What is an e-invoice and how do you create one with Klar-ID?

In short: an e-invoice is an invoice in a fixed, machine-readable format. A program can read it in directly. Klar-ID creates and receives e-invoices in the XRechnung and ZUGFeRD formats based on the European standard EN 16931.

The difference from a PDF

A normal PDF looks like an invoice. But a program first has to extract the figures, or someone types them in. An e-invoice contains the data in a fixed structure: sender, recipient, line items, amounts. A program can take over this data directly.

The formats briefly explained

• EN 16931: a European standard. It defines which details an e-invoice contains and how they are structured.
• XRechnung: a format based on EN 16931.
• ZUGFeRD: also a format based on EN 16931.

Klar-ID supports both formats: XRechnung and ZUGFeRD.

Create and receive

Klar-ID can do both:

• Create: you write your invoice as usual from the order or sale. Klar-ID creates an e-invoice from it.
• Receive: Klar-ID can also receive the e-invoices you get.

What this means for your shop

You do not need a second program for e-invoices. Invoices are still created directly from the order. The format is added on top. Whether and from when you need e-invoices is best clarified with your accountant or tax adviser.

More on the integrations page and the POS & cash book page.

Frequently asked questions

What is an e-invoice?

An e-invoice is an invoice in a fixed, machine-readable format that a program can read in directly. Unlike a PDF, sender, recipient, line items and amounts are in a fixed structure, so nobody has to type them. Klar-ID creates and receives e-invoices in the XRechnung and ZUGFeRD formats based on the European standard EN 16931. You write your invoice as usual from the order or sale. More in the article What is an e-invoice? and on the integrations page.

Which formats does Klar-ID support?

Klar-ID supports XRechnung and ZUGFeRD. Both formats are based on the European standard EN 16931, which defines which details an e-invoice contains and how it is structured. You write your invoice as usual from the order or sale, and Klar-ID creates the e-invoice from it. You do not need a second program for e-invoices. Whether and from when you need e-invoices is best clarified with your accountant or tax adviser.

Can Klar-ID also receive e-invoices?

Yes. Klar-ID creates and receives e-invoices in the XRechnung and ZUGFeRD formats. Because an e-invoice contains its data in a fixed structure – sender, recipient, line items and amounts – a program can read it in directly instead of someone typing figures from a PDF. Your own invoices are still created directly from the order or sale. More on the integrations page.

Get started

Write your invoices directly as e-invoices. You register yourself in the Klar-ID app. Get started, see pricing or get in touch for a demo.