The German Ministry of Finance (MoF) released a draft guideline on June 13, 2024, detailing the upcoming B2B e-invoicing mandate.
The highlights from the guidelines are that:
- The MoF plans to introduce an e-reporting system for invoice details at a later stage, with no set date.
- E-invoicing exemptions include tax-free services, invoices under 250 euros, and travel tickets.
- E-invoices must comply with EN 16931 syntaxes or a mutually agreed format that meets the requirements. They can be structured or hybrid with a human-readable part. If discrepancies occur, the electronic data takes precedence. Accepted formats include XRechnung, ZUGFeRD (from version 2.0.1), and international standards like Italy’s FatturaPA and France’s Factur-X.
- E-invoices can be sent via email, electronic interfaces, or portals, but for example not on USB sticks.
- Recipients who cannot accept e-invoices cannot demand alternatives, and issuers fulfill their VAT obligations if they make documented efforts to send e-invoices.
- Corrections must be in electronic form.
- Issuers can rely on recipient-provided domestic entrepreneur status unless there is contrary information.
- Recipients must ensure e-invoicing compliance. Non-compliant invoices, such as PDFs or paper, are not valid for tax deductions.
- The structured part of an e-invoice must be stored in its original, immutable form.
The final version of the guideline is expected by Q4 2024. For more details on the German B2B e-invoicing mandate, you can visit our website.
