E-invoicing obligation 2025: what you need to know
Since 1 January 2025, electronic invoicing has been mandatory for companies in Germany – a significant step towards digitalization and efficiency. This means that invoices between companies must be issued and transmitted in a structured, electronic format. A simple PDF is no longer sufficient. Who is affected? Basically all companies that issue invoices to other companies. The changeover therefore affects a large proportion of German SMEs.
But beware: the requirements are clearly defined and those who do not prepare in good time risk delays in the invoicing process or even legal consequences. Now is the ideal time to adapt your processes and make the most of the advantages of e-invoicing. Automation, less administrative work and greater efficiency are just some of the positive effects. Find out here how you can implement the new requirements easily and in compliance with the law.
What is the e-invoicing obligation?
The e-invoice obligation stipulates that invoices must be issued and transmitted in a structured electronic format in future. An e-invoice is not simply a digitized document like a PDF, but a file that is machine-readable and can be processed automatically. Formats such as XRechnung or ZUGFeRD fulfill these requirements.
The legal basis for this is EU Directive 2014/55/EU, which standardizes the digital exchange of invoices within Europe. Germany is now implementing this requirement comprehensively in order to make incoming and outgoing invoices more efficient, transparent and error-free. Companies must therefore adapt their systems to meet the new requirements.
Would you like to delve deeper into the topic? Then read our blog post “E-invoicing obligation – easily solved thanks to ERP”.
Challenge or opportunity?
What you can expect with the e-invoicing obligation
What you can look forward to
Switching to e-invoices has numerous advantages: Automation saves time, as invoices are processed without manual effort. Sources of error such as typing errors or lost documents are minimized, which significantly reduces the burden on the accounting department. In addition, digital workflows enable efficient and seamless invoice processing, from creation to archiving. Another plus point: using less paper saves resources and reduces the environmental impact – a step towards sustainable business processes.
You must pay attention to this
The introduction of e-invoicing also brings challenges. Technical requirements such as the use of standardized formats (e.g. XRechnung, ZUGFeRD) require existing systems to be adapted. In addition, integration into your processes must be smooth in order to avoid delays and manual reworking. Another key issue is compliance with legal requirements – from correct archiving to data protection and security requirements.
ZUGFeRD and X-bill explained simply
ZUGFeRD
ZUGFeRD is a hybrid format and consists of a PDF file in which an XML file and any attachments are embedded. In the latest version 2.1.1, which was published on 01.07.2020, it is possible to create pure XML invoices. Put simply, ZUGFeRD can now also be used to create X-invoices – at least in the Cross Industry Invoice syntax from UN/CEFACT (CII).
X-bill
X-invoices – at least in the syntax Cross Industry Invoice from UN/CEFACT (CII). X-invoice The X-invoice standard is a structured, machine-readable XML invoice in which up to 200 invoice-related attachments, but not an invoice image itself, may be embedded. Version 2.0.0, in the version dated 30.06.2020, is valid from 01.01.2021.
Electronic. Efficient. Done.
APplus makes your invoice dispatch digital
With APplus, companies are ideally prepared for the e-invoicing obligation. Thanks to the e-invoicing service, invoices can be created directly in APplus and processed seamlessly. They are transmitted to the
In future, the SEEBURGER Peppol Access Point extension will even make it possible to send invoices directly to the invoice recipient. ASSECO and SEEBURGER can look back on
Electronic invoicing with APplus
Paper chaos is a thing of the past! With APplus, you can send invoices quickly, securely and digitally – without any manual effort. How does it work? Our tutorial video shows you step by step how to make the most of electronic invoicing.
Take a look now and save time in the future!
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