How to invoice in the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic keeps invoicing rules clear and practical. Two tax IDs (DIČ for VAT, IČO for company registration), straightforward DPH rates, and no e-invoicing mandate yet. Bank transfers dominate B2B payments. Here is what you need to know.
Why Czech invoicing rules matter
Czech tax law (zákon o DPH, Act No. 235/2004) defines what belongs on an invoice. The rules are less complex than in some neighboring countries, but they are enforced consistently. Two identification numbers matter: every company gets an IČO (company registration number) and VAT-registered businesses receive a DIČ (tax identification number). Getting these details right ensures your invoices are accepted for VAT deduction and avoids delays during tax audits. The Czech tax authority (Finanční správa) has been modernizing its systems steadily, with kontrolní hlášení (control reports) already providing real-time visibility into transactions.
Key tax and invoicing facts
Required invoice fields in the Czech Republic
- Business name and registered address of the seller
- Business name and registered address of the buyer
- Seller's DIČ (tax identification number) and IČO (company ID)
- Buyer's DIČ (if VAT-registered)
- A unique, sequential invoice number
- Invoice issue date
- Date of taxable supply (DUZP)
- Description of goods or services
- Quantity and unit price (net) per line item
- Applicable DPH rate per line item (21%, 12%, or 0%)
- Net amount, DPH amount, and gross total
- Currency (CZK for domestic transactions)
- Reference to VAT exemption if applicable
- Payment terms and bank account details
Invoicing guides for neighboring countries
Questions
Do I need to register for VAT in the Czech Republic?
If your annual turnover exceeds 2,000,000 CZK, VAT registration is mandatory. You can also register voluntarily below this threshold. Foreign businesses making taxable supplies in the Czech Republic must register regardless of turnover. Registration is done through the local tax office (finanční úřad).
What happened to EET (electronic sales registration)?
EET was abolished in January 2023. Businesses are no longer required to report individual sales transactions in real time. The system was discontinued as part of a broader tax simplification effort. There is currently no replacement for real-time sales reporting.
What are kontrolní hlášení (control reports)?
Control reports are monthly VAT filings that list all taxable transactions above 10,000 CZK. They include details of both issued and received invoices. The tax authority uses them to cross-check data between trading partners and detect fraud.
How long must invoices be stored in the Czech Republic?
Invoices must be stored for 10 years from the end of the tax period in which they were issued. Both paper and electronic storage are acceptable. The key requirement is that invoices remain legible, authentic, and intact throughout the retention period.
Can I invoice in English to a Czech company?
Yes. Czech law does not mandate a specific invoice language. However, the tax authority may request a Czech translation during an audit. Using bilingual invoices or internationally recognized terms is a practical approach.
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