After several delays, the Growth Opportunities Act was finally passed by the Federal Council on March 22, 2024. It contains significant changes, particularly in the areas of depreciation, advance VAT returns, GWG limits, additional expenses for meals and travel allowances. However, the most significant change is the introduction of e-invoicing in the B2B sector, which is prompting companies to adapt their technical and organizational processes accordingly.
What is an e-bill?
An e-invoice is characterized by the fact that it is created, sent, processed and archived completely electronically. Instead of being sent in paper form, the invoice is sent as a file and contains all relevant information such as invoice number, invoice date, service description and amounts in a standardized, structured format. This allows the recipient to read and process the data automatically and electronically.
The e-invoicing law implements the EU directive for e-invoices and stipulates that an electronic invoice must be issued, transmitted and received in a structured format. The format enables automatic electronic processing. The European standardization organization CEN has developed the EN 16931 data model for this purpose, which is the basis for the XRechnung and ZUGFeRD standards, among others.
Effects on companies
Until now, companies were not obliged to use electronic invoices in business transactions. They could either use paper invoices or, in consultation with their business partners, electronic formats such as XRechnung.
This will change from January 1, 2025: Companies in the B2B sector will then have to issue electronic invoices.
Important deadlines
- From 01.01.2025: Companies in the B2B sector are generally obliged to issue electronic invoices.
Transitional regulation
- Paper and PDF invoices will continue to be permitted until December 31, 2026, provided the recipient agrees.
- Paper and PDF invoices are also still permitted until December 31, 2027 if the invoice issuer's turnover in the previous year did not exceed EUR 800,000.
- From 2028, all companies in the B2B sector will be obliged to use electronic invoices.