What is a Z-Report – and Do You Need One with Shopify POS?

What is a Z-Report – and Do You Need One with Shopify POS?

If you’re a merchant in Germany, you’ve probably come across the term Z-Bon (Z-Report). Especially since the introduction of the KassenSichV (German Cash Register Security Ordinance), it has become a regular topic during audits, conversations with tax advisors, and when evaluating POS systems.

In this post, we’ll cover:

• What a Z-Report is and why it matters

• What the legal requirements are in Germany

• How Shopify POS merchants can create Z-Reports automatically

• Why tax auditors pay close attention to it

What Is a Z-Report?

A Z-Report is a daily closing receipt generated by your POS system at the end of a business day. It typically includes:

• Total daily revenue

• Breakdown of taxes

• Time and date of the cash register closing

• Information about the TSE (technical security device), like signature and serial number

Z-Reports are part of proper cash register recordkeeping and are often requested during tax audits in Germany.

Is a Z-Report Legally Required?

Yes – indirectly. The KassenSichV requires that every transaction be digitally signed using a TSE. In addition, the DSFinV-K (Digital Interface of the Tax Administration for Cash Register Systems) demands structured exports that clearly reflect daily closings per register.

A properly documented Z-Report is therefore an essential part of compliant operations.

What Does That Mean for Shopify POS?

Shopify POS doesn’t natively support Z-Reports or TSE integration. If you’re selling in Germany, you’ll need an external solution to meet legal requirements – for example, OpenFiskal, which offers a certified TSE integration.

With OpenFiskal, you can:

• Start and close a tracking session for each register

• Automatically generate a digital Z-Report

• Download or export reports at any time

• Optionally view your Z-Report as a PDF

What Does a Z-Report with OpenFiskal Contain?

Each Z-Report from OpenFiskal includes:

• Date and time of the register closing

• Total revenue by tax rate

• Total revenue by payment method

• TSE signature

• Range of receipt numbers

• Reference to the register (Shopify POS location)

Reports are accessible in your OpenFiskal App within seconds and are fully audit-proof.

Conclusion: Yes, You Need a Z-Report – Even Without Printing It

If you use Shopify POS in Germany, make sure your system is generating valid daily closing data. OpenFiskal takes care of this for you – fully digital and fully compliant.