, reduced rate 7 %. Which rate applies to which supply depends on the case. Saldiqo calculates each invoice line with the rate you pick.
Small business scheme
Under section 19 of the VAT Act (UStG) you charge no VAT as long as your turnover was at most €25,000 last year and is at most €100,000 this year. Saldiqo shows how much room is left and adds the note to your invoice.
Mandatory details
Under section 14 UStG every invoice shows a tax number or VAT ID, a consecutive invoice number, the date of supply and the recipient. Saldiqo checks this before you finalise an invoice. Small invoices up to €250 gross need fewer details.
E-invoicing
All businesses have had to be able to receive e-invoices since 1 January 2025. Issuing becomes mandatory from 2027 if last year’s turnover was above €800,000, and from 2028 for domestic business-to-business sales in all cases. Small businesses under section 19 are exempt. Saldiqo creates XRechnung and ZUGFeRD.
VAT return
The advance VAT return goes to the tax office through ELSTER, by the 10th after the end of the period. You file monthly if last year’s VAT was above €9,000 and quarterly above €2,000. Saldiqo provides the figures; you file in ELSTER or through your tax adviser.
Record keeping
Keep invoices and accounting vouchers for 8 years, books for 10 years and business letters for 6 years. The period starts at the end of the calendar year.
Late payment
In the second half of 2026 the default interest rate is 10.52 % between businesses and 6.52 % towards consumers, plus a €40 flat fee that applies to businesses only. Saldiqo has reminder levels with deadlines and fees.
Getting paid
Every invoice carries a GiroCode (EPC QR) that customers scan with their banking app. You match payments by uploading the bank statement as CSV or CAMT.
Tax adviser
Cash-basis profit calculation (EÜR), a DATEV export and a separate login for your tax adviser are built in.

Frequently asked questions

How do I adjust the final invoice to the final headcount?

You change the quantity in the final invoice. It deducts the deposit and shows the rest.

How do I see the margin per event?

With cost centres per event. You assign goods, staff and invoices.

Do catering companies in Germany have to charge VAT?

Yes, unless they qualify as small businesses under section 19 UStG. That applies when turnover was at most €25,000 last year and is at most €100,000 this year. The limit is hard: VAT is due on the sale that takes you over it.

Do catering companies in Germany need e-invoicing?

Every business must be able to receive e-invoices since 2025. Issuing is mandatory from 2027 if last year’s turnover was above €800,000, and from 2028 for domestic business-to-business sales in general. Small businesses, invoices up to €250 and tickets are exempt. Private customers still get a normal invoice.

How long do catering companies have to keep invoices?

Invoices and vouchers for 8 years, books for 10 years and business letters for 6 years, counted from the end of the calendar year. You can store receipts digitally in Saldiqo. The legal duty to keep records and to document your procedures stays with you.

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Write invoices, match payments, collect receipts and send reminders: free and without a trial period.

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As of October 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice, without guarantee. For your case ask your tax adviser.