Knowledge you can read through

E-invoice software: formats, deadlines, Jupiter ERP

E-invoice software must create or process structured EN 16931 data, not only send PDFs. Jupiter ERP issues outbound ZUGFeRD 2.x with the EN 16931 profile embedded in invoice PDFs, and XRechnung 3.0 as a download for public authorities. Inbound, Jupiter ERP reads ZUGFeRD and XRechnung as expense receipts. Receiving has been mandatory since 2025; issuing follows transition rules through 2026, 2027, and 2028. This guide explains formats, deadlines, and the Jupiter ERP workflow. It is orientation, not advice on your case.

E-invoicing and ZUGFeRD in Jupiter ERP

In Germany, a B2B e-invoice (E-Rechnung) is a structured, machine-readable dataset, typically XML under EN 16931. Jupiter ERP embeds ZUGFeRD 2.x with that profile in invoice and credit note PDFs. A plain PDF without structure is usually not enough. This page is orientation, not advice on your case.

XRechnung: format, vs ZUGFeRD, Jupiter ERP

In Germany, XRechnung is the EN 16931 XML invoice for public authorities. Jupiter ERP provides XRechnung 3.0 (CII) as a download for invoices and credit notes, and creates ZUGFeRD 2.x in the PDF for other B2B invoices. Inbound XRechnung files are read as expense receipts. This article explains the difference and the download. It is orientation, not tax advice.

E-invoicing rules for founders

Since 2025 an e-invoice is a structured file, not a plain PDF. Receiving and issuing follow different deadlines. Small businesses have special issuing rules under § 34a UStDV. This page follows § 14, § 27 (38) UStG, and the finance ministry FAQ. It is orientation, not advice on your case.

Small-business scheme (§19 UStG) in bookkeeping

Under Germany’s small-business VAT scheme (Kleinunternehmer, §19 UStG) you generally charge no VAT and may not deduct input VAT. Expenses and reports are treated gross. Jupiter ERP applies the taxation type to invoices, EÜR views, and depreciation once you set it in accounting settings.

EÜR vs. GuV: cash-basis vs. accrual profit

In German bookkeeping, EÜR is the cash-basis profit statement and GuV is the accrual profit-and-loss statement. They assign income and expenses by different dates. Which one binds you depends on legal form and bookkeeping duty; Jupiter ERP can produce both from the same documents.

DATEV export and working with your tax advisor

DATEV is the software and data-exchange ecosystem most German tax practices use. Structured exports and clear periods cut month-end rework for you and your advisor. In Jupiter ERP, DATEV export is available from the Business plan. This page explains the workflow; it is not tax advice.

GoBD requirements at a glance

GoBD are the German principles for proper IT-supported bookkeeping and retention of books, records, and documents. They expect complete, correct, timely, and traceable records. Software can help with archives, logs, and period lock. It does not replace your processes or tax advice.

Accounting tool for SMBs

An accounting tool digitises incoming and outgoing receipts, internal reports, and export to your tax advisor. Growing teams should check banking, e-invoicing, roles, and whether invoicing and operations should share one data foundation. Jupiter ERP starts with finance and extends modularly when you outgrow silos.

Payment matching without a direct bank connection

You do not need a live bank API to match payments cleanly. Export statements from online banking as CSV, CAMT XML, or MT940, import them into Jupiter ERP, and review automatic matching suggestions for invoices, credit notes, and partial payments.

Becoming self-employed: guide for founders in Germany

Becoming self-employed means clarifying your activity, registering as Freiberufler or Gewerbetreibender, tax registration with the tax office, sorting insurance, and issuing compliant invoices. This guide walks you through ten steps with a timeline, costs, and common mistakes. It does not replace tax or legal advice.

Founding checklist: 12 weeks to launch

In twelve weeks you can set up a clean start: business model, Freiberuf or Gewerbe, registrations, tax registration, insurance, and the first invoice. The checklist orders tasks by week. It does not replace advice for your case.

Checklist

12-week plan for your start-up

This template splits twelve weeks into planning, registrations, finances, and go-live. Add dates and tick off milestones. Complements the 12-week founding checklist article.

Checklist

Monthly and annual calendar for founders

Monthly routine and annual obligations at a glance. VAT pre-return deadlines for new founders may be monthly. Check current law before you enter fixed dates.

Freiberufler or Gewerbe: how to tell them apart

Freiberufliche activities are listed in § 18 EStG and extended catalogues. Gewerbe is registered with the municipality and often triggers IHK fees. Classification affects registration, chamber, and sometimes bookkeeping duties. If unsure, clarify your activity with the tax office or tax advisor.

Checklist

Decision tree: Freiberufler or Gewerbe

Yes/no questions for classification. The result is a starting point for talks with your tax advisor or tax office, not binding legal advice.

Registering a trade (Gewerbe): process, documents, deadlines

If you start commercially and self-employed, you register your Gewerbe with the municipality. The trade office forwards data to the tax office, IHK, and other bodies. Prepare personal data, activity description, and lease if needed. Freiberufler under § 18 EStG do not register a trade.

Checklist

Registration checklist: trade and authorities

Tick off documents and steps for trade registration. Freiberufler skip the trade office and start with the tax registration questionnaire.

Tax registration questionnaire: ELSTER and what to enter

After trade registration or starting as Freiberufler the tax office requests the tax registration questionnaire. Via ELSTER you report activity, expected revenue, taxation type, and bank details. You receive a tax number and often a VAT ID. Preparation reduces follow-up questions.

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Worksheet: tax registration questionnaire

Fill in details before the ELSTER questionnaire. The same wording as on trade registration avoids follow-up questions.

Small business or standard VAT taxation

The small business rule under § 19 UStG exempts low revenue from VAT and removes input VAT deduction. Limits: 25,000 EUR in the prior year and 100,000 EUR in the current year. Standard taxation often suits B2B customers and high investments. Decide in the questionnaire and bookkeeping with advice.

Checklist

Decision aid: small business § 19 UStG

Points to collect for your talk with your tax advisor. Not an automatic recommendation for or against § 19 UStG.