From January 1, 2025<\/strong>, a crucial regulation will come into force that will affect all companies and self-employed persons in Germany<\/strong>: from this date, they must be able to receive electronic invoices<\/strong> from other companies. This date marks an important step towards the digitalization of business transactions.<\/p>\n The widespread introduction of e-invoicing is based on an EU initiative that aims to make the exchange of invoices between companies in the B2B sector more efficient and transparent. In future, invoices are to be exchanged exclusively via electronic formats, gradually replacing paper and PDF invoices.<\/p>\n Companies that miss out on this transition could soon face difficulties in their business transactions. It is therefore essential to familiarize yourself with the legal framework and transitional regulations and to know the common ZUGFeRD and XRechnung formats. Furthermore, entrepreneurs and freelancers should start looking into suitable software solutions now in order to make the transition efficient, benefit from the advantages of digitalization and interact professionally with their customers.<\/p>\n An e-invoice is a structured, machine-readable document that is transmitted and processed electronically. In contrast to PDF invoices, the data can be read and processed directly by software programs. This enables fully digital processing from creation to payment. The main advantages are obvious:<\/p>\n The regulations on the use of e-invoices will be implemented in stages by January 1, 2028. Since November 27, 2020, suppliers to the federal government have had to submit their invoices electronically. From 01.01.2025, e-invoicing will be mandatory for all companies that work with public sector clients.<\/p>\n There is no general obligation for the B2B sector for the time being, but all companies in Germany will be required to be able to receive e-invoices from January 1, 2025.<\/strong><\/p>\n Transitional periods until 2027 nevertheless allow paper invoices and non-compliant e-invoices to continue to be sent, provided the recipient agrees and certain turnover limits are not exceeded.<\/p>\n The first step – before selecting the software for creating e-invoices – is to choose a common format. The focus is on the following:<\/p>\n The use of special software solutions is recommended for the automation and simplification of invoicing. The following is an exemplary selection:<\/p>\n In addition, there are other providers such as Datev or Papierkram.de, which also offer solutions for e-invoices. Many of these providers offer flexible price plans and free trial periods.<\/p>\n If you use a different accounting program, first clarify whether it can be supplemented with e-invoicing functionality. Free programs such as PDF24, WISO Mein B\u00fcro or XRechnung-erstellen.com are also available. The disadvantage here is that these are only generators for creating a one-off e-invoice. Archiving and other functions are also associated with costs of approx. 10 \u20ac\/month.<\/p>\nWhat is an e-invoice and why PDF is no longer sufficient!<\/h3>\n
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Legal framework and deadlines:<\/h4>\n
Common formats for e-invoices<\/h4>\n
ZUGFeRD:<\/h5>\n
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XRechnung:<\/h5>\n
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Software providers for e-invoices<\/h4>\n
sevDesk<\/h5>\n
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lexoffice<\/h5>\n
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Billomat<\/h5>\n
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FastBill<\/h5>\n
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EasyBill<\/h5>\n
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