Peppol Self-Billing: receive your self-billed invoices automatically in Germany

What is self-billing?

Self-billing is a mechanism where the buyer issues the invoice on behalf of the supplier. Rather than waiting for the supplier's invoice, the customer generates it and transmits it directly.

This process is particularly common in Germany in several situations:

• Payment of commissions and royalties
• Framework contracts with regular suppliers
• Purchasing cooperatives and groups
• Platforms and marketplaces paying their sellers
• Recurring services with variable amounts

With the e-invoice mandate in Germany, self-billing is increasingly processed electronically via the Peppol network. The recognised XRechnung and ZUGFeRD formats can be transmitted via Peppol.

How does self-billing reception work via Peppol?

When one of your clients practises self-billing, they generate an invoice on your behalf and send it via the Peppol network. As a supplier, you receive this document directly in your Peppol Box inbox.

The process is fully automated:

1. Your client generates the self-billing invoice in structured UBL format
2. They send it via the Peppol network to your identifier
3. The invoice arrives automatically in your Peppol Box
4. You are notified and can view, validate and export the document

Benefits of receiving self-billing via Peppol Box

Automatic centralisation

All your self-billing invoices arrive in the same place, regardless of origin. No more checking emails or hunting for PDFs: everything is centralised in a single interface.

Structured and usable format

Unlike a PDF sent by email, a self-billing invoice received via Peppol is in structured UBL format. The data (amounts, VAT, references) is directly readable by your accounting software — compatible with DATEV, Lexware, SAP and more.

Complete traceability

Each received document has an automatic acknowledgement of receipt. You know exactly when the invoice was issued, transmitted and received. A complete history is maintained for your audit.

One-click accounting export

Export your self-billing invoices to your accounting software in one click: DATEV, Lexware, SAP or any other compatible software. The standardised XML format ensures seamless integration.

Who is affected?

You are affected by self-billing reception if:

• You are a supplier to a major retailer or purchasing group
• You receive commissions or royalties from a partner
• You sell on a platform or marketplace that handles invoicing
• You have clients who use self-billing in their purchasing processes

No special action is required on your part to receive these documents. You just need an active Peppol identifier via Peppol Box.

Legal basis

Self-billing is governed by EU Directive 2006/112/EC (Article 224) and German VAT law (§ 14 para. 2 sentence 4 UStG). It is authorised provided a prior agreement exists between the buyer and the supplier, and the supplier can accept or reject each invoice issued on their behalf.

With Peppol Box, you maintain full control: each self-billing invoice received can be viewed, verified and validated before export to your accounting.

How to get started?

Self-billing reception is included in all Peppol Box subscriptions. You don't need to activate anything special:

1. Create your Peppol Box account and activate your Peppol identifier
2. Share your identifier with clients who practise self-billing
3. Automatically receive all invoices issued on your behalf

It's as simple as receiving any other Peppol invoice. The difference is that the issuer is your client, not your supplier.