Everyone is talking about e-invoicing, but many companies still have mixed feelings about the obligation and do not know exactly what to expect with the gradual introduction of mandatory e-invoicing. We have therefore invited two WSB experts for an exclusive interview who have dealt intensively with the topic of e-invoicing. Florian Röchnertax consultant and partner at WSB in Wiesenbach, and Christiane Reinholdtax consultant and partner at WSB in Heidelberg, have been following developments closely since the beginning and will now regularly assess the current situation for us.

Bringing structure to the many information and areas surrounding the switch to e-billing is necessary, because in addition to the question of which Adaptations to the existing systems are necessary, there are uncertainties regarding the legal requirements and standardsthat need to be fulfilled. The Smooth integration into everyday working life is a headache for many. Data protection and security are also in focus, as sensitive information is now processed digitally. Added to this are the aspects of how political decisions will have a concrete impact on practice.

Orderly clarity and practical instructions make the transition easier and reduce uncertainty.

WSB: E-invoicing will be mandatory from 01.01.2025. What challenges (legal, technical, organizational) are companies currently facing?

Christiane Reinhold: In purely legal terms, it is initially an obligation to be able to receive and later send e-invoices. From a business and organizational point of view, we see a great opportunity for small and medium-sized companies in particular to digitize their processes and thus create the potential for automation.

Florian Röchner: Technically, there are several providers who have already implemented the topic. The task now is to find the right provider so that e-billing can be smoothly integrated into the company's existing IT landscape.

WSB: Could the clients implement the changeover themselves or is an IT service provider always required?

Florian Röchner: Many of our clients, especially larger companies, already have an adequate IT infrastructure, which is updated by the respective software providers in accordance with legal regulations. For all other clients, we offer, together with our IT service provider der APS and the DATEV eG suitable solutions. The technical compatibility with the clients' order management and our booking systems in particular makes it possible to improve interfaces and increase process efficiency.

WSB: Many companies are still unsure. What is WSB doing to give its clients the certainty that they will be able to switch over smoothly on January 1, 2025? How does WSB support its clients on the path to digitalization?

Christiane Reinhold: Many of our clients are already well prepared for the new challenges, although some still have concerns. Our team of e-invoicing experts and our respective administrators are on hand to help each of our clients. We can also offer individual solutions for technical support through our IT service provider, APS AG.

WSB: If we change our perspective and look at ourselves as a tax firm. What impact does this have on WSB?

Christiane Reinhold: As a digital tax firm, we want to be pioneers in the creation of e-invoices. We have created the technical requirements internally. We have already successfully completed the first test phases. We want to further expand our digital processes and send e-invoices to our clients as early as 2025.

WSB: How far along is WSB with the changeover to e-invoicing? E-invoices with DATEV - conversion made easy?

Florian Röchner: We are also well prepared on the receiving side. We are already looking forward to receiving the first invoices in the new electronic format. These will then be read immediately by our systems and processed automatically.

WSB: Thank you very much for the interview and these first exciting insights!

Join us on the e-bill journey and stay up to date with us: In the follow-up interview, we look at the current status of political requirements. What is Germany stipulating and what are the requirements across Europe?

👉 Do you still have questions? We at WSB will be happy to help you.
You can find initial information at: https://www.bit.ly/wsbere

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