e-Rechnung and ebInterface: what is the XML invoice for?

PDF ≠ e-invoice

Important: a PDF invoice is not an "electronic invoice" in the legal sense. A real e-Rechnung is structured, machine-readable XML — in Austria the standard is ebInterface (currently version 6.1).

When is it mandatory?

Invoicing the federal public sector (Bund) requires e-invoices — paper and PDF are not accepted. Submission goes through e-rechnung.gv.at or Peppol.

Why it helps even if you never invoice the Bund

• Your accountant will love it: accounting software (BMD, RZL, DATEV…) imports the XML without retyping — fewer errors, faster work, lower fees for you.
• ViDA is coming: the EU's "VAT in the Digital Age" package will push cross-border B2B invoicing toward structured e-invoices. Prepare today, suffer never.

How to create one

Every issued invoice in Billtree has an XML download button — you get a standards-compliant ebInterface 6.1 file with VAT breakdown, Kleinunternehmer marking and bank details. Send that to your accountant instead of a PDF and watch their face light up. 😊