What is the best e-invoicing software in Germany? Find the best tools for you

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.

What is e-invoicing software?

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:

• Creating and sending invoices in recognized electronic formats like XRechnung or ZUGFeRD.
• Integration with existing systems, such as ERP or document management solutions.
• Validation tools to ensure compliance.
• E-invoice viewers for readability.
• Search and management functions for efficient organization.
• Standardized workflows covering creation, validation, and archiving as per GoBD requirements.
• Data security through encryption and authentication.

💡Learn everything you need to know about the e-invoicing requirements in Germany here!

Top e-invoicing software for freelancers and small businesses

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
• sevDesk
• Lexoffice / Lexware
• FastBill
• Billomat
• DATEV

Accountable: Free, unlimited e-invoices for the self-employed

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.

Key features of Accountable for e-invoicing

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:

• Generate invoices in XRechnung or ZUGFeRD formats with ease.
• Send invoices directly via the PEPPOL network.
• Ensure compliance with GoBD standards through automation.
• Send e-invoices directly from the platform with simple steps: Create, personalise, and choose “Save & Send” to attach the invoice in the correct format.

Sending XRechnungen and ZUGFeRD invoices with Accountable

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.

Is Accountable free?

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

• Free plan: Create unlimited e-invoices at no cost.
• Pro plan: Includes all tax submissions and additional bookkeeping features.

Who can use Accountable?

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: A holistic accounting solution

SevDesk is an accounting software tailored for freelancers and small businesses. It supports digitalizing your bookkeeping and includes functionality for e-invoicing.

Key Features

• Create e-invoices in ZUGFeRD and XRechnung formats.
• Use a mobile app to scan receipts, create invoices, and send quotes.
• Manage customer and financial data with ease.

Pricing

• Free 14-day trial with no commitment.

Best For
Freelancers, agencies, and retailers looking for a robust solution that includes accounting, CRM, and mobile integration.

Lexoffice: Comprehensive features for e-invoicing

Lexoffice offers an expansive range of features, combining invoicing, bookkeeping, and inventory management.

Key Features

• Create e-invoices in XRechnung format.
• Validate invoices automatically to ensure compliance.
• Share invoices via email, download links, or upload them to government portals.

Pricing

• Free 30-day trial, with flexible subscription plans for extended features.

Best For
Freelancers and businesses with diverse needs, including inventory management and advanced workflow automation.

FastBill: Automated invoicing and bookkeeping

FastBill simplifies the automation of your invoicing and bookkeeping processes.

Key Features

• Generate e-invoices in XRechnung format.
• Manage customer data and bookkeeping tasks in one place.

Pricing

• Free 14-day trial; plans start at around €9/month.

Best For
Freelancers and growing businesses focused on scalability.

Billomat: Cloud-based and user-friendly

Billomat offers a cloud-based solution for freelancers and SMEs to create e-invoices effortlessly.

Key Features

• Supports e-invoice formats like XRechnung and ZUGFeRD.
• Includes a mobile app for invoice management.

Pricing

• Free 14-day trial; flexible plans available.

Best For
Freelancers and small businesses looking for mobility and customization.

DATEV: A trusted name in accounting

DATEV is widely used in tax consultancies and offers powerful cloud solutions for businesses.

Key Features

• Create e-invoices in XRechnung or ZUGFeRD 2.1 formats.
• Integration with industry-specific accounting needs.

Pricing

• Tailored to individual requirements, with monthly fees based on the package.

Best For
Businesses of any size looking for a well-established accounting solution.

Conclusion: Which e-invoicing software is right for you?

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:

• Accountable is perfect for self-employed individuals seeking a free, simple solution.
• sevDesk and Lexoffice offer strong all-around features for businesses and freelancers.
• DATEV is ideal for those needing an advanced, customizable accounting system.

➡️ 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.

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