FAQ on e-Invoicing
1. What exactly is the ZUGFeRD format and what are its benefits?
2. Do I need to change anything technically in order to receive the new invoices?
3. How can I tell whether an invoice is in the ZUGFeRD format?
4. What happens if my system does not support the ZUGFeRD format?
5. How can I ask questions about an invoice?
6. How can I check whether an invoice was successfully imported into DATEV Unternehmen online?
7. Can exceptions be made to the new invoice format?
8. Can invoices alternatively be provided directly in DATEV Unternehmen online?
9. Why can’t I see timesheets directly in the PDF anymore?
10. Why is RISE PARTNERS introducing e-invoicing?
1. What exactly is the ZUGFeRD format and what are its benefits?
The ZUGFeRD format is a so-called hybrid format that combines a visually readable PDF with a structured XML file.
The PDF file can be opened and read as usual, while the embedded XML data can be imported automatically into accounting software.
Your benefits:
- Simplified processing in DATEV and other ERP systems
- Elimination of manual data entry
- GoBD-compliant electronic archiving
- Future-proof, standardized interface
2. Do I need to change anything technically in order to receive the new invoices?
No. Our invoices will continue to be sent as PDF files by email and can be opened with any standard PDF viewer. Only the appearance changes slightly due to the system.
If your accounting software (e.g., DATEV, Addison, Lexware, SAP) supports ZUGFeRD, the data can also be imported automatically there.
So no technical adjustment is required, but it does offer added value if your system uses the XML structure.
3. How can I tell whether an invoice is in the ZUGFeRD format?
You’ll only notice at a second glance: in the document properties or attachments you’ll find an embedded XML file.
Just open the PDF in your standard PDF viewer—the invoice looks as usual. The machine-readable data is included in the background.
4. What happens if my system does not support the ZUGFeRD format?
No problem. Our invoices are still fully readable as standard PDF invoices.
If your software does not offer ZUGFeRD processing, you can record the invoice manually as before or simply archive it.
The format is backward compatible—you won’t lose any information.
5. How can I ask questions about an invoice?
Please contact the person listed on the invoice as before. They will be happy to help with any content-related questions.
Technical questions (e.g., about opening or importing) will be answered by Mr. Jürgen Bub:
📧 support@rise-partners.de
📞 +49 89 30 90 40 116
6. How can I check whether an invoice was successfully imported into DATEV Unternehmen online?
After uploading or importing into DATEV Unternehmen online, you’ll find the invoice under “Belege > Belegübersicht” (Receipts > Receipt overview).>
Using the document search (e.g., by invoice number or client name), you can verify whether the import was successful. If the invoice doesn’t appear automatically there, please upload it manually via “Beleg hinzufügen” (Add receipt).
If you have questions or issues, Mr. Jürgen Bub will be happy to help.
7. Can exceptions be made to the new invoice format?
Unfortunately not. The changeover to the ZUGFeRD format is being implemented uniformly for all clients and engagements to ensure standardized and secure processing.
8. Can invoices alternatively be provided directly in DATEV Unternehmen online?
Yes, gladly. On request, we can upload your invoices directly to DATEV Unternehmen online, instead of—or in addition to—sending them by email.
Just let us know briefly—we’ll activate the corresponding setting for you.
9. Why can’t I see timesheets directly in the PDF anymore?
Timesheets will in future be stored as separate file attachments within the PDF. The DATEV “Reader” function cannot display these attachments automatically.
If you need the timesheet, please download the PDF file locally and open the attached files manually.
10. Why is RISE PARTNERS introducing e-invoicing?
RISE PARTNERS is introducing e-invoicing to meet the legal requirements for electronic invoicing in Germany and to prepare our clients early for upcoming obligations.
The basis is the implementation of EU Directive 2014/55/EU as well as amendments to the German VAT Act (Umsatzsteuergesetz, §§ 14 and 14a UStG) within the “Wachstumschancengesetz” (Growth Opportunities Act). Accordingly:
- As of January 1, 2025, all companies must be able to receive e-invoices.
- From 2027 and 2028 respectively, e-invoices must also be issued for domestic B2B transactions (staggered by company size).
With this introduction, we ensure that our processes are legally compliant, digitalized, and future-proof.
At the same time, our clients benefit from faster procedures, automated processing, higher data security, and reduced administrative effort. If you would also like to switch to sending e-invoices, feel free to contact us.
