TaxLayer
Sign InGet Started Free

Blog

E-Rechnung, ZUGFeRD & EN 16931

Regulation2026-05-299 min read

E-Invoice Mandate 2027: What Companies Need to Prepare Now

Starting in 2027, companies with annual revenue exceeding €800,000 must send e-invoices in ZUGFeRD or XRechnung format. From 2028, the mandate applies to all businesses. A practical preparation guide.

Comparison2025-04-107 min read

XRechnung vs. ZUGFeRD: Which Format Do I Need?

Both formats comply with EN 16931, but they differ fundamentally. When do you need XRechnung, when ZUGFeRD — and when both?

Technical2025-04-055 min read

KoSIT Validator: How to Validate ZUGFeRD and XRechnung Files

The KoSIT Validator is the official validation tool for e-invoices in Germany. How to use it — and what alternatives are available.

Fundamentals2025-03-156 min read

What is ZUGFeRD? The Hybrid Invoice Format Explained Simply

ZUGFeRD combines a human-readable PDF with machine-readable XML. Learn how the format works, which profiles exist, and why it matters for the e-invoice mandate.

Regulation2025-02-208 min read

E-Invoice Mandate 2025: What Companies Need to Know Now

Starting in 2025, all companies in Germany must be able to receive e-invoices. From 2027, sending will also become mandatory. An overview of deadlines, formats, and recommendations.

Technical2025-04-0110 min read

EN 16931: All Required Fields of the European Invoice Standard

EN 16931 defines over 160 business terms for electronic invoices. Which of them are mandatory? A complete overview.

Practical Guide2025-03-284 min read

Convert PDF to ZUGFeRD: A Guide in 3 Steps

How to convert an existing PDF invoice into a ZUGFeRD 2.1 e-invoice — automatically, free, and GDPR-compliant.

Formats & Standards2026-05-2511 min read

ZUGFeRD vs. XRechnung: Which Format Fits Your Business?

ZUGFeRD and XRechnung are both EN 16931-compliant — but fundamentally different in structure, use case, and recipient acceptance. This guide helps companies choose the right format for their specific situation.

Regulation2026-06-309 min read

Small Business E-Invoicing: What Applies Starting in 2025?

Small businesses under § 19 UStG have also been required to receive e-invoices since 2025. When the sending obligation takes effect, what transitional rules apply, and why ZUGFeRD is the simplest solution.

Practical Guide2026-06-3010 min read

DATEV and E-Invoicing: ZUGFeRD Import Step by Step

How to import ZUGFeRD invoices into DATEV Unternehmen Online — including common errors, format recommendations, and practical tips for smooth document processing.

Practical Guide2026-06-308 min read

Leitweg-ID: What Is It and Where Do I Get One?

The Leitweg-ID is the address for e-invoices to public sector entities in Germany. What it means, how it is structured, and where to find it.

Practical Guide2026-06-3010 min read

Create E-Invoices: 5 Methods Compared

From ERP software to manual XML creation — there are many ways to generate an e-invoice. Which one fits your business? An honest comparison with pros and cons.

Formats & Standards2026-06-309 min read

ZUGFeRD Profiles: MINIMUM, BASIC, EN 16931, EXTENDED — Which Do I Need?

ZUGFeRD defines five profiles with different levels of detail. Which profile meets the legal requirements, which is overkill — and which does TaxLayer generate?

Practical Guide2026-07-118 min read

Receiving and Processing E-Invoices: How to Do It Right

Since 2025, all companies must be able to receive e-invoices. But how do you actually process ZUGFeRD and XRechnung files in practice? A guide for recipients.

Practical Guide2026-07-117 min read

E-Invoice Archiving: GoBD-Compliant Retention of ZUGFeRD and XRechnung

E-invoices must be retained in the original format for 10 years. A printout is not sufficient. How to archive ZUGFeRD and XRechnung in compliance with GoBD.

Practical Guide2026-07-119 min read

Sending XRechnung to Government Agencies: Using ZRE, OZG-RE, and Leitweg-ID Correctly

If you supply federal agencies, states, or municipalities, you need XRechnung with a Leitweg-ID. How to submit correctly via ZRE and OZG-RE.