Is DE-R-016 a critical error?

Yes, DE-R-016 is a critical error that will cause invoice rejection. It must be fixed before submission to ensure your invoice is accepted.

Can DE-R-016 be automatically fixed?

Yes, DE-R-016 can be automatically corrected. The fix is applied without modifying financial fields.

Error codes · EN 16931 · Germany

DE-R-016In your invoicing software

VAT identifier is missing. German invoices using VAT codes S, Z, E, AE, K,...

This is the rejection, word for word: „[DE-R-016] VAT identifier is missing. German invoices using VAT codes S, Z, E, AE, K, G, L, or M must include either Seller VAT ID (BT-31), Tax registration ID (BT-32), or Tax Representative.“

What to have readyNothing. The file has to be re-exported from your invoicing software; we check it again afterwards.

What we doVAT identifier is missing. German invoices using VAT codes S, Z, E, AE, K, G, L, or M must include either Seller VAT ID (BT-31), Tax registration ID (BT-32), or Tax Representative.

Choose the rejected invoiceor drop it here

XRechnung XML or ZUGFeRD PDF. Checking is free · corrected file €1.90 · the first every 30 days is free · no sign-up.

If you enter it yourself in your invoicing software

Before

<Invoice>
  <!-- Issue: If VAT codes S, Z, E, AE, K, G, L, or M is used, an invoice  -->
</Invoice>

After

<Invoice>
  <!-- Issue resolved per EN 16931 -->
</Invoice>

Element order is part of the rule: if the element sits in the wrong place, the validator rejects with DE-R-016.

What the finding looks likeExample

FindingStructure invalid · DE-R-016

Location//cac:AccountingSupplierParty/cac:Party/cac:PostalAddress/cbc:CityName

From youA re-exported file

ThenRe-export

ProofSHA-256 and /verify link after the check