Best e-Invoicing Software in Germany | XRechnung & PEPPOL Solution

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Germany e-Invoice Validation and Formats FAQs: XRechnung, ZUGFeRD, Peppol, Leitweg-ID and GoBD Archiving

1. What is XRechnung?

XRechnung is Germany’s national e-invoice standard, an XML-based format built on EN 16931. It is widely used for public sector invoicing and accepted in B2B. 

ZUGFeRD is a hybrid format combining a human-readable PDF/A-3 with embedded XML data. It lets recipients view the invoice and process the data automatically. 

They are two XML syntaxes that can carry EN 16931 data. XRechnung supports both, so your software should handle the syntax your partners use. 

It is a PDF/A-3 file containing structured XML as an attachment. The XML, not the visual PDF, is the legally relevant data when compliant. 

Profiles define how much data the XML contains. For e-invoicing under the mandate, profiles that meet EN 16931 are required, while minimal profiles may not qualify. Confirm current guidance. 

Choose the format your customers and software support. ZUGFeRD is popular for SMEs because the PDF is easy to read, while XRechnung is common for public bodies. 

Yes, many platforms generate both XRechnung and ZUGFeRD, letting you match each partner’s requirements. 

Validation checks that an invoice meets the format schema, EN 16931 rules and German-specific requirements before it is accepted or sent. 

It checks required data fields, business rules, code lists and calculation consistency so the invoice can be processed reliably. 

The system reports errors so you can correct the data. Invalid invoices may be rejected by the recipient or public portals. 

Yes. Advintek provides real-time validation and tracking, so errors can be caught before invoices are sent. 

Missing buyer reference, incorrect VAT IDs, calculation mismatches, invalid country or currency codes and missing mandatory fields. 

Yes. Validating incoming XML helps you spot errors early and avoid booking incorrect data. 

It is a routing or reference field. For public sector invoices it often carries the Leitweg-ID, and other buyers may request internal references. 

Peppol is an international network and set of standards for exchanging structured documents securely between participants. 

No. Peppol is one option among several channels, including EDI, email and direct ERP integration. Choose based on your partners. 

Yes, structured e-invoices can be sent by email if the recipient agrees and can process the format. 

Ask them directly. Large buyers often specify Peppol or portal submission, while SMEs may prefer email or a platform. 

Yes. A flexible platform can generate the invoice once and deliver it by the channel required for each recipient. 

A Leitweg-ID is a routing code required on B2G invoices sent to German authorities. It tells the system which department receives the invoice. 

Public sector customers provide it, usually in the contract, order or tender documents. 

Federal invoices are typically submitted through designated government portals using XRechnung. Check the specific authority’s instructions. 

Yes. B2G has long required XRechnung and specific routing and portals, while B2B allows more format and channel flexibility. 

Advintek supports XRechnung generation and validation, which are central to B2G invoicing. Confirm portal and channel needs during scoping. 

E-invoices should be stored unaltered, traceable and retrievable in line with GoBD. Advintek supports organised, auditable records. Confirm archiving scope in your agreement. 

GoBD are German principles for the proper keeping of books and records in electronic form, covering traceability, completeness, integrity and availability. 

German retention periods for accounting records have been shortened in recent reforms, but periods differ by document type. Verify the current period with your tax adviser. 

For structured e-invoices, the original structured data must be kept in its received or issued form. A visual copy alone may not be enough. 

A PDF view can help readability, but it should not replace the original structured file for archiving. 

Yes, organised archives support data access requests during audits. Ask about export formats and search features. 

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Best e-Invoicing Software in Germany | XRechnung & PEPPOL Solution