[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":1773},["ShallowReactive",2],{"wissen-articles-en":3},[4,209,353,514,612,739,871,959,1155,1326,1487,1636],{"id":5,"title":6,"body":7,"description":196,"extension":197,"meta":198,"navigation":204,"path":205,"seo":206,"stem":207,"__hash__":208},"content\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-software-vergleich.md","E-Invoice Software Comparison: Winner 2026",{"type":8,"value":9,"toc":186},"minimark",[10,14,19,23,27,34,52,58,62,67,83,89,93,98,111,116,120,140,144,147,154,157,162],[11,12,6],"h1",{"id":13},"e-invoice-software-comparison-winner-2026",[15,16,18],"h2",{"id":17},"which-software-do-you-need","Which Software Do You Need?",[20,21,22],"p",{},"Not every accounting software can handle e-invoices. We've compared the most important providers.",[15,24,26],{"id":25},"lexware","Lexware",[20,28,29,33],{},[30,31,32],"strong",{},"Best for:"," Freelancers, small businesses",[35,36,37,41,44,47],"ul",{},[38,39,40],"li",{},"ZUGFeRD from Basic version onward",[38,42,43],{},"Easy to use",[38,45,46],{},"Includes voucher templates",[38,48,49],{},[30,50,51],{},"From €9.95\u002Fmonth",[20,53,54,57],{},[30,55,56],{},"Disadvantage:"," XRechnung only in higher versions.",[15,59,61],{"id":60},"sevdesk","SevDesk",[20,63,64,66],{},[30,65,32],{}," Self-employed, small businesses",[35,68,69,72,75,78],{},[38,70,71],{},"Full XRechnung and ZUGFeRD support",[38,73,74],{},"Automatic sending via email",[38,76,77],{},"Open API",[38,79,80],{},[30,81,82],{},"From €12.90\u002Fmonth",[20,84,85,88],{},[30,86,87],{},"Advantage:"," Very intuitive, even for beginners.",[15,90,92],{"id":91},"datev-unternehmen-online","DATEV Unternehmen online",[20,94,95,97],{},[30,96,32],{}," Mid-sized companies, tax consultant clients",[35,99,100,103,106],{},[38,101,102],{},"ZUGFeRD via invoice workflow",[38,104,105],{},"Direct connection to tax office",[38,107,108],{},[30,109,110],{},"Variable pricing",[20,112,113,115],{},[30,114,56],{}," Often overkill for very small businesses.",[15,117,119],{"id":118},"free-alternatives","Free Alternatives",[35,121,122,128,134],{},[38,123,124,127],{},[30,125,126],{},"PDF24",": Free, creates ZUGFeRD PDFs",[38,129,130,133],{},[30,131,132],{},"ELSTER",": Free, XRechnung for authorities only",[38,135,136,139],{},[30,137,138],{},"Open Source"," (e.g., InvoicePlane): With ZUGFeRD plugin",[15,141,143],{"id":142},"our-recommendation","Our Recommendation",[20,145,146],{},"Already using an accounting tool? First check if it supports e-invoices. Many vendors have added the feature in recent months. If not: SevDesk or Lexware are solid starting points.",[20,148,149,150,153],{},"Important: The software should handle ",[30,151,152],{},"both formats"," – XRechnung (authorities) and ZUGFeRD (other customers).",[155,156],"hr",{},[20,158,159],{},[30,160,161],{},"Read more:",[35,163,164,172,179],{},[38,165,166,171],{},[167,168,170],"a",{"href":169},"\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-erstellen","How to Create an E-Invoice"," – Step-by-step guide",[38,173,174,178],{},[167,175,177],{"href":176},"\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-kleinunternehmer","E-Invoice for Small Businesses"," – Special rules for small businesses",[38,180,181,185],{},[167,182,184],{"href":183},"\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Fxrechnung-oder-zugferd","XRechnung or ZUGFeRD?"," – Format comparison",{"title":187,"searchDepth":188,"depth":188,"links":189},"",2,[190,191,192,193,194,195],{"id":17,"depth":188,"text":18},{"id":25,"depth":188,"text":26},{"id":60,"depth":188,"text":61},{"id":91,"depth":188,"text":92},{"id":118,"depth":188,"text":119},{"id":142,"depth":188,"text":143},"Which e-invoice software is right for you? Comparison of Lexware, SevDesk, DATEV, and free alternatives – with pros and cons.","md",{"tags":199},[200,201,202,203],"e-invoice","software","comparison","tools",true,"\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-software-vergleich",{"title":6,"description":196},"en\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-software-vergleich","6mSDf31JV0K_6s2SnFQkd2q_zxuKCw5BwR5jCIHeR9o",{"id":210,"title":211,"body":212,"description":344,"extension":197,"meta":345,"navigation":204,"path":176,"seo":350,"stem":351,"__hash__":352},"content\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-kleinunternehmer.md","E-Invoice for Small Businesses and the Self-Employed",{"type":8,"value":213,"toc":337},[214,217,221,228,232,235,254,258,279,283,303,307,310,312,316],[11,215,211],{"id":216},"e-invoice-for-small-businesses-and-the-self-employed",[15,218,220],{"id":219},"does-this-affect-me-as-a-small-business-owner","Does This Affect Me as a Small Business Owner?",[20,222,223,224,227],{},"Yes. The e-invoice mandate does ",[30,225,226],{},"not"," depend on whether you qualify for small business VAT relief. What matters is whether your invoice recipient is a business or a public authority.",[15,229,231],{"id":230},"whats-new","What's New",[20,233,234],{},"Previously, small businesses could often issue simple invoices without VAT. The e-invoice mandate adds a new requirement:",[35,236,237,244,251],{},[38,238,239,240,243],{},"You must be able to ",[30,241,242],{},"receive"," e-invoices if other businesses send them to you",[38,245,246,247,250],{},"You must ",[30,248,249],{},"issue"," e-invoices when billing other businesses or public authorities",[38,252,253],{},"Private consumers are exempt from the requirement",[15,255,257],{"id":256},"what-you-should-check-now","What You Should Check Now",[259,260,261,267,273],"ol",{},[38,262,263,266],{},[30,264,265],{},"Receiving:"," Can your current software receive and process e-invoices?",[38,268,269,272],{},[30,270,271],{},"Issuing:"," Does your tool generate ZUGFeRD or XRechnung?",[38,274,275,278],{},[30,276,277],{},"Archiving:"," How do you store incoming e-invoices?",[15,280,282],{"id":281},"common-pitfalls","Common Pitfalls",[35,284,285,291,297],{},[38,286,287,290],{},[30,288,289],{},"Simple invoices are not enough:"," A PDF is not an e-invoice",[38,292,293,296],{},[30,294,295],{},"No exemption for small businesses:"," The obligation applies to you just the same",[38,298,299,302],{},[30,300,301],{},"B2B vs. B2C:"," Only B2B invoices are affected",[15,304,306],{"id":305},"good-to-know","Good to Know",[20,308,309],{},"As a small business owner, you have one advantage: you tend to issue fewer invoices than larger operations. The transition is manageable as long as you choose the right software. Free tools like PDF24 or ELSTER are often sufficient to get started.",[155,311],{},[20,313,314],{},[30,315,161],{},[35,317,318,325,330],{},[38,319,320,324],{},[167,321,323],{"href":322},"\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnungspflicht-einfach-erklaert","Mandatory E-Invoicing Explained Simply"," – The basics",[38,326,327,329],{},[167,328,170],{"href":169}," – Which tools help?",[38,331,332,336],{},[167,333,335],{"href":334},"\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Ffaq","FAQ on E-Invoicing"," – Frequently asked questions",{"title":187,"searchDepth":188,"depth":188,"links":338},[339,340,341,342,343],{"id":219,"depth":188,"text":220},{"id":230,"depth":188,"text":231},{"id":256,"depth":188,"text":257},{"id":281,"depth":188,"text":282},{"id":305,"depth":188,"text":306},"Does the e-invoice mandate apply to small businesses too? Yes, the obligation is independent of small business status. What you need to know.",{"tags":346},[200,347,348,349],"small-business","self-employed","vat",{"title":211,"description":344},"en\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-kleinunternehmer","ne9Qn0n9iQs2uf-PDEduBAnl32WfCsQTFfLD4B5eJsk",{"id":354,"title":355,"body":356,"description":504,"extension":197,"meta":505,"navigation":204,"path":510,"seo":511,"stem":512,"__hash__":513},"content\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-ausland-eu.md","E-Invoices Abroad – EU and International Rules",{"type":8,"value":357,"toc":497},[358,361,365,368,400,404,407,418,422,425,429,455,459,462,473,475,479],[11,359,355],{"id":360},"e-invoices-abroad-eu-and-international-rules",[15,362,364],{"id":363},"eu-countries-different-rules","EU Countries: Different Rules",[20,366,367],{},"The e-invoice mandate is a national regulation. Each EU country has its own requirements:",[35,369,370,376,382,388,394],{},[38,371,372,375],{},[30,373,374],{},"Germany:"," Mandatory for B2B from 2025\u002F2027",[38,377,378,381],{},[30,379,380],{},"Italy:"," Already mandatory since 2019 (Sistema di Interscambio)",[38,383,384,387],{},[30,385,386],{},"France:"," From 2026 for large companies",[38,389,390,393],{},[30,391,392],{},"Spain:"," Planned from 2025",[38,395,396,399],{},[30,397,398],{},"Austria:"," No B2B mandate yet, but electronic data exchange is encouraged",[15,401,403],{"id":402},"invoices-to-eu-countries","Invoices to EU Countries",[20,405,406],{},"When you issue invoices to customers in other EU countries, the rules of the destination country apply. Keep in mind:",[35,408,409,412,415],{},[38,410,411],{},"The e-invoice mandate of the customer's country may be relevant to you",[38,413,414],{},"Format requirements differ (Italy: FatturaPA, France: Factur-X)",[38,416,417],{},"For VAT purposes, the invoice data is usually sufficient",[15,419,421],{"id":420},"invoices-to-third-countries","Invoices to Third Countries",[20,423,424],{},"Outside the EU, there is generally no e-invoice mandate. Customers in Switzerland, the US, or Asia still expect traditional invoices.",[15,426,428],{"id":427},"what-you-should-do","What You Should Do",[259,430,431,437,443,449],{},[38,432,433,436],{},[30,434,435],{},"Ask your customers:"," What format do they expect?",[38,438,439,442],{},[30,440,441],{},"Check the destination country:"," Is there an e-invoice mandate there?",[38,444,445,448],{},[30,446,447],{},"Use flexible software:"," Tools with multiple formats (ZUGFeRD, XRechnung, PDF) are ideal",[38,450,451,454],{},[30,452,453],{},"Document it:"," Keep a record of why you chose a particular format",[15,456,458],{"id":457},"summary","Summary",[20,460,461],{},"For invoices within Germany, switching to e-invoices is the most important step. For EU customers, individual review is necessary. Outside the EU, things mostly stay as they are.",[20,463,464,465,468,469,472],{},"Our advice: A tool that handles ",[30,466,467],{},"ZUGFeRD"," and ",[30,470,471],{},"XRechnung"," covers most EU requirements.",[155,474],{},[20,476,477],{},[30,478,161],{},[35,480,481,486,493],{},[38,482,483,485],{},[167,484,170],{"href":169}," – Tools and templates",[38,487,488,492],{},[167,489,491],{"href":490},"\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-an-behoerden","E-Invoicing for Public Authorities"," – Leitweg-ID and more",[38,494,495,185],{},[167,496,184],{"href":183},{"title":187,"searchDepth":188,"depth":188,"links":498},[499,500,501,502,503],{"id":363,"depth":188,"text":364},{"id":402,"depth":188,"text":403},{"id":420,"depth":188,"text":421},{"id":427,"depth":188,"text":428},{"id":457,"depth":188,"text":458},"Does the e-invoice mandate apply to cross-border invoices? What you need to know about EU countries, third countries, and international business.",{"tags":506},[200,507,508,509],"international","eu","cross-border","\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-ausland-eu",{"title":355,"description":504},"en\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-ausland-eu","-Xk41oTGr4jsZma1_rePiIox1IvnIvRX7CAgVWgnf2Q",{"id":515,"title":516,"body":517,"description":601,"extension":197,"meta":602,"navigation":204,"path":608,"seo":609,"stem":610,"__hash__":611},"content\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-fuer-freiberufler.md","E-Invoicing for Freelancers",{"type":8,"value":518,"toc":594},[519,522,526,529,533,556,560,563,567,587,591],[11,520,516],{"id":521},"e-invoicing-for-freelancers",[15,523,525],{"id":524},"does-this-affect-me","Does This Affect Me?",[20,527,528],{},"Many freelancers send only a few invoices per month. Still, the mandatory e-invoicing requirements may apply — especially if you work with companies or public-sector clients.",[15,530,532],{"id":531},"typical-scenarios","Typical Scenarios",[35,534,535,538,541,544,547,550,553],{},[38,536,537],{},"IT consulting",[38,539,540],{},"Design and marketing",[38,542,543],{},"Coaching and training",[38,545,546],{},"Engineering services",[38,548,549],{},"Expert reports and assessments",[38,551,552],{},"Project work for companies",[38,554,555],{},"Services for public authorities or institutions",[15,557,559],{"id":558},"is-my-pdf-invoice-enough","Is My PDF Invoice Enough?",[20,561,562],{},"A standard PDF is generally not a proper e-invoice. For certain cases, you'll need a structured format like XRechnung or ZUGFeRD.",[15,564,566],{"id":565},"what-you-should-check","What You Should Check",[35,568,569,572,575,578,581,584],{},[38,570,571],{},"Are you creating invoices with Word, Excel, or PDF tools?",[38,573,574],{},"Do you use accounting software?",[38,576,577],{},"Does your software support ZUGFeRD or XRechnung?",[38,579,580],{},"Do you invoice public authorities?",[38,582,583],{},"Has a client requested a specific format?",[38,585,586],{},"How do you archive your invoices?",[15,588,590],{"id":589},"the-good-news","The Good News",[20,592,593],{},"For freelancers, the transition is often simpler than for larger businesses, because there are fewer processes to adjust. The key is to check early whether your current setup is sufficient.",{"title":187,"searchDepth":188,"depth":188,"links":595},[596,597,598,599,600],{"id":524,"depth":188,"text":525},{"id":531,"depth":188,"text":532},{"id":558,"depth":188,"text":559},{"id":565,"depth":188,"text":566},{"id":589,"depth":188,"text":590},"Many freelancers only send a handful of invoices each month. Even so, the mandatory e-invoicing rules can apply — especially if you work with companies or public-sector clients.",{"tags":603},[604,605,606,607],"e-invoicing","freelancers","solo-self-employed","seo","\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-fuer-freiberufler",{"title":516,"description":601},"en\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-fuer-freiberufler","RgMJ90RECQFqn2kFv3OiKksep_VGfIrIfhYeiU7NGjE",{"id":613,"title":491,"body":614,"description":729,"extension":197,"meta":730,"navigation":204,"path":490,"seo":736,"stem":737,"__hash__":738},"content\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-an-behoerden.md",{"type":8,"value":615,"toc":722},[616,619,623,626,629,633,650,654,657,660,674,678,698,702],[11,617,491],{"id":618},"e-invoicing-for-public-authorities",[15,620,622],{"id":621},"why-public-authorities-matter","Why Public Authorities Matter",[20,624,625],{},"When you send invoices to public-sector clients, stricter rules usually apply. An XRechnung is often required.",[20,627,628],{},"For suppliers, this means: a standard PDF invoice may be rejected.",[15,630,632],{"id":631},"whats-typical-for-public-authority-invoicing","What's Typical for Public Authority Invoicing?",[35,634,635,638,641,644,647],{},[38,636,637],{},"XRechnung as a structured XML format",[38,639,640],{},"Leitweg-ID (routing ID) for correct assignment",[38,642,643],{},"Submission via specific portals or platforms",[38,645,646],{},"Mandatory fields that must be filled",[38,648,649],{},"Strict validation requirements",[15,651,653],{"id":652},"what-is-a-leitweg-id","What Is a Leitweg-ID?",[20,655,656],{},"The Leitweg-ID (routing identifier) helps ensure your invoice reaches the right recipient within the public administration system.",[20,658,659],{},"When invoicing a public authority, you should clarify:",[35,661,662,665,668,671],{},[38,663,664],{},"Which Leitweg-ID must be used?",[38,666,667],{},"Which portal should the invoice be submitted through?",[38,669,670],{},"What format is accepted?",[38,672,673],{},"Are there additional requirements from the contracting body?",[15,675,677],{"id":676},"common-mistakes","Common Mistakes",[35,679,680,683,686,689,692,695],{},[38,681,682],{},"Sending a PDF instead of XRechnung",[38,684,685],{},"Missing Leitweg-ID",[38,687,688],{},"Incorrect recipient details",[38,690,691],{},"Missing purchase order number",[38,693,694],{},"Wrong invoice format",[38,696,697],{},"Invalid XML structure",[15,699,701],{"id":700},"who-does-this-affect","Who Does This Affect?",[35,703,704,707,710,713,716,719],{},[38,705,706],{},"IT service providers",[38,708,709],{},"Tradespeople (Handwerker)",[38,711,712],{},"Suppliers",[38,714,715],{},"Consultants",[38,717,718],{},"Training providers",[38,720,721],{},"Contractors working with municipalities, schools, or regional authorities",{"title":187,"searchDepth":188,"depth":188,"links":723},[724,725,726,727,728],{"id":621,"depth":188,"text":622},{"id":631,"depth":188,"text":632},{"id":652,"depth":188,"text":653},{"id":676,"depth":188,"text":677},{"id":700,"depth":188,"text":701},"When invoicing public-sector clients, stricter requirements often apply. An XRechnung is frequently expected.",{"tags":731},[604,732,733,734,735],"public-authorities","xrechnung","leitweg-id","public-administration",{"title":491,"description":729},"en\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-an-behoerden","RR9TTZqSr0vvnC2PIwllu7BVSMnKvubRR65iqJlTECw",{"id":740,"title":741,"body":742,"description":861,"extension":197,"meta":862,"navigation":204,"path":867,"seo":868,"stem":869,"__hash__":870},"content\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-fuer-handwerker.md","E-Invoicing for Tradespeople (Handwerker)",{"type":8,"value":743,"toc":854},[744,747,751,754,757,771,775,781,784,788,807,811,830,834,837],[11,745,741],{"id":746},"e-invoicing-for-tradespeople-handwerker",[15,748,750],{"id":749},"why-tradespeople-may-be-affected","Why Tradespeople May Be Affected",[20,752,753],{},"Many trades businesses currently create invoices using industry software, Word, Excel, or simple PDFs. That works fine in everyday practice — but under the mandatory e-invoicing rules, it can become a problem.",[20,755,756],{},"It becomes especially relevant when you:",[35,758,759,762,765,768],{},[38,760,761],{},"work for other companies (B2B)",[38,763,764],{},"work for public-sector clients",[38,766,767],{},"regularly send invoices by email",[38,769,770],{},"create quotes and invoices using older software",[15,772,774],{"id":773},"a-typical-situation","A Typical Situation",[776,777,778],"blockquote",{},[20,779,780],{},"\"I write an invoice as a PDF and email it.\"",[20,782,783],{},"That's digital — but it's not automatically an e-invoice.",[15,785,787],{"id":786},"what-tradespeople-should-check","What Tradespeople Should Check",[35,789,790,793,796,798,801,804],{},[38,791,792],{},"Can your software generate XRechnung?",[38,794,795],{},"Can your software generate ZUGFeRD?",[38,797,580],{},[38,799,800],{},"Have you ever used a Leitweg-ID?",[38,802,803],{},"Can your clients receive e-invoices?",[38,805,806],{},"Are there specific requirements from your clients?",[15,808,810],{"id":809},"common-problems","Common Problems",[35,812,813,816,819,821,824,827],{},[38,814,815],{},"Outdated invoicing software",[38,817,818],{},"PDF without XML data",[38,820,685],{},[38,822,823],{},"Missing mandatory fields",[38,825,826],{},"Employees unsure which format to use",[38,828,829],{},"Tax advisor receives only a PDF instead of structured data",[15,831,833],{"id":832},"a-good-way-to-start","A Good Way to Start",[20,835,836],{},"Don't begin with technical details. First check:",[259,838,839,842,845,848,851],{},[38,840,841],{},"Who are your clients?",[38,843,844],{},"What kind of invoices do you send?",[38,846,847],{},"What software do you use?",[38,849,850],{},"Can your software generate e-invoices?",[38,852,853],{},"Where do you need help?",{"title":187,"searchDepth":188,"depth":188,"links":855},[856,857,858,859,860],{"id":749,"depth":188,"text":750},{"id":773,"depth":188,"text":774},{"id":786,"depth":188,"text":787},{"id":809,"depth":188,"text":810},{"id":832,"depth":188,"text":833},"Many trades businesses still use industry-specific software, Word, Excel, or plain PDF to create invoices. That works day-to-day — but can become a problem under mandatory e-invoicing rules.",{"tags":863},[604,864,865,866,607],"tradespeople","handwerker","target-group","\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-fuer-handwerker",{"title":741,"description":861},"en\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-fuer-handwerker","kxOGA7HVfXM3RZDRxgPzr2z6SYmBmzBH9aSHTDq8s74",{"id":872,"title":873,"body":874,"description":885,"extension":197,"meta":953,"navigation":204,"path":334,"seo":956,"stem":957,"__hash__":958},"content\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Ffaq.md","FAQ",{"type":8,"value":875,"toc":942},[876,879,883,886,890,893,897,900,904,907,911,914,918,921,925,928,932,935,939],[11,877,873],{"id":878},"faq",[15,880,882],{"id":881},"is-a-pdf-an-e-invoice","Is a PDF an E-Invoice?",[20,884,885],{},"A standard PDF is generally not a genuine e-invoice. An e-invoice must contain structured data that can be processed automatically by software.",[15,887,889],{"id":888},"whats-the-difference-between-pdf-and-zugferd","What's the Difference Between PDF and ZUGFeRD?",[20,891,892],{},"ZUGFeRD is typically a PDF with an embedded XML file. The PDF is human-readable, while the XML contains the structured invoice data.",[15,894,896],{"id":895},"what-is-xrechnung","What Is XRechnung?",[20,898,899],{},"XRechnung is a structured XML format that is especially relevant for invoicing public-sector clients.",[15,901,903],{"id":902},"what-is-zugferd","What Is ZUGFeRD?",[20,905,906],{},"ZUGFeRD combines a readable PDF with embedded structured invoice data. Internationally, it is often called Factur-X.",[15,908,910],{"id":909},"do-i-need-a-leitweg-id","Do I Need a Leitweg-ID?",[20,912,913],{},"If you invoice public-sector clients, a Leitweg-ID (routing identifier) may be required. It helps the administration route your invoice to the correct recipient.",[15,915,917],{"id":916},"can-i-keep-using-word-or-excel","Can I Keep Using Word or Excel?",[20,919,920],{},"For simple templates, this often won't be sufficient in the long run. The key question is whether the output can be turned into a structured e-invoice format.",[15,922,924],{"id":923},"do-i-need-to-upload-files","Do I Need to Upload Files?",[20,926,927],{},"Not in the first step. The quick check works without file uploads. A technical file check can be added later if needed.",[15,929,931],{"id":930},"is-this-check-legal-advice","Is This Check Legal Advice?",[20,933,934],{},"No. The check provides a technical and organizational initial assessment. It does not replace tax or legal advice.",[15,936,938],{"id":937},"what-happens-after-the-check","What Happens After the Check?",[20,940,941],{},"You'll receive a straightforward assessment. If you'd like, you can get in touch or have your specific situation reviewed.",{"title":187,"searchDepth":188,"depth":188,"links":943},[944,945,946,947,948,949,950,951,952],{"id":881,"depth":188,"text":882},{"id":888,"depth":188,"text":889},{"id":895,"depth":188,"text":896},{"id":902,"depth":188,"text":903},{"id":909,"depth":188,"text":910},{"id":916,"depth":188,"text":917},{"id":923,"depth":188,"text":924},{"id":930,"depth":188,"text":931},{"id":937,"depth":188,"text":938},{"tags":954},[604,878,607,955],"content",{"title":873,"description":885},"en\u002Fwissen\u002Ffaq","YndRzQAznAmIexs6XNmrpeudJeVjyhFSXQ0Ph0JCg9E",{"id":960,"title":961,"body":962,"description":1146,"extension":197,"meta":1147,"navigation":204,"path":169,"seo":1152,"stem":1153,"__hash__":1154},"content\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-erstellen.md","How to Create an E-Invoice – A Step-by-Step Guide",{"type":8,"value":963,"toc":1138},[964,967,971,974,990,994,997,1021,1024,1028,1031,1050,1054,1057,1068,1071,1075,1112,1116,1119,1121,1125],[11,965,961],{"id":966},"how-to-create-an-e-invoice-a-step-by-step-guide",[15,968,970],{"id":969},"what-do-you-need","What Do You Need?",[20,972,973],{},"Creating an e-invoice is simpler than many think. At its core, you need:",[35,975,976,979,982],{},[38,977,978],{},"A tool that generates structured invoice data",[38,980,981],{},"The required mandatory fields (recipient, amount, tax ID, etc.)",[38,983,984,985,987,988],{},"A suitable format: ",[30,986,471],{}," or ",[30,989,467],{},[15,991,993],{"id":992},"option-1-accounting-software","Option 1: Accounting Software",[20,995,996],{},"The easiest solution: your accounting software already supports e-invoices.",[35,998,999,1004,1009,1015],{},[38,1000,1001,1003],{},[30,1002,26],{},": ZUGFeRD from Basic version onward",[38,1005,1006,1008],{},[30,1007,61],{},": Fully XRechnung-compatible",[38,1010,1011,1014],{},[30,1012,1013],{},"DATEV",": ZUGFeRD via the invoice workflow",[38,1016,1017,1020],{},[30,1018,1019],{},"WISO Mein Büro",": Supports both XRechnung and ZUGFeRD",[20,1022,1023],{},"The advantage: you create the invoice as usual and the software handles the format.",[15,1025,1027],{"id":1026},"option-2-free-online-tools","Option 2: Free Online Tools",[20,1029,1030],{},"For occasional invoices or getting started, there are free alternatives:",[35,1032,1033,1039,1044],{},[38,1034,1035,1038],{},[30,1036,1037],{},"PDF24 E-Invoice",": Creates ZUGFeRD PDFs from any PDF",[38,1040,1041,1043],{},[30,1042,132],{}," (Mein ELSTER): Free XRechnung creation, but only for invoices to public authorities",[38,1045,1046,1049],{},[30,1047,1048],{},"Online invoice generators",": Many now offer e-invoice export",[15,1051,1053],{"id":1052},"option-3-templates-for-power-users","Option 3: Templates for Power Users",[20,1055,1056],{},"If you invoice regularly but don't want full software:",[259,1058,1059,1062,1065],{},[38,1060,1061],{},"Create a ZUGFeRD template in Excel",[38,1063,1064],{},"Use a conversion tool to generate XML",[38,1066,1067],{},"Generate the structured invoice as PDF+XML",[20,1069,1070],{},"There are publicly available templates for XRechnung and ZUGFeRD on the official portals.",[15,1072,1074],{"id":1073},"checklist-for-your-first-e-invoice","Checklist for Your First E-Invoice",[35,1076,1079,1088,1094,1100,1106],{"className":1077},[1078],"contains-task-list",[38,1080,1083,1087],{"className":1081},[1082],"task-list-item",[1084,1085],"input",{"disabled":204,"type":1086},"checkbox"," Does the invoice contain all mandatory information?",[38,1089,1091,1093],{"className":1090},[1082],[1084,1092],{"disabled":204,"type":1086}," Is a structured format chosen (XRechnung or ZUGFeRD)?",[38,1095,1097,1099],{"className":1096},[1082],[1084,1098],{"disabled":204,"type":1086}," Is the Leitweg-ID included (for public authorities)?",[38,1101,1103,1105],{"className":1102},[1082],[1084,1104],{"disabled":204,"type":1086}," Is the e-invoice machine-readable (XML structure)?",[38,1107,1109,1111],{"className":1108},[1082],[1084,1110],{"disabled":204,"type":1086}," Can your customer process the format?",[15,1113,1115],{"id":1114},"conclusion","Conclusion",[20,1117,1118],{},"For most people, accounting software that supports ZUGFeRD is sufficient. If you only invoice occasionally, you can start with free tools. Important: check beforehand which format your customers expect – and whether you invoice public authorities.",[155,1120],{},[20,1122,1123],{},[30,1124,161],{},[35,1126,1127,1133],{},[38,1128,1129,1132],{},[167,1130,1131],{"href":205},"E-Invoice Software Comparison"," – Which tool fits you?",[38,1134,1135,1137],{},[167,1136,177],{"href":176}," – Does the mandate apply to you?",{"title":187,"searchDepth":188,"depth":188,"links":1139},[1140,1141,1142,1143,1144,1145],{"id":969,"depth":188,"text":970},{"id":992,"depth":188,"text":993},{"id":1026,"depth":188,"text":1027},{"id":1052,"depth":188,"text":1053},{"id":1073,"depth":188,"text":1074},{"id":1114,"depth":188,"text":1115},"How do you create an e-invoice? We show you which tools you need, what free templates look like, and what to watch out for.",{"tags":1148},[200,1149,1150,1151],"create","template","guide",{"title":961,"description":1146},"en\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-erstellen","lpwwSAVmg2OuUZYaYlMEYzCXKJ2MODTYNte4P8fMhYo",{"id":1156,"title":1157,"body":1158,"description":1317,"extension":197,"meta":1318,"navigation":204,"path":1322,"seo":1323,"stem":1324,"__hash__":1325},"content\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-kunden-informieren.md","Informing Customers About E-Invoices – Templates & Tips",{"type":8,"value":1159,"toc":1310},[1160,1163,1167,1170,1174,1184,1210,1214,1229,1233,1264,1268,1271,1292,1294,1298],[11,1161,1157],{"id":1162},"informing-customers-about-e-invoices-templates-tips",[15,1164,1166],{"id":1165},"why-you-need-to-inform-customers","Why You Need to Inform Customers",[20,1168,1169],{},"Many of your customers don't know what an e-invoice is or whether they can process the format. A preparatory letter avoids follow-up questions and demonstrates professionalism.",[15,1171,1173],{"id":1172},"sample-email","Sample Email",[20,1175,1176,1179,1180],{},[30,1177,1178],{},"Subject:"," Switching to E-Invoices as of ",[1181,1182,1183],"span",{},"Date",[776,1185,1186,1189,1195,1198,1201,1204],{},[20,1187,1188],{},"Dear customers,",[20,1190,1191,1192,1194],{},"as of ",[1181,1193,1183],{}," we are switching our invoicing to electronic invoices (e-invoices). You will continue to receive your invoices by email – but from now on in the standardized ZUGFeRD format.",[20,1196,1197],{},"This format combines a readable PDF with machine-readable invoice data. You can open and print the invoice just as before.",[20,1199,1200],{},"If you have any questions or prefer a different format, please let us know.",[20,1202,1203],{},"Thank you for your understanding.",[20,1205,1206,1207],{},"Best regards,\n",[1181,1208,1209],{},"Your Name",[15,1211,1213],{"id":1212},"short-version-for-regular-customers","Short Version for Regular Customers",[776,1215,1216,1223,1226],{},[20,1217,1218,1219,1222],{},"Hi ",[1181,1220,1221],{},"Name",",",[20,1224,1225],{},"starting now, you'll receive your invoices as e-invoices (ZUGFeRD format). You can open them as usual – everything else happens automatically. Any questions? Just let me know!",[20,1227,1228],{},"Best regards",[15,1230,1232],{"id":1231},"key-points-for-your-letter","Key Points for Your Letter",[35,1234,1235,1240,1246,1252,1258],{},[38,1236,1237],{},[30,1238,1239],{},"State the transition date",[38,1241,1242,1245],{},[30,1243,1244],{},"Explain the format"," (ZUGFeRD or XRechnung)",[38,1247,1248,1251],{},[30,1249,1250],{},"Reassure them"," (PDF remains readable)",[38,1253,1254,1257],{},[30,1255,1256],{},"Offer an alternative"," for customers who can't process e-invoice formats",[38,1259,1260,1263],{},[30,1261,1262],{},"Provide a contact"," for questions",[15,1265,1267],{"id":1266},"faq-for-your-customers","FAQ for Your Customers",[20,1269,1270],{},"The most common questions about e-invoices:",[35,1272,1273,1280,1286],{},[38,1274,1275,1279],{},[1276,1277,1278],"em",{},"\"Can I still print the invoice?\""," → Yes, ZUGFeRD contains a readable PDF",[38,1281,1282,1285],{},[1276,1283,1284],{},"\"Do I need to install new software?\""," → No, any current accounting software can read ZUGFeRD",[38,1287,1288,1291],{},[1276,1289,1290],{},"\"Will this cost me anything?\""," → No, delivery remains the same as before",[155,1293],{},[20,1295,1296],{},[30,1297,161],{},[35,1299,1300,1305],{},[38,1301,1302,1304],{},[167,1303,170],{"href":169}," – Step-by-step guide to your first e-invoice",[38,1306,1307,1309],{},[167,1308,323],{"href":322}," – All you need to know",{"title":187,"searchDepth":188,"depth":188,"links":1311},[1312,1313,1314,1315,1316],{"id":1165,"depth":188,"text":1166},{"id":1172,"depth":188,"text":1173},{"id":1212,"depth":188,"text":1213},{"id":1231,"depth":188,"text":1232},{"id":1266,"depth":188,"text":1267},"You need to inform your customers about the switch to e-invoices. Our sample letters and templates help you do it professionally and clearly.",{"tags":1319},[200,1320,1321,1150],"customers","communication","\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-kunden-informieren",{"title":1157,"description":1317},"en\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnung-kunden-informieren","9sQKVCY55hGzO498Nb3pRYroIWrRfbaLQXu11E95MMw",{"id":1327,"title":882,"body":1328,"description":1478,"extension":197,"meta":1479,"navigation":204,"path":1483,"seo":1484,"stem":1485,"__hash__":1486},"content\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Fist-eine-pdf-eine-e-rechnung.md",{"type":8,"value":1329,"toc":1462},[1330,1332,1336,1341,1344,1348,1351,1356,1359,1362,1366,1371,1388,1392,1406,1410,1413,1416,1424,1428,1432,1435,1439,1442,1446,1449,1453,1456],[11,1331,882],{"id":881},[15,1333,1335],{"id":1334},"short-answer","Short Answer",[20,1337,1338],{},[30,1339,1340],{},"No. A standard PDF is not a genuine e-invoice.",[20,1342,1343],{},"A PDF may look digital, but it's usually just an image or document meant for human reading. A true e-invoice must contain machine-readable data so that accounting systems can process it automatically.",[15,1345,1347],{"id":1346},"why-this-matters","Why This Matters",[20,1349,1350],{},"Many businesses think:",[776,1352,1353],{},[20,1354,1355],{},"\"I send my invoice by email as a PDF. So that's an electronic invoice.\"",[20,1357,1358],{},"That's understandable — but under mandatory e-invoicing rules, it's often not sufficient.",[20,1360,1361],{},"An e-invoice isn't just \"sent digitally\" — it must be readable in a structured, machine-processable format.",[15,1363,1365],{"id":1364},"the-difference","The Difference",[1367,1368,1370],"h3",{"id":1369},"standard-pdf-invoice","Standard PDF Invoice",[35,1372,1373,1376,1379,1382,1385],{},[38,1374,1375],{},"Looks like an invoice",[38,1377,1378],{},"Can be sent by email",[38,1380,1381],{},"Is read by humans",[38,1383,1384],{},"Usually contains no structured invoice data",[38,1386,1387],{},"Is not automatically an e-invoice",[1367,1389,1391],{"id":1390},"genuine-e-invoice","Genuine E-Invoice",[35,1393,1394,1397,1400,1403],{},[38,1395,1396],{},"Contains structured invoice data",[38,1398,1399],{},"Can be processed automatically by software",[38,1401,1402],{},"Uses formats like XRechnung or ZUGFeRD\u002FFactur-X",[38,1404,1405],{},"Meets technical requirements",[15,1407,1409],{"id":1408},"what-about-zugferd","What About ZUGFeRD?",[20,1411,1412],{},"With ZUGFeRD, an invoice can look just like a regular PDF. The difference: there's an XML file embedded inside the PDF containing the structured invoice data.",[20,1414,1415],{},"This means:",[35,1417,1418,1421],{},[38,1419,1420],{},"PDF without XML: generally not an e-invoice",[38,1422,1423],{},"PDF with embedded XML: can be a ZUGFeRD \u002F Factur-X invoice",[15,1425,1427],{"id":1426},"common-misunderstandings","Common Misunderstandings",[1367,1429,1431],{"id":1430},"my-invoice-comes-from-software-so-it-must-be-valid","\"My invoice comes from software, so it must be valid.\"",[20,1433,1434],{},"Not automatically. The software needs to generate a suitable format.",[1367,1436,1438],{"id":1437},"the-client-can-open-the-pdf-so-everythings-fine","\"The client can open the PDF, so everything's fine.\"",[20,1440,1441],{},"For humans, yes. For machine processing, not necessarily.",[1367,1443,1445],{"id":1444},"i-sent-the-invoice-digitally","\"I sent the invoice digitally.\"",[20,1447,1448],{},"Digital transmission alone does not make an e-invoice.",[15,1450,1452],{"id":1451},"quick-check","Quick Check",[20,1454,1455],{},"If you're unsure, start the e-invoicing check:",[20,1457,1458,1461],{},[30,1459,1460],{},"CTA:"," PDF or genuine e-invoice? Check now.",{"title":187,"searchDepth":188,"depth":188,"links":1463},[1464,1465,1466,1471,1472,1477],{"id":1334,"depth":188,"text":1335},{"id":1346,"depth":188,"text":1347},{"id":1364,"depth":188,"text":1365,"children":1467},[1468,1470],{"id":1369,"depth":1469,"text":1370},3,{"id":1390,"depth":1469,"text":1391},{"id":1408,"depth":188,"text":1409},{"id":1426,"depth":188,"text":1427,"children":1473},[1474,1475,1476],{"id":1430,"depth":1469,"text":1431},{"id":1437,"depth":1469,"text":1438},{"id":1444,"depth":1469,"text":1445},{"id":1451,"depth":188,"text":1452},"**No. A standard PDF is not a genuine e-invoice.**",{"tags":1480},[604,1481,607,1482],"pdf","clarification","\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Fist-eine-pdf-eine-e-rechnung",{"title":882,"description":1478},"en\u002Fwissen\u002Fist-eine-pdf-eine-e-rechnung","j9JSASFt6DKRdpezZcdiA25pwJjWMlTtne5B12lHnWQ",{"id":1488,"title":323,"body":1489,"description":1500,"extension":197,"meta":1627,"navigation":204,"path":322,"seo":1633,"stem":1634,"__hash__":1635},"content\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnungspflicht-einfach-erklaert.md",{"type":8,"value":1490,"toc":1619},[1491,1494,1498,1501,1504,1508,1511,1514,1521,1525,1528,1547,1551,1554,1574,1578,1598,1602],[11,1492,323],{"id":1493},"mandatory-e-invoicing-explained-simply",[15,1495,1497],{"id":1496},"whats-this-all-about","What's This All About?",[20,1499,1500],{},"Mandatory e-invoicing means that invoices between businesses must increasingly be created, received, and processed in a machine-readable format.",[20,1502,1503],{},"For many small businesses, this means: a standard PDF invoice will no longer be sufficient in every case.",[15,1505,1507],{"id":1506},"what-is-an-e-invoice","What Is an E-Invoice?",[20,1509,1510],{},"An e-invoice contains structured data. This data can be read automatically by accounting software.",[20,1512,1513],{},"Typical formats:",[35,1515,1516,1518],{},[38,1517,471],{},[38,1519,1520],{},"ZUGFeRD \u002F Factur-X",[15,1522,1524],{"id":1523},"who-is-affected","Who Is Affected?",[20,1526,1527],{},"The following may be affected in particular:",[35,1529,1530,1533,1536,1538,1541,1544],{},[38,1531,1532],{},"Businesses operating in B2B trade",[38,1534,1535],{},"Freelancers and self-employed professionals",[38,1537,709],{},[38,1539,1540],{},"Service providers",[38,1542,1543],{},"Suppliers to public-sector clients",[38,1545,1546],{},"Non-profit associations with economic activity",[15,1548,1550],{"id":1549},"what-do-i-need-to-be-able-to-do","What Do I Need to Be Able to Do?",[20,1552,1553],{},"Depending on your situation, you may need to:",[35,1555,1556,1559,1562,1565,1568,1571],{},[38,1557,1558],{},"Receive e-invoices",[38,1560,1561],{},"Create e-invoices",[38,1563,1564],{},"Use the correct format",[38,1566,1567],{},"Fill in all mandatory fields correctly",[38,1569,1570],{},"Archive invoices properly",[38,1572,1573],{},"Meet the requirements of individual recipients",[15,1575,1577],{"id":1576},"typical-problems","Typical Problems",[35,1579,1580,1583,1586,1589,1592,1595],{},[38,1581,1582],{},"Invoices continue to be created as simple PDFs",[38,1584,1585],{},"Software cannot export XRechnung or ZUGFeRD",[38,1587,1588],{},"Mandatory fields are missing",[38,1590,1591],{},"Leitweg-ID missing for public authority invoices",[38,1593,1594],{},"Recipient rejects the invoice",[38,1596,1597],{},"Business owners don't know if their solution is sufficient",[15,1599,1601],{"id":1600},"what-you-should-do-now","What You Should Do Now",[259,1603,1604,1607,1610,1613,1616],{},[38,1605,1606],{},"Check which software you're using",[38,1608,1609],{},"Clarify whether you invoice public authorities or other businesses",[38,1611,1612],{},"Find out if your software supports XRechnung or ZUGFeRD",[38,1614,1615],{},"Create a test invoice",[38,1617,1618],{},"Have the result reviewed if you're unsure",{"title":187,"searchDepth":188,"depth":188,"links":1620},[1621,1622,1623,1624,1625,1626],{"id":1496,"depth":188,"text":1497},{"id":1506,"depth":188,"text":1507},{"id":1523,"depth":188,"text":1524},{"id":1549,"depth":188,"text":1550},{"id":1576,"depth":188,"text":1577},{"id":1600,"depth":188,"text":1601},{"tags":1628},[604,1629,1630,1631,1632,607],"mandatory","2025","2026","b2b",{"title":323,"description":1500},"en\u002Fwissen\u002Fe-rechnungspflicht-einfach-erklaert","cs7HIAeEnZS7M4oa785d-sCx9DRb2c7No0YBrKt8NXc",{"id":1637,"title":184,"body":1638,"description":1649,"extension":197,"meta":1766,"navigation":204,"path":183,"seo":1770,"stem":1771,"__hash__":1772},"content\u002Fen\u002Fwissen\u002Fxrechnung-oder-zugferd.md",{"type":8,"value":1639,"toc":1749},[1640,1643,1647,1650,1653,1655,1658,1662,1673,1677,1680,1683,1686,1689,1700,1703,1706,1710,1714,1717,1721,1724,1728,1731,1735],[11,1641,184],{"id":1642},"xrechnung-or-zugferd",[15,1644,1646],{"id":1645},"short-overview","Short Overview",[20,1648,1649],{},"XRechnung and ZUGFeRD are two key e-invoicing formats.",[20,1651,1652],{},"Both can be genuine e-invoices. The difference lies mainly in how the invoice looks and how it is processed.",[15,1654,471],{"id":733},[20,1656,1657],{},"XRechnung is typically a pure XML file.",[1367,1659,1661],{"id":1660},"best-for","Best For",[35,1663,1664,1667,1670],{},[38,1665,1666],{},"Invoicing public authorities",[38,1668,1669],{},"Public-sector clients",[38,1671,1672],{},"Structured machine processing",[1367,1674,1676],{"id":1675},"challenge","Challenge",[20,1678,1679],{},"XML files are difficult for humans to read. You usually need software or a preview tool to view them comfortably.",[15,1681,1520],{"id":1682},"zugferd-factur-x",[20,1684,1685],{},"ZUGFeRD is typically a PDF file with embedded XML.",[1367,1687,1661],{"id":1688},"best-for-1",[35,1690,1691,1694,1697],{},[38,1692,1693],{},"Businesses that still want a human-readable PDF",[38,1695,1696],{},"B2B invoicing",[38,1698,1699],{},"Transitioning from PDF to structured e-invoicing",[1367,1701,1676],{"id":1702},"challenge-1",[20,1704,1705],{},"Not every PDF is automatically ZUGFeRD. The structured XML must be properly embedded.",[15,1707,1709],{"id":1708},"which-option-do-i-need","Which Option Do I Need?",[1367,1711,1713],{"id":1712},"you-invoice-public-authorities","You Invoice Public Authorities",[20,1715,1716],{},"In this case, XRechnung is usually required. A Leitweg-ID may also be necessary.",[1367,1718,1720],{"id":1719},"you-invoice-other-businesses","You Invoice Other Businesses",[20,1722,1723],{},"ZUGFeRD can be practical because it combines a readable PDF with structured data.",[1367,1725,1727],{"id":1726},"youre-unsure","You're Unsure",[20,1729,1730],{},"Start by checking what clients you have and what requirements they specify.",[15,1732,1734],{"id":1733},"decision-guide","Decision Guide",[35,1736,1737,1740,1743,1746],{},[38,1738,1739],{},"Public-sector client? → Check XRechnung",[38,1741,1742],{},"B2B clients? → Check ZUGFeRD or XRechnung",[38,1744,1745],{},"Only using PDF? → Action likely needed",[38,1747,1748],{},"Software unknown? → Start the quick check",{"title":187,"searchDepth":188,"depth":188,"links":1750},[1751,1752,1756,1760,1765],{"id":1645,"depth":188,"text":1646},{"id":733,"depth":188,"text":471,"children":1753},[1754,1755],{"id":1660,"depth":1469,"text":1661},{"id":1675,"depth":1469,"text":1676},{"id":1682,"depth":188,"text":1520,"children":1757},[1758,1759],{"id":1688,"depth":1469,"text":1661},{"id":1702,"depth":1469,"text":1676},{"id":1708,"depth":188,"text":1709,"children":1761},[1762,1763,1764],{"id":1712,"depth":1469,"text":1713},{"id":1719,"depth":1469,"text":1720},{"id":1726,"depth":1469,"text":1727},{"id":1733,"depth":188,"text":1734},{"tags":1767},[733,1768,1769,604,202],"zugferd","factur-x",{"title":184,"description":1649},"en\u002Fwissen\u002Fxrechnung-oder-zugferd","McEw6wZM8D7SRz_3w1AnV9OkW1r9X3oBoFx7XbFWDO8",1780429354172]