Electronic invoicing Germany
Electronic Invoicing in Germany is part of the broader context of countries in the European Union participating in the introduction of e-invoicing.
The German system is based on a number of particular characteristics, both in terms of the model currently in force for B2G, which does not provide for a centralised platform but for various modalities depending on the state, and in terms of the various steps planned for the introduction of B2B e-invoices.
As of 1 January 2025, in fact, all companies will have to be enabled to receive e-bills only, with e-bills being issued on a voluntary basis.
On 1 January 2027 all companies with an annual turnover of more than EUR 800,000 will be obliged to issue electronic invoices, before the general extension to all German companies, scheduled for 1/1/2028.
In addition, e-invoices have to comply with the European standard EN16931 and the expected formats are XRechnung (implemented with CII or UBL2.1) or the hybrid form ZUGFeRD (PDF/A + CII). Both are compatible with the PEPPOL BIS 3.0 specification.
Finally, standard digital storage of invoices is expected to be for 10 years.
Electronic Invoicing Germany: the service
The service requires the Customer to provide a dedicated mailbox to receive invoices in XML (UBL or CII) or ZUGFerD format, the content of which will be checked, on a case-by-case basis, by Indicom, and any anomalies reported.
Files extracted from e-mails will automatically be transformed into:
- Readable PDFs for easy human reference using a special stylesheet.
The language used will be German.
- CSV files with agreed format containing header data for easier and faster management of information.
The customer can receive the transformed files (PDF + CSV) via SFTP protocol, by accessing a dedicated space or by email. These procedures do not concern invoices in ZUGFeRD format, as no transformation is necessary.
Indicom’s service for electronic invoicing in Germany also includes digital storage in accordance with standards, ensuring full compliance with legal archiving requirements.
Furthermore, in conjunction with the extension of the e-invoice obligation, Indicom will also be able to support the sending of active electronic invoices, using the PEPPOL network as a transit channel.
Why choose to outsource your electronic invoicing in Germany?
Professional intermediary
Standard management and single supplier to interface with.
Compliance with regulations
Full compliance with the regulations currently in force.
Scalability
Scalability and reproducibility of the international e-Invoicing model across multiple countries.
Improving relations
Improving relations with customers and suppliers.