- E-Invoice (E-Rechnung) to be implemented from 01.01.2025
- Aim is to promote digitalization in business processes
- E-Invoice is first step towards future real-time reporting obligations to tax authorities
- E-Invoice must be in structured electronic format, not PDF or image files
- Accepted formats for E-Invoice include XStandard and ZUGFeRD 2.0.1
- ZUGFeRD is a hybrid data format combining PDF and XML for human readability and automated processing
- XML data takes precedence over PDF in case of discrepancies
- E-Invoice must be retained for 10 years like paper invoices
- Applies to domestic transactions between domestic companies
- Exceptions include invoices to non-businesses, foreign companies, certain foreign transactions, and tax-exempt transactions
- Simplifications for small invoices and transportation tickets
Source: blog.esche.de
Note that this post was (partially) written with the help of AI. It is always useful to review the original source material, and where needed to obtain (local) advice from a specialist.
