E-invoicing obligation

The e-invoicing obligation 2025/2026 - are you ready?

Since 2025 your business must be able to receive e-invoices, and issuing becomes mandatory in stages. aktuno creates and receives e-invoices right inside your operating system - no extra tool.

15 minutes, we look at your invoicing setup.

Receive & create XRechnung & ZUGFeRD-capable Servers in Germany

The obligation is here

What changes in 2025/2026

The e-invoice is no longer paperwork you can put off. It is required by law - and the deadlines are already running.

1

Receiving is mandatory

Since 1 January 2025 every domestic business must be able to receive e-invoices. A paper or PDF inbox alone is no longer enough.

2

A PDF is not an e-invoice

A real e-invoice is a structured, machine-readable data set (such as XRechnung or ZUGFeRD) - not a PDF image and not a scanned sheet of paper.

3

The deadlines are running

Receiving already applies. The mandatory issuing and sending follows in stages over the coming years. Switch now and it's off your plate.

The deadlines at a glance

What applies when?

01.01.2025Receiving - mandatory nowEvery domestic business must be able to receive e-invoices.
until 31.12.2026Transition period for issuingPaper and PDF invoices with recipient consent still allowed.
from 01.01.2027Issuing mandatory - large businessesIssuing mandatory for businesses with over EUR 800,000 prior-year turnover.
from 01.01.2028Issuing mandatory - everyoneAll businesses must issue e-invoices.

How it works with aktuno

The e-invoice lands straight in the file

No separate portal, no scrap-paper chaos. E-invoices flow in and out - right where your job already lives.

The e-invoice comes in

Incoming e-invoices attach automatically to the matching job file.

The e-invoice goes out

You issue invoices straight from the job - XRechnung/ZUGFeRD-capable.

Filed cleanly

Every invoice sits in one place instead of five tools. Nothing gets lost.

All in Germany

Your data sits on your server in Germany, GDPR compliant.

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Book an intro call

15 minutes, we look at your invoicing setup.

What aktuno does

E-invoices, without extra software

aktuno creates and receives e-invoices right inside the operating system. No additional program, no isolated tool.

1

Receive e-invoices

Incoming e-invoices in XRechnung or ZUGFeRD format attach automatically to the right job file - instead of a separate portal.

2

Create e-invoices

You issue invoices straight from the job, XRechnung/ZUGFeRD-capable. From quote to e-invoice in one flow.

3

Filed cleanly

Every invoice is filed cleanly and stays findable at any time - incoming and outgoing, in one place.

4

Servers in Germany

aktuno runs on your own server in Germany, GDPR compliant, with daily backups.

More in the features and the pricing.

In short

What is the e-invoicing obligation?

The e-invoicing obligation requires companies in Germany to exchange invoices in business-to-business (B2B) trade as a structured electronic invoice - starting in 2025 with receiving.

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What is an e-invoice?

An e-invoice is an invoice in a structured, machine-readable format such as XRechnung or ZUGFeRD - not a PDF image and not paper.

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When does it apply?

Since 1 January 2025 every domestic business must be able to receive e-invoices. Issuing becomes mandatory in stages over the following years.

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Who does it apply to?

It applies to invoices between companies based in Germany (B2B). There are exceptions for individual cases.

Ready for the e-invoice.Receive and create, right in the operating system.
Receive & createXRechnung & ZUGFeRD-capableServers in GermanyGDPR compliant

How to switch

Ready in 30 minutes

aktuno is ready straight away. koetting.io sets it up and handles the full migration if needed.

1

Intro call

15 minutes, free. We look at your invoicing setup and show you aktuno in practice on your business.

2

Setup

aktuno is set up for your business. Receiving and creating e-invoices works straight from the system, no extra tool.

3

Migration

koetting.io handles the migration of your existing data on request. Done-for-you - you keep working, only better.

Book an intro call

15 minutes, we look at your invoicing setup.

E-invoicing questions

When does the e-invoicing obligation apply?
Since 1 January 2025 all domestic companies must be able to receive e-invoices. The obligation to issue and send e-invoices yourself takes effect in stages over the following years.
Who does the e-invoicing obligation apply to?
It applies to invoice exchange between companies (B2B) based in Germany. There may be exceptions for individual cases such as small-amount invoices.
Which formats are allowed?
Structured formats following the European standard EN 16931 are allowed, in Germany above all XRechnung and ZUGFeRD. A plain PDF is not enough.
Is a PDF invoice still enough?
No. A simple PDF is not an e-invoice in the sense of the obligation, because the structured, machine-readable data set is missing. A PDF may at most be part of a hybrid e-invoice like ZUGFeRD.
What happens if I ignore the obligation?
If you cannot receive e-invoices, you risk friction with business partners and problems with proper invoice documentation. With aktuno you are prepared on both sides: receiving and creating.
Can aktuno receive and create e-invoices?
Yes. aktuno creates and receives e-invoices (XRechnung/ZUGFeRD-capable) right inside the operating system. Incoming invoices attach automatically to the matching job file, outgoing ones you issue straight from the job.
Book an intro call

15 minutes, we look at your invoicing setup.

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