Guides

Answers about e-invoicing, billing and invoicing software – sorted by topic and in plain language.

E-Invoicing & Formats

XRechnung, ZUGFeRD and EN 16931: what Germany's e-invoicing mandate requires and which format fits.

Open topic· 8 articles

Common XRechnung Validation Errors and How to Fix ThemWhy an XRechnung or ZUGFeRD invoice fails validation: how the checks work, how to read an error report, and how to fix the most common BR-DE and EN 16931 errors.
German E-Invoice Example: XRechnung XML Explained Line by LineA fictional German B2B invoice shown as XRechnung XML and explained element by element: EN 16931 business terms, mandatory details under § 14 UStG and the ZUGFeRD equivalent.
Germany's E-Invoicing Mandate 2025–2028: What Foreign and Local Businesses Need to KnowGermany's B2B e-invoicing mandate explained: who must receive and issue e-invoices, the 2025–2028 timeline, accepted formats and what it means for foreign suppliers.
How to Convert a PDF Invoice to ZUGFeRD or XRechnungLearn how to turn a PDF invoice into a German e-invoice in ZUGFeRD or XRechnung format: why a PDF is not enough, which data you need, step-by-step conversion, validation and common problems.
How to Open and Read an XRechnung (XML) InvoiceReceived an XRechnung or ZUGFeRD invoice from a German supplier? Learn how to open the XML file, read the key data, check it before you pay and archive it correctly.
How to Send an XRechnung to German Public Authorities (Leitweg-ID, Portals, Peppol)How suppliers invoice German public authorities: when XRechnung is required, what the Leitweg-ID is, how to submit via OZG-RE or Peppol and how to avoid rejections.
Is a PDF Invoice Still Valid in Germany? PDF vs E-Invoice ExplainedIs a PDF invoice still valid in Germany? Short answer, transition dates 2025–2028, exceptions and the difference between a PDF invoice and an e-invoice.
XRechnung vs ZUGFeRD: German E-Invoice Formats Explained (EN 16931, Factur-X)XRechnung or ZUGFeRD? A clear comparison of the German e-invoice formats, how they relate to EN 16931 and Factur-X, and which one to use for your customers.

Writing Invoices

Mandatory details, invoice numbers and special cases for freelancers and small businesses in Germany.

How to Write an Invoice in Germany: Requirements for Freelancers and Small BusinessesWhat a valid German invoice must contain: mandatory details under § 14 UStG, VAT, the Kleinunternehmer small business exemption, clients abroad, e-invoicing and retention.

Archiving & Accounting

Retention periods and compliant digital archiving of invoices in Germany.

How Long Do You Have to Keep Invoices in Germany? Retention Rules ExplainedInvoices in Germany must generally be kept for 8 years. Learn the retention periods, when they start, the GoBD rules for e-invoices and where you may store them.

Invoicing Software

What e-invoicing software for Germany needs to do – from creating to validating invoices.

E-Invoicing Software for Germany: Create XRechnung and ZUGFeRD InvoicesWeb-based e-invoicing software for Germany: create, validate and send XRechnung and ZUGFeRD invoices (EN 16931). For German businesses and foreign suppliers.