Schlussrechnung

Schlussrechnung is a term used in German-speaking accounting and contracting to denote the final accounting and final invoice for a completed contract or project. It serves to settle all price-related aspects of the work performed and to determine the final payable amount.

In practice, the Schlussrechnung is most common in construction, public procurement, and other long-running service contracts. It follows any interim invoices (Zwischenrechnungen) and the completion and acceptance of the work. The Schlussrechnung presents a consolidated price calculation, final quantities, and adjustments such as variations (Nachträge), credits, refunds, and any retained sums. It may also include settlements of defects, bonuses, penalties, or additional charges agreed during the project.

Contents typically found in a Schlussrechnung include the final price calculation, reconciliation of deviations between planned and actual quantities, listing of post-contract changes, release of retentions, and the final balancing of credits and debits. The document also serves as the basis for the final payment, subject to any agreed acceptance of the work and resolution of open issues.

Legal framework and implications vary by contract type. In construction, Schlussrechnungen are commonly used under contract forms such as VOB/B, where they mark the end of the contractual price settlement after completion and acceptance. In general civil contracts (BGB-based), the Schlussrechnung functions as the closing statement that triggers final payment, while standard payment terms and statutory protections for late payment apply.

Significance: The Schlussrechnung closes the financial relationship for a project, reduces remaining financial risk for both parties, and provides a documented basis for any disputes regarding final charges.