Validation checklist
German e-invoice validation checklist before sending or booking
Short answer: do not validate a German e-invoice visually. The structured XML part must be EN 16931-compatible, the ZUGFeRD/Factur-X or XRechnung encoding must be correct, and the technical KoSIT result should be checked before sending or booking.
Quick pre-flight checklist
- Is it actually an e-invoice? A plain PDF is not enough. ZUGFeRD/Factur-X needs embedded XML; XRechnung is structured XML.
- Does the format fit the recipient? B2B often uses ZUGFeRD/Factur-X; B2G often uses XRechnung. EN 16931 is the common technical core.
- Are mandatory fields structured? Seller, buyer, invoice number, date, line items, VAT categories, totals and payment data must be machine-readable.
- Does technical validation pass? Schema, business rules, PDF/A for hybrids and the official German KoSIT result should be checked before delivery or booking.
- Can the original be archived? GoBD processes depend on preserving the original structured file, not only a printout or screenshot.
What the fakturai validator checks
The free validator is the fastest entry point for received and self-generated invoices. It focuses on format and structure:
- EN 16931-oriented structure and CII/XML schema.
- ZUGFeRD/Factur-X and XRechnung files, including hybrid PDF structure.
- Totals, VAT categories and hard technical rule violations.
- KoSIT alignment as the decisive German acceptance gate.
Common errors to catch early
- A PDF without embedded XML is sent as an e-invoice.
- Line items and totals look correct in the PDF but differ in XML.
- VAT categories are encoded incorrectly in the structured part.
- A hybrid PDF is not PDF/A-ready or has broken attachments.
- KoSIT does not return accept although the visual invoice looks plausible.
What fakturai does not replace
fakturai checks technical format and structure. Content correctness, VAT rates, service descriptions, tax classification, GoBD process documentation and booking decisions remain with the issuer or recipient. fakturai is not tax advice and makes no legal, tax or penalty promises.
Next step
Validate an existing ZUGFeRD, Factur-X or XRechnung file for free. If it fails technically, fix the generation source before sending or booking it.
Free German e-invoice validator
Related: KoSIT validator · Technical validation · Why PDF is not an e-invoice · API & MCP generation