KNOWLEDGE
The 2025 e-invoice obligation
Since 1 January 2025 every business in Germany must be able to receive and process electronic invoices in B2B — including small businesses and solo self-employed.
What an e-invoice is
Not a PDF by email — an e-invoice is a structured data record software can read automatically. The two common German formats: XRechnung (pure XML) and ZUGFeRD (PDF with embedded XML).
What applies when
Since 2025: being able to receive is mandatory for everyone. Sending becomes mandatory in stages until 2027/2028, depending on turnover. For most solo self-employed the relevant point today: process and keep incoming e-invoices correctly.
What you must do
You need a way to read XRechnung/ZUGFeRD files and store them audit-proof — "leave it in the inbox" isn't enough. A full bookkeeping system is not required for this.
How Quitto helps
Quitto reads XRechnung and ZUGFeRD directly — invoice number, date, amounts and tax land automatically in the right category, no retyping, stored immutably. As a recipient you need nothing more.
E-invoices, zero effort
XRechnung & ZUGFeRD read in automatically and stored cleanly. Three receipts free.
See Quitto