Online cash register

What it means

An online cash register is a till connected to the eKasa system that sends receipt data to the Financial Administration with every sale and prints a receipt with a unique identifier. Customers can verify the receipt, and the Financial Administration sees sales in real time.

It must be used by businesses that accept payment in cash, by card or by similar means when selling goods or providing certain services. The law lists activities to which the obligation does not apply, such as some distance sales paid by bank transfer.

An online cash register consists of the till software and a protected data storage unit that signs and stores receipts. An alternative for smaller businesses is the virtual cash register, a free Financial Administration app that runs on a phone or computer.

How it works in practice

Before starting to sell, the business requests a cash register code through the Financial Administration portal and registers the till. A receipt must be issued and handed to the customer for every payment. At the end of the day or period, the till prints a closing report that serves as the basis for bookkeeping.

Takings are recorded in the cash book or on the bank account depending on payment method. Card payments go to the bank account, so closing reports must be matched with bank statements. A regular cash count reveals differences between the till and actual cash.

If the internet connection fails, the register works offline and sends receipts once the connection is restored. If the register breaks down, substitute documents must be issued and entered within the statutory period. A business should have a procedure ready for such situations.

What to watch out for

Failing to issue a receipt, not recording takings or using an unregistered register breaches the law and can lead to fines and, for repeated breaches, closure of the premises. The Financial Administration carries out inspections, including test purchases.

Changes to the place of sale, the outlet address or replacement of the protected storage unit must be reported. The register must be serviced by an authorised person and its software kept up to date. When leasing or buying a used register, check that it has been correctly re-registered.