Creating legally compliant e-invoices requires a structured, machine-readable data format. To fully benefit from e-invoices, self-employed individuals in Germany should consider using accounting or invoicing software that meets legal standards. Popular options include Accountable, sevDesk, and Lexoffice.
Our comprehensive comparison helps you identify the best e-invoicing software available today.
While electronic invoices can be created in various ways, not all electronically generated invoices qualify as standardized e-invoices. For compliance, the invoice must use a structured, machine-readable format. Accounting and invoicing software is highly recommended for freelancers, self-employed individuals, and small to medium-sized enterprises to meet the new requirements starting in 2025.
E-invoicing tools generally offer key features such as:
💡Learn everything you need to know about the e-invoicing requirements in Germany here!
The need for legally compliant e-invoicing is becoming increasingly important for businesses of all sizes, as well as freelancers and self-employed individuals. Currently mandatory for B2G (business-to-government) invoices, the upcoming Growth Opportunities Act made B2B e-invoicing obligatory in 2025.
Many software providers have adapted their solutions for e-invoicing. Popular programs include:
Accountable is a tax software specifically designed for freelancers and self-employed individuals. It offers a free plan to create and manage compliant e-invoices.
Accountable also manages all tax obligations and optimizes tax submissions through AI-powered tax advisor and tax coaches, ensuring that all declarations are error-free and successfully submitted to the tax office thanks to the Accountable tax guarantee.
The intuitive platform helps users effortlessly create invoices in the required XRechnung or ZUGFeRD formats or send them via PEPPOL. With its user-friendly interface and automated tax calculations, Accountable ensures compliance with all tax and legal requirements, such as the GoBD. These are the key features around e-invoicing:
Accountable allows you to send e-invoices directly to clients via the platform. Invoices can be created and personalised as usual using the invoice template. Next, you can choose between the options “Save & Download XRechnung” or “Save & Send”. This enables you to send the invoice directly from Accountable. Simply select the “Attach XRechnung” function in the final step, and the e-invoice will be delivered to your client in the correct format. Alternatively, e-invoices can also be received and sent via the official PEPPOL network.
Yes, Accountable offers a free version for freelancers and self-employed individuals, allowing you to create e-invoices – including XRechnungen – completely free of charge. With Accountable, you can generate and download an unlimited number of e-invoices at no cost.
Additionally, Accountable offers a paid PRO version, which enables you to prepare and submit all tax declarations. Learn more here.
Pricing
Accountable is primarily designed for freelancers, solo entrepreneurs, and small business owners who are looking for a simple and legally compliant solution to manage their bookkeeping and tax obligations. The platform is tailored for users with little to no prior tax knowledge, enabling them to confidently and independently handle their finances.
Accountable aims to empower all self-employed individuals to manage their tax filings and accounting tasks—such as creating e-invoices and calculating taxes—without needing a tax advisor. It is also an excellent option for small business owners who value mobility and flexibility, as the platform is available both as a web version and a mobile app.
➡️ Try Accountable for free and create your first e-invoice today!
SevDesk is an accounting software tailored for freelancers and small businesses. It supports digitalizing your bookkeeping and includes functionality for e-invoicing.
Key Features
Pricing
Best For
Freelancers, agencies, and retailers looking for a robust solution that includes accounting, CRM, and mobile integration.
Lexoffice offers an expansive range of features, combining invoicing, bookkeeping, and inventory management.
Key Features
Pricing
Best For
Freelancers and businesses with diverse needs, including inventory management and advanced workflow automation.
FastBill simplifies the automation of your invoicing and bookkeeping processes.
Key Features
Pricing
Best For
Freelancers and growing businesses focused on scalability.
Billomat offers a cloud-based solution for freelancers and SMEs to create e-invoices effortlessly.
Key Features
Pricing
Best For
Freelancers and small businesses looking for mobility and customization.
DATEV is widely used in tax consultancies and offers powerful cloud solutions for businesses.
Key Features
Pricing
Best For
Businesses of any size looking for a well-established accounting solution.
E-invoicing has become essential for public contracts and will be mandatory for B2B transactions in Germany starting in 2025. Therefore, you should prepare by using software for XRechnungen and other e-invoice formats. The best software depends on your specific needs:
➡️ Find the best invoicing software for your business and start simplifying your accounting today!
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Author - Sophia Merzbach
Sophia has been a key member of the Accountable team for many years, bringing a unique blend of journalistic precision and in-depth tax expertise to her work.
Who is Sophia ?Thank you for your feedback!
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Read morePrompte Beantwortung 🙏
Birgit Koch
Accountable hat mir den Alltag wirklich spürbar erleichtert. Besonders gefällt mir, dass die App logisch aufgebaut ist und man sofort versteht, wo man was findet. Viele Dinge, die sonst nervige Routine sind, laufen hier einfach automatisch im Hintergrund mit. Was ich besonders gut finde: Man verliert nie den Überblick. Die App zeigt klar, was erledigt ist und was noch ansteht. Belege erfassen geht super schnell. Foto machen, fertig kein ewiges Sortieren oder Nachtragen. Der Support ist wirklich klasse. Ich habe ein paar Fragen gestellt und immer schnell hilfreiche Antworten bekommen. Nicht nur Standardtexte, sondern echte Hilfe. Man merkt, dass die App ständig besser wird. Updates bringen wirklich sinnvolle Verbesserungen, nicht nur Kosmetik. Unterm Strich: Accountable nimmt mir spürbar Arbeit ab und sorgt dafür, dass ich mich weniger mit Bürokratie herumschlagen muss. Genau so soll es sein.
Anonym
Der Kundenservice ist ausgezeichnet, ich bin enttäuscht, dass sie keine E-Commerce-Kunden annehmen.
Anonym
Klasse Service! Persönlich und kompetent.
Anonym
Vielen Dank ich habe zu jeder frage oder Problem eine Lösung angeboten bekommen.
Jamil Hammoud
Tolle Software. Einfach zu benutzen. Fantasticher Customer Service.
Mehmet Baha
Ich bin neu bei Accountable und noch in der Testphase. Bisher konnte ich die App intuitiv bedienen und bei Fragen habe ich eine zeitnahe und herzliche Unterstützung bekommen (Danke, Daniela!:)) Nach aktueller Erfahrung, würde ich Accountable immer weiterempfehlen.
Monika Sorban
I love the simplicity of the app, and especially the customer support. I havent used the app a lot, but i will for sure recommend.
Argir Popov
It was clear, friendly and supportive
Carlo Loiudice
Accountable ist super modern gestaltet und sehr gut durchdacht. Besonders hervorhebenswert ist, dass es viele Tools in einem vereint: Buchhaltung, Geschäftskonto, Steuererklärung, Steuerberatung und vor allem der automatische Rechnungsversand ist super praktisch. Ich kann es nur empfehlen!
André Schröder
