How to create an e-invoice [German: E-Rechnung] using PDF24 Tools

This is only relevant for entrepreneurs in Germany, but before you panic, check with your tax attorney first if you really have to send out or receive invoices in this specific format.

I'm an IT guy, not a tax attorney. Please consult a professional when it comes to taxes or law in Germany.

Running PDF24 Tools:

• Option 1: Use the e-invoice generator directly in your browser by visiting this link for the English version or this link for the German version.

• Option 2: Download and Install the program (Windows only) on your PC to run it without the need for an internet connection. [German download website here]

Fill in the fields:

Notice this button at the top und bottom of the page?:

• Unfortunately, PDF24 Tools doesn't save your entered data the next time you run it (not even the desktop version), so you'll need to use the export function strategically to save you time when you create further e-invoices in the future.

• The data will be exported into a .json file. Name it and save it to a location you can easily access it from.

• You can export multiple .json files for different scenarios.

Scenario 1: If you have multiple customers, fill in just just these two sections, then export your data:

If you have multiple customers, these are the fields you'll need in all your invoices, so you can leave everything else out and export a .json file for later use:

• Biller: Fill out your info and add your logo.

• Payment details: Enter you banking info.

• Invoice supporting documents (optional): These can include your terms and conditions [German: "AGBs"] or any documents included in the invoice.

Scenario 2: If you send recurring invoices to the same customer:

In that case fill in these fields and export them to a .json file:

• Biller

• Invoice recipient

• Payment details

• Invoice supporting documents

Now depending on the scenario, you can pre-load your data from the .json file you created earlier, then enter the missing details for each invoice.

Creating the e-invoice:

PDF24 Tools offers you 2 e-invoice formats:

ZUGFeRD

This will generate a human readable PDF containing the information and logo you entered. It will also attach an XML file to the PDF containing the same data in machine readable format.

Here's how to check for the attachment in Adobe Acrobat:

You can right-click on the attachement to open or save it.

XRechnung

This option only generates the machine readable XML file. This is a better option if you prefer to create the PDF invoice separately and attach the XML file to it manually.