Proformarechnung

Ausführliche Erklärung

Sie ist in der Regel keine Steuerrechnung und begründet möglicherweise keine rechtliche Schuld. Käufer nutzen sie für Angebote, Zollabwicklung oder interne Genehmigungen.

Beispiel

Ein Lieferant sendet eine Proformarechnung, damit der Käufer die Zahlung vor dem Export organisieren kann.

Warum Es Wichtig Ist

Setzt Erwartungen und beschleunigt Genehmigungen ohne vorzeitige steuerliche Behandlung.

Wichtige Fakten

A proforma invoice is a preliminary document showing estimated costs of goods or services BEFORE delivery or completion — it is not a tax invoice and does not create an enforceable debt.
Common uses: international trade (customs estimation), buyer-side budget approval, advance payment requests, and quote confirmations.
Proforma invoices typically display 'PROFORMA INVOICE' clearly at the top to distinguish them from final invoices.
For VAT/GST purposes, proforma invoices generally do NOT trigger tax obligations — the final tax invoice does that.
Customs authorities often accept proforma invoices for valuation and clearance, though some require commercial invoices for the actual import.

Wie es in der Praxis aussieht

A U.S. industrial equipment maker prepares to ship a $48,000 machine to a Brazilian buyer. The buyer's procurement team needs a proforma invoice to obtain internal CFO approval and to start the import-license application process. The proforma details unit costs, shipping terms (CIF Santos), expected delivery, and payment terms — without creating any legal obligation. Once the buyer approves and signs the purchase order, the seller issues a commercial invoice and a tax invoice.

Häufige Fehler

Treating a proforma invoice as a final invoice and recording revenue on it — overstates revenue and creates audit issues.
Failing to label the document clearly as 'PROFORMA' — confuses both buyer's AP team and tax authorities.
Using the same invoice number series for proforma and tax invoices — most regimes require distinct sequencing.
Forgetting to issue the actual tax invoice after delivery, leaving the transaction undocumented for VAT/GST purposes.
Including legal disclaimers that contradict the document's preliminary nature ('payment due in 30 days' on a proforma).

Häufig gestellte Fragen

Is a proforma invoice legally binding?

Generally no — it's a preliminary document, not a contract or enforceable debt. The actual contract is typically created by purchase order acceptance or signed agreement.

Can I collect payment on a proforma invoice?

Yes — proforma invoices are commonly used to request advance payment or deposit before work begins. After receiving payment, issue a final tax invoice for the same amount.

What's the difference between a proforma invoice and a quote?

A quote/estimate is more informal and typically used pre-negotiation. A proforma invoice is more formal, often used after price agreement to confirm details, support customs clearance, or trigger advance payment.

Do I charge VAT/GST on a proforma invoice?

Show the VAT/GST breakdown for transparency, but the proforma itself doesn't create a tax obligation. The final tax invoice (issued at delivery) is what triggers tax accounting in most regimes.

Can a proforma invoice be used for customs clearance?

Yes in many cases — proforma invoices are commonly used for import valuation, especially for samples or low-value shipments. Some destination countries require a commercial invoice for the final import; check destination-country rules.

Was Ist Proformarechnung