Which profile does TWT Invoice write?

The EN 16931 profile, which covers every mandatory detail of the standard. For public authorities TWT Invoice creates XRechnung 3.0.

Can my customer see the XML file?

Yes. The XML file is an attachment inside the PDF; PDF readers show it in the list of attachments.

What is the difference between ZUGFeRD and Factur-X?

None in content: ZUGFeRD from version 2.1 and Factur-X are technically the same and are maintained jointly by Germany and France.

E-invoicing guide

Create a ZUGFeRD invoice

ZUGFeRD is the hybrid e-invoice format: a PDF for people with an XML file for software inside. That is why it is so common between businesses. Here is which profile you need and how TWT Invoice creates the invoice.

See TWT Invoice

What is ZUGFeRD?

ZUGFeRD is published by the Forum elektronische Rechnung Deutschland (FeRD) and is technically identical to the French Factur-X. A ZUGFeRD invoice is a PDF/A-3 file with an embedded XML file following EN 16931.

The recipient opens the invoice as usual, and their accounting software reads the data from the XML file. For tax purposes the data in the XML file is what counts.

Which profiles are there?

ZUGFeRD has several profiles that differ in how much data they carry:

MINIMUM and BASIC WL: booking aids only, not an e-invoice under § 14 UStG.
BASIC: invoices with simple line items.
EN 16931 (formerly Comfort): the full scope of the European standard, the usual choice.
EXTENDED: additional details for particular industries.
XRECHNUNG: an XRechnung embedded in a PDF.

More about XRechnung

Why ZUGFeRD between businesses?

Many customers want an invoice they can look at and print, and one their software can import. ZUGFeRD does both in one file. Whoever does not process the XML file yet simply reads the PDF.

Creating ZUGFeRD invoices with TWT Invoice

Design the invoice your way: logo, colours, texts, payment terms.
TWT Invoice embeds the XML file in the EN 16931 profile into a PDF/A-3.
Before sending, the KoSIT validator checks the XML file and veraPDF the PDF/A-3.
Send it by email; the original stays in the archive for eight years.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, from version 2.0.1 and from the BASIC profile upwards, when the XML file complies with EN 16931. The MINIMUM and BASIC WL profiles do not meet the requirements.

ZUGFeRD invoices with TWT Invoice

Your design, the EN 16931 profile, checked before sending. Try it for 30 days, cancel monthly.