E-Invoicing set to become mandatory in Germany

As of January 1st, 2025, it will become obligatory for all companies engaged in B2B transactions in Germany to receive e-invoices in line with EN 16931. The permitted formats are CII and UBL (XML), as well as Factur-X/ZUGFeRD (hybrid). Paper-based invoices will remain valid until December 31st, 2026. For one additional year, until December 31st, 2027, this transitional regulation will still apply for invoices issued by companies with less than €800,000 turnover per annum. Existing EDI connections in association with invoices which do not comply with EN 16931 will still be permitted until the end of 2027. However, even during this interim period, companies on the receiving end of “sundry” electronic formats, such as PDF, must explicitly give their consent. As the time and resources associated with implementing this change may be substantial, it is highly advisable to establish the appropriate project structures well in advance. This will facilitate timely implementation within the deadline.

Digitalize billing processes with Retarus E-Invoicing

Efficient process automation, furthermore, enables businesses to achieve significant time and cost savings. With Retarus E-Invoicing, companies digitalize the sending and receiving of invoices. Thanks to closely specified performance indicators for electronic invoices and high levels of data precision, Retarus E-Invoicing customers are in a position to optimize their cash flow and collaboration with suppliers. What’s more, Retarus’ solutions are scalable and can be integrated rapidly, granting the company access to international e-invoicing networks such as PEPPOL within a very short time frame. Every well-known ERP system can be connected without difficulty via EDI and APIs. Hybrid formats, which combine PDF and structured invoice data, for instance ZUGFeRD 2.0, can also be implemented. In this scenario, the Retarus E-Invoicing service digitizes (and structures) the unstructured, analog bills. As a certified PEPPOL access point and member of local e-invoicing associations, Retarus provides its customers with legally compliant e-invoicing services for B2G, B2B and B2C in Europe and around the globe – always adhering to international standards. All data is processed in line with the GDPR in European data centers.

About Retarus

Retarus is a global provider of cloud solutions, modernizing and securing the digital communications and data exchange of organizations and public authorities. Key products are digital Cloud Fax, SMS, Transactional Email, Email Security, Supply Chain Integration, and Intelligent Document Processing. Retarus operates globally distributed data centers, providing these solutions with top performance, security, and data protection. Headquartered in Munich and founded in 1992, Retarus is privately owned and proud of its innovative strength. The company employs around 500 people in 20 locations on four continents. Nearly half of the companies listed in the S&P Global 100 already place their trust in Retarus and, along with leading analysts, confirm the outstanding quality and reliability of its services. Retarus generates around 40 percent of its revenue in the US and offers its products both directly and in close cooperation with selected partners. More information: www.retarus.com