Guides
German e-invoices, explained clearly.
Practical instructions, legal context and transparent comparisons for self-employed people in Germany. Time-sensitive details include an as-of date and primary sources.
Registering as a freelancer in Germany: the ELSTER tax questionnaire
An eight-step guide to registering freelance work with the tax office, including the four decisions that matter most.
Why Rechnungstool stays free
Valentin built the tool for his own work and explains why it does not need a subscription.
Create an invoice with ChatGPT: from chat to a real German e-invoice
How Rechnungstool turns invoice details into a finalised ZUGFeRD PDF without a Rechnungstool account.
German e-invoices in 2026: what self-employed people need to know
Definitions, transition dates, exceptions and formats under German tax law, as of September 2026.
Free German invoicing software in 2026: a transparent comparison
Compare Rechnungstool, sevdesk, Papierkram, Lexware Office and Rechnungslotse by price, account requirements, e-invoices and workflow.
ZUGFeRD vs XRechnung: why a regular PDF is not a German e-invoice
The practical differences between PDF, ZUGFeRD and XRechnung, and why structured invoice data matters.