E-INVOICING / PEPPOL / YOUR NEXT STEP

Turn invoice questions into a clear roadmap.

A new format does not have to mean a new system. We help you understand what your business needs, what already works and where integration will actually save work.

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10 questions · no account or email · results in your browser

The format

XRechnung or a suitable ZUGFeRD profile: structured data your software can process.

The delivery route

Email, portal or Peppol? Your partners, their requirements and your workflow determine the right choice.

Your workflow

Receive, validate, approve, retain: understand your existing workflow first, then automate where it helps.

WHAT THE TERMS MEAN IN YOUR WORKDAY

You do not need to learn a file format.

Your software handles the technical details. Together we clarify what your business partners expect and which features you need.

STRUCTURED INVOICE

XRechnung

The invoice data is stored in an XML file. Suitable software makes it readable and processes it. You do not need to edit XML code.

What we clarify: Does your software support the required format, and which recipient details are needed?

READABLE PDF WITH INVOICE DATA

ZUGFeRD

In its hybrid form, ZUGFeRD combines a readable PDF with embedded XML data. Both parts belong together; the version and profile must fit the intended use.

What we clarify: Can your software generate a suitable profile and process the embedded data when receiving an invoice?

A NETWORK FOR EXCHANGE

Peppol

Peppol connects senders and recipients through service providers known as Access Points. Your software provider may already offer this connection.

What we clarify: Do your partners need Peppol, and can your existing software support it?

Further reading: KoSIT on XRechnung, FeRD on ZUGFeRD and OpenPeppol on the network.

FREE SELF-CHECK

What makes sense for you?

Ten questions about your business, software and partners. Receive guidance and a checklist to tick off, save or print. ‘To be clarified’ is a useful answer: it shows where we can start together.

Your answers stay in this browser. Only when you explicitly open the contact form are the selected details carried over as an editable message. No invoice upload or personal details required.

1. Who do you invoice? Choose several optionsBusinesses in GermanyPublic-sector customersConsumersBusiness partners abroad

2. Where is your business established?A German VAT registration alone does not mean a business is established in Germany.3. Do you use the small-business VAT exemption?This means section 19 UStG, not your number of employees.4. Which outgoing invoices are you considering?Select exceptions only if already clarified: for example invoices up to €250 gross with the relevant special cases considered, or certain VAT-exempt transactions. This check does not verify an exception.5. What is your expected total turnover for 2026?The transitional rule for 2027 uses total turnover in 2026. At the date of this check, that is a forecast.6. Has your process for receiving e-invoices been tested?This includes receipt, a readable display and retention of the structured original data. A printout alone does not replace it.7. Can your software create the required e-invoice?For example XRechnung or a suitable ZUGFeRD profile. An ordinary PDF without structured data is not enough.8. Do your business partners require Peppol?Germany's B2B e-invoicing requirement does not generally prescribe Peppol as the transmission channel.9. Approximately how many invoices do you handle each month?Incoming and outgoing combined. These bands provide technical guidance; they are not legal thresholds.10. How do you move invoice data between your systems?Choose the workflow that best describes your everyday work.

Planning guidance based on your selection, not an assessment of your business or invoice files. As of 09.10.2026.

KEEP IT. SHARE IT WITH YOUR TEAM.

A guide for your team.

Key terms, transition deadlines, possible routes, cost questions and a practical checklist. Clearly explained, with links to primary sources.

Download the free PDF

8 pages · PDF · English · updated 9 October 2026 · no form required

PERSONAL ADVICE WITH A CONCRETE RESULT

E-invoicing & Peppol roadmap

We work through your questions about e-invoicing, XRechnung, ZUGFeRD and Peppol in plain language. Using your information and existing vendor documentation, we review your systems and create a written roadmap for the next steps.

€299.00 one-off, including 19% VAT

View the roadmap in the shop

One-off advisory package for one business and up to two existing invoicing systems. One digital follow-up round is included; setup is quoted separately if needed.

Technical assessment for one business with up to two existing invoicing systems
Questions through forms and digital exchange, taking existing vendor documentation into account
Format, receiving, sending and Peppol options with technical adjustment points
Written roadmap with three prioritised next steps, cost estimates and a tailored checklist
One digital follow-up round on the delivered roadmap

Scope and boundaries

Technical guidance for one business and up to two existing systems, based on the information provided. No legal or tax advice, certification or guarantee of tax compliance. Implementation, provider fees, Access Point contracts, registration and processing of real invoice archives are not included. Cost estimates state their assumptions; setup and API development are quoted separately if needed.

SUPPORT BEYOND THE ROADMAP

From a decision to your daily workflow.

We can also support implementation. The right help depends on your systems and roadmap. We agree the scope, ongoing provider fees and implementation costs in a separate quote before work begins.

Setup
Configure existing invoicing features, review master data and recipient details, and connect a suitable service provider where needed.
Testing & handover
Walk through the agreed workflow with test data: create, send, receive and process. Include responses and failure paths.
Team guidance
Familiarise the responsible people with the workflow and document the agreed steps for daily use.

Discuss setup or integration

COMMON QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU START

Clarity before your next decision.

Do I need to change my invoicing software?

The term e-invoicing alone cannot answer that. We first check which formats, receiving channels and export features your existing software supports. A new solution only becomes relevant if a specific gap remains.

Do I need XRechnung, ZUGFeRD and Peppol at the same time?

XRechnung and ZUGFeRD describe invoice formats; Peppol is a delivery route. The right combination depends on your recipients and systems. German B2B invoicing does not generally require Peppol as the delivery route.

What do I get for €299.00?

A technical assessment for one business with up to two invoicing systems, a review of your options and a written roadmap with three prioritised steps, cost estimates and a checklist. We address your questions through digital exchange; one digital follow-up round on the delivered roadmap is included.

Is setup included in the advisory package?

The advisory package clarifies the next steps. Setup, testing, team guidance or a custom integration can then be quoted with a clearly agreed scope. Software or Peppol provider fees are considered separately.

What should I prepare for the consultation?

The names and versions of your invoicing systems, a brief overview of your current workflow and any known requirements from your business partners. Open questions are welcome. For the initial assessment, we do not need credentials or a real invoice archive.

Make an informed decision.

Updated 9 October 2026. Technical guidance, not individual legal or tax advice. Special cases, public-sector customers and cross-border transactions need separate assessment.

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