E-Invoice with DATEV Germany: Guide for Tax Advisors
DATEV is the dominant software ecosystem for tax advisors in Germany. A large share of German Steuerberater rely on it for accounting, payroll, and client collaboration. Since January 1, 2025, every B2B company in Germany must be able to receive structured electronic invoices. The obligation to send
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DATEV is the dominant software ecosystem for tax advisors in Germany. A large share of German Steuerberater rely on it for accounting, payroll, and client collaboration. Since January 1, 2025, every B2B company in Germany must be able to receive structured electronic invoices. The obligation to send e-invoices follows in 2027 and 2028.
For tax advisors and their clients (Mandanten), the critical question is: How does DATEV handle the full e-invoicing lifecycle?
Quick answer: DATEV supports e-invoicing across its product suite. Unternehmen online receives and extracts data from ZUGFeRD and XRechnung files, SmartTransfer sends and receives via the Peppol network as a certified access point, Belegbild handles GoBD-compliant archiving, and Rechnungsschreibung creates outgoing e-invoices.
Key Takeaways
- DATEV supports both ZUGFeRD and XRechnung formats across its product suite.
- DATEV SmartTransfer enables e-invoice exchange via the Peppol network.
- The combination of Unternehmen online, Belegbild, and Rechnungsschreibung covers the complete workflow.
- Tax advisors should prepare their clients now for the mandatory sending obligation starting in 2027.
Understanding the DATEV E-Invoicing Ecosystem
DATEV eG is a German cooperative that provides software exclusively to tax advisors, auditors, and lawyers. Unlike generic accounting tools, DATEV is built around an advisor-client collaboration model.
DATEV Unternehmen online (Business Online)
The central hub for digital collaboration between tax advisor and client. Clients upload or receive incoming e-invoices here. The platform automatically extracts structured data from ZUGFeRD and XRechnung files.
DATEV SmartTransfer
SmartTransfer is DATEV's solution for sending and receiving e-invoices via the Peppol network. As a certified Peppol Access Point, SmartTransfer enables legally compliant exchange with business partners across more than 30 countries.
DATEV Belegbild (Document Image)
Belegbild handles the legally required archival of e-invoices. Under Germany's GoBD regulations, the original structured document must be stored in an unalterable format.
DATEV Rechnungsschreibung (Invoice Creation)
For clients who need to create outgoing e-invoices, DATEV offers Rechnungsschreibung as an integrated invoicing tool.
How to Receive E-Invoices with DATEV: 5 Steps
Step 1: Activate Unternehmen online
Ensure your client is set up for DATEV Unternehmen online. Check that the "Belege online" module is active.
Step 2: Set up the e-invoice inbox
Create a dedicated email address or SmartTransfer access point for the client to receive incoming e-invoices.
Step 3: Configure the "e-invoice" document type
In Unternehmen online, configure the document type so that incoming XML files (XRechnung) and hybrid PDF/A-3 files (ZUGFeRD) are automatically recognized.
Step 4: Enable automatic data extraction
Activate the automatic transfer of structured data into the booking entry (Belegbuchung).
Step 5: Review and approve the booking batch
Review the booking batch (Buchungsstapel) in DATEV Kanzlei-Rechnungswesen or DATEV Mittelstand Faktura.
Practical tip: Set up a test run with 3 to 5 e-invoices for each client before going live.
How to Send E-Invoices with DATEV: 4 Steps
Step 1: Choose the format — ZUGFeRD or XRechnung
Clarify with your client which format their recipients expect. Public sector entities typically require XRechnung.
Step 2: Configure DATEV Rechnungsschreibung
Set up the client's master data: Leitweg-ID, VAT ID number, bank details, and payment terms.
Step 3: Create and validate the e-invoice
Create the invoice as usual. Use the built-in validation to catch errors before sending.
Step 4: Send via SmartTransfer or export
Send the e-invoice either through SmartTransfer directly to the recipient or export the file for delivery via email.
DATEV SmartTransfer and Peppol Integration
SmartTransfer offers:
- Automated receipt of e-invoices via Peppol directly into Unternehmen online
- Compliant delivery to Peppol participants in over 30 countries
- Status tracking, confirming whether an e-invoice has been delivered
- Firm-wide management, one access point for all clients
For clients operating internationally or working with larger enterprises, SmartTransfer is the recommended solution.
ZUGFeRD vs. XRechnung in DATEV
| Feature | ZUGFeRD 2.x | XRechnung |
|---|---|---|
| Receipt in Unternehmen online | Yes | Yes |
| Creation in Rechnungsschreibung | Yes | Yes |
| Sending via SmartTransfer | Yes (as Peppol BIS) | Yes |
| Archival in Belegbild | Yes (PDF/A-3 + XML) | Yes (pure XML file) |
| Automatic booking entry | Yes | Yes |
| Visual representation | Yes (embedded PDF) | Only via viewer |
Client Advisory: How Tax Advisors Should Guide Their Clients
1. Conduct an inventory: Determine which clients can already receive e-invoices and which still need to act.
2. Communicate deadlines clearly: Make it clear that the receiving obligation is already in effect.
3. Recommend DATEV products: Show clients how they can cover the entire e-invoicing process.
DATEV + Complyance API
When you need to connect proprietary systems or third-party software via an API, the Complyance API offers:
- Generate e-invoices in ZUGFeRD and XRechnung via REST API
- Validate against the current KoSIT Schematron rules
- Format conversion
- DATEV export, produce DATEV-compatible booking data sets
The Complyance API integrates with the DATEV ecosystem and includes a free tier covering 100 invoices per month.
Comparison Table: DATEV Products for E-Invoicing
| Product | Receive | Send | Archive | Peppol | Booking Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unternehmen online | Yes | No | Yes (with Belegbild) | No | Yes |
| SmartTransfer | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Belegbild | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Rechnungsschreibung | No | Yes | No | Via SmartTransfer | No |
| Kanzlei-Rechnungswesen | Yes (import) | No | No | No | Yes |
Do's and Don'ts for Tax Advisors
Do's
- Test early
- Offer client training
- Use validation
- Ensure GoBD-compliant archiving
- Recommend SmartTransfer for high-volume clients
Don'ts
- Do not archive only PDFs
- Do not wait until 2028
- Do not enter data manually
- Do not send without validation
- Do not switch systems without client consultation
Important: The e-invoicing obligation applies even to low-value invoices once the sending mandate takes effect.
Related posts
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. DATEV Unternehmen online supports the receipt of e-invoices in both ZUGFeRD and XRechnung formats.
For B2B, both are accepted. ZUGFeRD offers a human-readable PDF layer; XRechnung is leaner and required by public sector.
SmartTransfer pricing is based on transaction volume. For smaller clients, manual exchange via email may be sufficient.
Yes. If your firm provides B2B services and issues fee invoices, you are also subject to the e-invoicing obligation.
Use DATEV Belegbild for legally compliant archiving. The original document must be stored in an unalterable format.
Yes. The Complyance API complements DATEV systems by generating, validating, and converting e-invoices into DATEV-compatible formats.
About the Author
Swathy
Content Marketer
I’m a Content Marketer at Complyance, focused on e-invoicing. Over the years, I’ve created a wide range of content, including blog posts, whitepapers, and product guides, which have supported Complyance’s growth across markets such as the UAE and EU regions. My goal is to deliver content that is comprehensive, clear, accurate, and easy to understand, no matter how complex the topic.
