Germany invoice FAQ
Can Kleinunternehmer issue invoices without USt?
Yes. Turn off tax in Document Settings and add the mandatory Kleinunternehmer disclaimer in notes — for example that no Umsatzsteuer is charged pursuant to §19 UStG. Confirm wording with your Steuerberater.
What legal fields must a German Rechnung contain?
Full supplier and customer addresses, unique invoice number, invoice date, service description and date, net amount, VAT rate and VAT amount if charged, and gross total. Missing fields can delay input tax deductions for your client.
How does sequential invoice numbering work in Germany?
Rechnungsnummern must be unique and chronological without gaps you cannot explain. Assign the next number in your series each time you download a new Rechnung and keep a log for the Finanzamt.
Can I write invoice labels in German?
The form labels are in English for clarity, but you can type German descriptions, payment terms (Zahlungsziel), and footnotes. PDF output supports ä, ö, ü, and ß.
Do I need USt-IdNr for EU B2B clients?
Cross-border B2B services often use the reverse charge mechanism — show both VAT IDs and a note that the customer accounts for VAT. Rules vary by service type; verify with your tax advisor.
How do I show SEPA IBAN payment details?
Use the payment details area for Kontoinhaber, IBAN, and BIC. Most German corporate clients expect SEPA transfer instructions rather than card payment links.
Are PDF Rechnungen accepted by German tax authorities?
Electronic PDF invoices are widely used when they contain mandatory fields and authentic supplier identity. Archive them for the statutory retention period alongside your bookkeeping records.
