"Wachstumschancengesetz" adopted:
Germany on the way to E-Invoicing
The "Wachstumschancengesetz" was passed today, on March 22, 2024, by the Bundesrat. An important change concerns the Value Added Tax Act and the redefinition of the B2B invoice towards a structured dataset. The paper invoice will be abolished regardless of transition periods. Invoices in the ZUGFeRD formats (PDF A + XML in the attachment from version 2.0.1) and XRechnung meet the new VAT requirements according to Directive 2014/55/EU of April 16, 2014.
The transmission path of the invoices remains unchanged for the time being. After long discussions and planning uncertainties, the time has finally come. The future of digitization, also in Germany, is imminent. For customers of invoicefetcher®, everything remains as usual, only better.
Mandatory E-Invoicing from 2025 approved
Despite heated political debates in recent weeks, the Bundesrat has agreed to the compromise version of the "Wachstumschancengesetz". The introduction of mandatory electronic invoicing (E-Invoicing) in Germany is now underway – initially in the form of a receipt obligation for invoice recipients in the B2B sector from January 2025.
E-Invoicing will bring financial benefits to Germany. It is expected to lead to significant additional tax revenues. The immediate input tax deduction control by the tax authorities will reduce input tax deduction fraud and other tax avoidance practices.
The introduction of E-Invoicing will also bring a significant boost to digitalization in German companies and strengthen Germany's position in international competition.
About the Verband elektronische Rechnung (VeR)
The Verband elektronische Rechnung (VeR) represents the interests of service providers in the field of electronic invoice and document processing. Since its founding in 2009, VeR has been advocating for the establishment of E-Invoicing as a standard, enabling companies of all sizes to engage in simple and secure electronic invoice exchange. The association serves as the voice of the entire E-Invoicing industry and has over 60 members.
invoicefetcher® already thoroughly prepared for upcoming changes
We at invoicefetcher® have already extensively examined the topic of the "Wachstumschancengesetz" and the associated changes. Although the mandatory E-Invoicing will only be introduced from January 1, 2025, we are well prepared. Our customers can rely on us to continue to support them optimally and benefit from our expertise to meet the new requirements.
With invoicefetcher®, they can confidently look to the future and trust that their invoice processing will continue to run smoothly and automatically.