no invoices please, we're German

[darrenb]

I'm working through the big German agency GULP and they say they don't want me to send them any invoices. "We'll take care of all the tricky stuff for you."

In 15 years and 3 countries, I have always sent invoices. It's part of what distinguishes contractors from employees. You tell them how much to pay and when. Or else.

Maybe I should send them invoices anyway?
Anybody here familiar with German contracting rituals and GULP in particular, and can reassure me they are not trying it (something) on?

[darmstadt]

I did a short contract for GULP and had to invoice them. They also sent me a nice Leatherman tool for Christmas as well

[BlasterBates]

Gulp is reputable, a bit like jobserve or contractorUK. A bit puzzling about not sending invoices. You need to enquire a bit further I think. You need to make sure that you are collecting VAT. That's the main thing. If Gulp pay the VAT and do the book keeping that should be fine. Still it's odd.

The main thing you declare your income as a "Freiberufler" (freelancer).

[zharrt]

I'm working through the big German agency GULP and they say they don't want me to send them any invoices. "We'll take care of all the tricky stuff for you."

In 15 years and 3 countries, I have always sent invoices. It's part of what distinguishes contractors from employees. You tell them how much to pay and when. Or else.

Maybe I should send them invoices anyway?
Anybody here familiar with German contracting rituals and GULP in particular, and can reassure me they are not trying it (something) on?

I would prepare the invoices anyway for your own records still

[darrenb]

I would prepare the invoices anyway for your own records still

This is a new system called Gutschrift introduced by GULP last year, I believe.

GULP Consulting Services GmbH – Gutschriftverfahren

My German accountant says the no invoice thing is OK, and my fellow freelancer says he has not had a problem, and that VAT has been charged.

Since I am green in these parts, I remain watchful.

[Sockpuppet]

Sounds like self billing.

Google Translate

[BlasterBates]

Looks fine, Gulp is reputable.

Just looks like the usual automated billing you get in the UK.

As long as the VAT is payed and your income if recorded doesn't matter how it's done.

The Tax office just want to know how much you earnt, and that you've payed your tax.