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Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about e-invoicing, which will take effect on January 1, 2025.
What is an e-invoice?
An e-invoice is more than just an invoice sent digitally. It must be issued in a structured, machine-readable format that complies with European standards. Starting January 1, 2025, simple PDF files will no longer be considered valid electronic invoices. Instead, formats such as XRechnung (XML-based) or ZUGFeRD (hybrid, combining PDF/A-3 and XML) must be used.
What are ZUGFeRD and XRechnung invoices?
A ZUGFeRD invoice includes both the visual representation of the invoice for humans and machine-readable, structured data. The visual representation is in PDF/A-3 format, while the machine-readable data in XML format is attached to the PDF/A-3 as an appendix. This makes ZUGFeRD an e-invoice format.
An XRechnung is an XML data record that contains the invoice data and is difficult for the human eye to interpret. It must therefore be visualized by the invoice recipient for approval.
In this article we explain what these two formats mean and how they differ.
Am I e-invoice-ready with GetMyInvoices?
Yes, with GetMyInvoices, you are e-invoice-ready in all plans without having to make any additional adjustments. ZUGFeRD invoices are already available; XRechnungen will be available starting January 1, 2025. This means GetMyInvoices will be fully e-invoice-ready as of that date.
Can I create e-invoices with GetMyInvoices?
No, GetMyInvoices remains a tool for collecting, archiving, processing, and exporting invoices.
When I receive an e-invoice, can I be sure that the structured data set always matches the attached image?
The structured data and the visual data are always reconciled. If discrepancies occur, the structured data takes precedence in case of doubt.
Do e-invoices sent to private individuals also have to be sent as e-invoices?
The e-invoicing requirement applies only to B2B transactions. PDF invoices may still be sent to private customers.
Are small businesses subject to sales tax also required to send e-invoices?
Starting January 1, 2025, all businesses will be required to be able to receive e-invoices. Sending e-invoices in the B2B sector will only gradually become mandatory in the coming years.
Do the e-invoicing regulations also apply to credit memos issued by a business?
Yes, the same regulations apply here.
What information must be included on an e-invoice?
According to the federal e-invoicing regulation, an e-invoice must contain at least the following information:
- Route ID
- Invoicer’s bank details
- Payment terms
- Invoicer’s email address
- Supplier number*
- Order number*
*Provided this information was already provided to the invoicer at the time the order was placed.
Where can I get the routing ID?
The routing ID can only be requested from government agencies and serves as an identifier for the recipient, not for the sender. It is a mandatory identifier for electronic invoicing to public contracting authorities in Germany, but is not required for B2B invoices.
Can receipt documents up to 250 EURO that are not e-invoices be claimed for tax purposes?
For the next two years, the receipt of paper documents and paper invoices is still permitted. These expenses can still be claimed for tax purposes.
Which e-invoice profiles are supported by GetMyInvoices?
GetMyInvoices supports all common e-invoice profiles in accordance with current standards:
- EN16931 Minimum
- EN16931 Basic
- EN16931 Basic WL
- EN16931 Comfort
- EN16931 Extended
- EN16931 XRechnung 1.x
- EN16931 XRechnung 2.x
- EN16931 XRechnung 3.x