errorDExrechnung

BR-DE-16:Seller VAT ID or tax number required

Seller must have VAT ID or tax registration number.

We can help you fix this

NEEDS INPUT

Requires user input: Seller VAT identifier (e.g., DE123456789) or tax registration number. Cannot auto-generate legal tax identifiers.

Simple form - we handle the XML for you
Upload and Answer Questions

Why This Error Matters

Invoice rejected. VAT identification is mandatory for most tax scenarios in Germany.

How to Fix It

1

Add VAT ID

DE + 9 digits

2

Or tax number

German Steuernummer format

Technical Details

XPath: /Invoice/cac:AccountingSupplierParty/cac:Party/cac:PartyTaxScheme/cbc:CompanyID

Common Causes

  • Seller tax identifier missing for taxable XRechnung
  • Invoice uses S/Z/E/AE/K/G/L/M but no seller VAT ID
  • BT-31, BT-32, or BG-11 required for taxable codes
  • Seller party missing tax registration for German invoice
  • Tax representative not configured when needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Seller must have VAT ID or tax registration number.
Add PartyTaxScheme with VAT ID or tax number. You can also use Invoice Navigator's automatic Fixer tool to correct this instantly.
Yes, BR-DE-16 is a critical error that will cause invoice rejection. It must be fixed before submission to ensure your invoice is accepted by the recipient's system.
Many instances of BR-DE-16 can be automatically corrected using Invoice Navigator's Fixer tool. Upload your invoice and the tool will identify and fix common issues, including seller vat id or tax number required.

See Also

🇩🇪

E-Invoicing in Germany

Requirements & common errors

XRechnung Validator

Check your invoice now

Related Errors

BR-DE-15

Buyer reference (Leitweg-ID) mandatory

BR-DE-17

Invalid XRechnung Invoice Type Code

Last updated: 18 January 2026

Share this guide: