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Check an e-invoice

Upload a ZUGFeRD or Factur-X invoice and check whether it meets the European standard EN 16931.

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Upload e-invoice

Free and without an account. The file is not stored.

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PDF or XML, max. 4 MB

What is an e-invoice?

An e-invoice contains the invoice data as XML, so the recipient's accounting software can import it without anyone typing. A regular PDF invoice is not an e-invoice.

ZUGFeRD (Germany) and Factur-X (France) are the same format. The file is a PDF that looks like a normal invoice and carries the XML inside.

What the check looks at

Billpal reads the XML and checks it against EN 16931 with the validator from KoSIT, the German public body that also publishes XRechnung. It finds missing required fields, wrong VAT details, and totals that don't add up.

It checks ZUGFeRD and Factur-X in the EN 16931 profile. Other profiles, such as Basic or Extended, and the PDF format itself are not checked.

If the check fails

Each problem shows a rule code, such as BR-CO-14, and the rule from the standard in English. Only the software that created the invoice can fix them.

  • If you created the invoice, correct the data in your invoicing software and check it again.
  • If you received it, send the rule codes to the sender.

Creating or receiving e-invoices?

Create e-invoices with AI

The free Billpal invoice skill creates ZUGFeRD invoices in ChatGPT or Claude.

See the invoice skill

Receive e-invoices in Billpal

Billpal collects invoices from your inbox and reads the e-invoice data automatically.

Try Billpal free

Frequently asked questions

Is the check free?

Yes. You don't need an account.

Is my file stored?

No. Billpal checks the file and does not save it. We only log whether the check passed and which rule codes failed.

What is the difference between ZUGFeRD, Factur-X, and XRechnung?

ZUGFeRD and Factur-X are the same format, a PDF with the invoice data inside as XML. XRechnung is a German standard used mostly for invoices to public authorities. It usually comes as XML without a PDF. This page checks ZUGFeRD and Factur-X.

Does a passed check mean my invoice is correct?

It means the invoice data follows the rules of EN 16931. The check can't tell whether the content is right, such as the VAT rate, and it doesn't check the PDF format (PDF/A-3).

Do I have to send e-invoices?

In Germany, for invoices between businesses, from 2027. Businesses with a turnover of €800,000 or less in the previous year have until 2028. Every German business has had to be able to receive e-invoices since January 2025. Invoices up to €250 and invoices from small businesses exempt from VAT are excluded.