DACH ERP Localization Checklist (Free, PDF/Excel)

0%

0 of 34 items complete

19 critical items still open - these are the highest-risk gaps.

Download checklist:

1. Tax and accounting

Chart of accounts decided and mapped, for example SKR03 or SKR04 in Germany and a Swiss standard plan for SwitzerlandCRITICALVAT codes and rates configured for each country, including reduced ratesCRITICALReverse charge and intra-EU delivery handling testedCRITICALPeriodic VAT return data and recapitulative statements reproduced against a real periodCRITICALIntrastat reporting thresholds and data fields verified for each countrySwiss VAT specifics, including the different rates and the effective or net tax rate methods, confirmed with your adviserFiscal year, period locking and depreciation methods aligned with local practice

2. Records and compliance

Audit trail meets German principles for digital bookkeeping (GoBD) as interpreted by your auditorCRITICALRetention periods set for accounting records and commercial correspondenceCRITICALProcedure documentation (Verfahrensdokumentation) drafted for the new systemCRITICALData export for tax audits available in a format the authorities acceptCRITICALDocument immutability or change logging after posting verifiedCRITICALGDPR (DSGVO) roles, deletion rules and records of processing updatedCRITICALWorks council consultation planned where employee data or monitoring is affected

3. E-invoicing and documents

Ability to receive structured e-invoices confirmed, in line with the German B2B phase inCRITICALAbility to issue e-invoices in EN 16931 based formats such as XRechnung or ZUGFeRD planned for the dates that apply to youCRITICALPublic sector customers' routing requirements checked (for example Leitweg-ID in Germany)Austrian requirements for federal customers, including ebInterface, checkedMandatory invoice content fields verified on layouts, including tax numbers and supply dateCRITICALDunning letters, payment terms and legal footer texts reviewed in GermanDelivery notes and export documents meet customs and customer requirements

4. Banking and payments

SEPA credit transfer and direct debit files tested with the house bankCRITICALSEPA mandate management in place for direct debitsCRITICALSwiss QR-bill generation and reconciliation tested for CHF invoicesCRITICALBank statement import formats (for example camt) tested and matched to open itemsCRITICALMulti currency handling with CHF and euro rates and revaluation verifiedCash discount (Skonto) terms and posting logic tested

5. Language, master data and operations

User interface, reports and documents available in German, with terminology agreedAddress formats, postal codes, special characters and umlauts load and print correctlyCRITICALAccounting export to the tax adviser, such as a DATEV format, tested end to endCRITICALPayroll and HR interfaces checked if connected to ERP postingsUnits, decimal and thousands separators and date formats set per localeCustoms and export control data (tariff numbers, origin) maintained for cross border shipmentsLocal statutory contact in place for ongoing legal changes

Rules in this area change often. Confirm each critical item with your tax adviser and auditor for your own situation and dates.

Localization test pack

We can help turn this checklist into test scenarios with your own data for a go live rehearsal. Optional.

Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.

How to use this checklist

Treat each item as a question for your vendor or partner: show me this working with our data. Export to Excel, add owners and test dates, and ask your tax adviser to review the critical items. Because rules and deadlines change, check dates and formats against current official guidance. This list is a planning aid, not legal or tax advice.

Tax, records and audit

German practice expects accounting records that are complete, traceable and unchangeable after posting, often summarized by the term GoBD. Auditors will also ask for process documentation and an export of data for audit. Austria and Switzerland have their own VAT rules and rates, so do not copy German settings. Confirm chart of accounts, VAT codes and reverse charge handling with your adviser early.

Immutable posting or full change logging
Process documentation for the new system
Data export for tax audits
VAT, Intrastat and recapitulative statements by country

E-invoicing, banking and QR-bill

Germany has been phasing in mandatory structured e-invoicing for domestic B2B transactions, with receiving ability required before issuing, so check the current timetable for your company size. Structured formats follow the European standard EN 16931, with XRechnung and ZUGFeRD in common use. For Swiss customers, the QR-bill replaced the old payment slips, and your ERP must produce and reconcile it. SEPA files and bank statement import should be tested with your bank.

Common mistakes

Companies often configure German tax settings and assume Austria and Switzerland follow. Another frequent gap is the tax adviser's export, which is discovered at the first month-end. Test character sets with real customer names containing umlauts, and test the full path from invoice to payment to bank reconciliation, not just document layouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this legal or tax advice?

No. It is a planning checklist. Rules and deadlines change and depend on your company, so confirm every critical item with your tax adviser, auditor or legal counsel before relying on it.

What is GoBD?

It is the German administrative guidance on keeping books, records and documents electronically in a proper, traceable and unalterable way. It affects ERP posting logic, logging, retention and the ability to provide data for audits.

Do I need XRechnung or ZUGFeRD?

It depends on your customers and the current mandate timetable. Public sector customers in Germany require structured invoices, and B2B obligations are being phased in. Check the latest rules for your size and sector.

Does one German setup cover Austria and Switzerland?

No. Rates, forms, bank formats and local practices differ. Austria has its own VAT rules and e-invoice routes, and Switzerland has separate VAT rules, the QR-bill and a different chart of accounts tradition.

If you need help testing localization scenarios against your ERP data or drafting process documentation, Netray can support the work with your tax adviser. The checklist is free and stands alone.

Talk to an Expert Explore More Free Tools

Related Tools

ERP Migration & Selection

More Country & Tax tools

See all

DACH ERP Localization Checklist: Germany, Austria, Switzerland