Software guides · DATEV · XRechnung

XRechnung in DATEV

DATEV generates XRechnung as pure XML or within ZUGFeRD EXTENDED profile. This guide covers configuring Leitweg-ID in Debitoren-Stammdaten, selecting the correct output profile for B2G compliance, and submitting to ZRE or state-specific OZG-RE portals—including the often-missed seller contact fields (BR-DE-17).

Prerequisites
  • DATEV Unternehmen Online with Rechnungsschreibung and XRechnung module activated
  • Mandant configured with complete seller contact info (Ansprechpartner, E-Mail, Telefon)
  • Leitweg-ID obtained from each German public sector customer
  • Valid USt-IdNr in Mandanten-Stammdaten (format: DE + 9 digits)
  • ZRE portal account for federal submissions, or OZG-RE for state submissions
Step-by-step setup
  1. 01

    Enable XRechnung in Mandanten-Stammdaten → Ausgabeoptionen

    Stammdaten → Mandant → tab "Ausgabeoptionen". Enable "XRechnung-Ausgabe aktivieren". Select syntax: UBL (standard, Peppol-compatible) or CII (ZUGFeRD EXTENDED). For most cases, use UBL—it's directly accepted by ZRE. CII is only needed if you want hybrid PDF output (ZUGFeRD with XRechnung profile).

  2. 02

    Complete mandatory seller contact info for BR-DE-17

    Stammdaten → Mandant → tab "Kontakt". Fill in all three fields: Ansprechpartner (contact name), E-Mail-Adresse, Telefonnummer. XRechnung BR-DE-17 requires BG-6 (Seller Contact) to be complete. This is the #1 rejection reason for DATEV users—the fields exist but are often left empty during initial setup.

  3. 03

    Add Leitweg-ID in Debitoren-Stammdaten for B2G customers

    Stammdaten → Debitoren → select public sector customer → tab "Sonstiges" or "Rechnungsempfänger". Find field "Käuferreferenz (Leitweg-ID)". Enter the Leitweg-ID provided by your government customer. Format: 04011000-12345-67 (federal) or state-specific formats. Without this, DATEV generates BR-DE-15 error. The ID routes the invoice within government systems.

  4. 04

    Create XRechnung invoice and export XML

    Rechnungsschreibung → Neue Rechnung → select B2G customer with Leitweg-ID. Complete invoice including Lieferdatum (BR-DE-13 requires this). Output options → select "XRechnung" format. Click "Rechnung erstellen". DATEV generates compliant XML with CustomizationID = "urn:xoev-de:kosit:xrechnung:3.0". Download XML file for portal submission.

  5. 05

    Submit to ZRE (federal) or OZG-RE (state) portal

    For federal agencies: go to xrechnung.bund.de → log in with ELSTER certificate → upload XML. For state agencies: each Bundesland has its own OZG-RE portal (e.g., zre.nrw.de for Nordrhein-Westfalen). Some accept Peppol delivery too—check with your customer which method they prefer. Validate with Invoice Navigator first to avoid rejection and re-upload.

Common DATEV errors

BR-DE-15Missing Leitweg-ID

Why in DATEV

DATEV users often forget to enter the Leitweg-ID when invoicing German government entities. The field exists in Debitoren-Stammdaten but isn't prominently displayed in the standard workflow. New users frequently miss it.

How to fix it

Go to Debitoren-Stammdaten > Rechnungsempfänger > Enter Leitweg-ID in "Käuferreferenz" field. Format: 04011000-12345-67 (check with your customer for exact ID).

Full guide

BR-DE-17Missing Seller Contact Details

Why in DATEV

XRechnung requires seller contact (BG-6): name, email, and phone. DATEV has these fields in Mandanten-Stammdaten, but they may not be filled during initial setup, especially by Steuerberater doing quick client onboarding.

How to fix it

Complete Kontakt fields in Mandanten-Stammdaten: Ansprechpartner name, E-Mail address, and Telefon. All three are required for B2G.

Full guide

BR-DE-13Missing Delivery Date

Why in DATEV

XRechnung requires delivery date (Lieferdatum) or service period (Leistungszeitraum). Quick invoices in DATEV may skip this mandatory field. Especially common with service invoices.

How to fix it

Always enter Lieferdatum or Leistungszeitraum (von/bis) on every invoice. For services, use the service period dates.

Full guide

BR-CO-18Rounding Discrepancy

Why in DATEV

Complex Buchungssätze with split VAT rates can cause €0.01 differences between sum of line amounts and document total. Common with multiple VAT rates on same invoice.

How to fix it

Review Buchungssätze before export. Ensure line totals sum correctly. Adjust rounding in Stammdaten > Rundungseinstellungen if needed.

Full guide

Pre-export checklist for DATEV

Before exporting XRechnung from DATEV, verify these items:

  1. 01
    Verify Leitweg-ID is entered in Debitoren-Stammdaten > Käuferreferenz
  2. 02
    Confirm Mandanten-Stammdaten has complete contact info (name, email, phone)
  3. 03
    Check USt-IdNr format: DE + exactly 9 digits
  4. 04
    Ensure Lieferdatum or Leistungszeitraum is set on invoice
  5. 05
    Verify Buchungssatz line totals sum to document total
  6. 06
    Test with your first B2G invoice before going live
Testing your setup

Create a test XRechnung invoice for a B2G customer. Export the XML and validate before submitting to ZRE or OZG-RE portal.

The German federal government (xrechnung.bund.de) provides official XRechnung test tools and sample files. Use these to verify DATEV output format.

Validate your output

Export XRechnung XML from DATEV and validate with Invoice Navigator before portal submission.

Check a XRechnung file

FAQ
How do I get the Leitweg-ID?

The Leitweg-ID is provided by your public sector customer. It identifies the specific department or cost center for invoice routing. Ask your customer contact for this ID.

Can DATEV submit directly to government portals?

DATEV can export XRechnung XML for manual portal upload or send via Peppol Access Point integration. Check with DATEV for current direct submission options.

Related guides

Have a XRechnung invoice from DATEV that came back rejected? Check it here.

Checking is free. The first verified download every 30 days is free. After that €1.90 per invoice, or €9 a month for all of them.