E-Invoicing for Tradespeople (Handwerker)

Why Tradespeople May Be Affected

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.

It becomes especially relevant when you:

• work for other companies (B2B)
• work for public-sector clients
• regularly send invoices by email
• create quotes and invoices using older software

A Typical Situation

"I write an invoice as a PDF and email it."

That's digital — but it's not automatically an e-invoice.

What Tradespeople Should Check

• Can your software generate XRechnung?
• Can your software generate ZUGFeRD?
• Do you invoice public authorities?
• Have you ever used a Leitweg-ID?
• Can your clients receive e-invoices?
• Are there specific requirements from your clients?

Common Problems

• Outdated invoicing software
• PDF without XML data
• Missing Leitweg-ID
• Missing mandatory fields
• Employees unsure which format to use
• Tax advisor receives only a PDF instead of structured data

A Good Way to Start

Don't begin with technical details. First check:

1. Who are your clients?
2. What kind of invoices do you send?
3. What software do you use?
4. Can your software generate e-invoices?
5. Where do you need help?