Germany Publishes Final Regulatory Guidance for Upcoming E-Invoicing Mandate
The German Ministry of Finance (BMF) has officially released the final version of its regulatory guidance letter for mandatory e-invoicing. This letter, initially presented as a draft earlier this year, aims to clarify the obligations businesses will face as the e-invoicing mandate comes into effect in 2025.
The BMF’s final guidance, published on 15 October 2024, closely follows the draft version but includes important updates and clarifications.
Some of the most notable changes include:
- Storage of Hybrid Invoice Image: The new version emphasizes that businesses must store the image part of hybrid invoices in its original form if it contains relevant tax records, such as booking notes. This ensures that invoices remain fully compliant with tax requirements.
- Email Requirement Clarification: While the draft stated that providing an email address would be sufficient to comply with the obligation to receive e-invoices starting from January 2025, the final version clarifies that businesses do not need a separate electronic mailbox. This simplifies the process for companies.
- Peppol BIS Format: The final version updates the acceptable European e-invoice formats. The previously mentioned Italian FatturaPA format has been replaced by Peppol BIS, a widely accepted standard in Europe, marking a step towards broader interoperability for cross-border e-invoicing.
These clarifications provide businesses with the detailed regulatory framework they need to comply with Germany’s e-invoicing mandate, ensuring smoother transitions as the 2025 deadline approaches.
With the final guidance now in place, companies in Germany can start preparing for the switch to electronic invoicing in the new year.
There’s more you should know about e-invoicing in Germany – learn more about the new and upcoming regulations.
