Question 1

Is XRechnung mandatory for all B2B invoices in Germany starting 2025?

Accepted Answer

Not yet for all B2B. From January 2025, all businesses must be able to receive e-invoices in EN 16931-compliant formats like XRechnung or ZUGFeRD 2.1+. The obligation to issue e-invoices is phased in by 2028, with exemptions for micro-businesses under €22,000 annual turnover.

Question 2

Do freelancers and small businesses in Germany need to issue XRechnung e-invoices?

Accepted Answer

Freelancers and small businesses must be able to receive e-invoices now. For sending, they can currently use ZUGFeRD format, which combines a readable PDF with embedded XML data — no new processes needed. The full obligation to issue structured e-invoices comes in later phases through 2028.

Question 3

What happens if I send non-compliant PDF invoices after 2025?

Accepted Answer

Non-compliant PDF invoices won't qualify as valid e-invoices after the transition deadline. They risk being rejected by recipients or may result in compliance issues. Switching to invoicing software that generates XRechnung or ZUGFeRD formats ensures your invoices are accepted and legally compliant.

Question 4

What is the difference between XRechnung and ZUGFeRD?

Accepted Answer

XRechnung is a pure XML format designed for machine-to-machine processing, primarily used for B2G (business-to-government) invoicing. ZUGFeRD is a hybrid format that embeds structured XML data inside a human-readable PDF, making it ideal for B2B and B2C use. Both formats comply with the EU EN 16931 standard.

Question 5

Is ZUGFeRD suitable for small businesses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ZUGFeRD is particularly well-suited for small businesses because it integrates with existing PDF-based workflows. Recipients without dedicated e-invoice processing systems can still open and read the invoice as a normal PDF, while the embedded XML data ensures machine-readability and compliance.

Question 6

Can XRechnung invoicing software export data to DATEV?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Professional XRechnung software like Invocore supports DATEV export, allowing you to send your tax accountant (Steuerberater) clean, structured data files instead of PDF screenshots. This includes CSV exports with invoice images (Belegbilder) and all required accounting fields for seamless handoff.

Question 7

Does XRechnung and ZUGFeRD ensure EU-wide e-invoicing compliance?

Accepted Answer

Both XRechnung and ZUGFeRD follow EU Directive 2014/55/EU and the EN 16931 standard, making them valid for cross-border B2G invoicing across the EU. However, each EU member state may have additional national requirements. Germany's phased rollout can be managed through Peppol network or national e-invoicing portals.

Question 8

Which XRechnung format should freelancers in Germany use?

Accepted Answer

For most freelancers, ZUGFeRD is the easiest starting point — it looks like a normal PDF but includes the required XML data for compliance. If you invoice government agencies (B2G), you'll need XRechnung (pure XML). Tools like Invocore generate both formats automatically, so you don't need to worry about the technical details.

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