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Invoicing German authorities: XRechnung and the Leitweg-ID

German public authorities generally require invoices as XRechnung. To reach the right office, the invoice needs a routing number called the Leitweg-ID. Here is what you need, whether your company is in Germany or abroad.

What the Leitweg-ID is

The Leitweg-ID is the address of an authority's invoice receiving office. In the XRechnung it goes into the field Buyer reference (BT-10). The receiving portal uses it to route your invoice. It consists of up to three parts separated by hyphens: a coarse address (digits), an optional fine address and a two-digit check number.

Where to get it

There is no complete public directory. The contracting authority gives you the Leitweg-ID, usually in the purchase order, the contract or the tender documents. If it is missing, ask the ordering office. It will also tell you how to submit the invoice, for example through an invoice receiving portal or via Peppol. If the buyer reference is missing, the validator reports BR-DE-15 and the invoice is rejected.

Checklist for an XRechnung to an authority

  • Leitweg-ID as buyer reference
  • full name and address of your company and of the authority
  • your VAT ID (or German tax number, if you have one)
  • a contact person with phone number and email address
  • an electronic address for you and for the authority (usually an email address for invoices)
  • invoice number, invoice date and delivery date or service period
  • line items with quantity, unit, unit price and VAT rate
  • payment instructions, for credit transfer with IBAN, and a due date or payment terms
  • the authority's order number, if there is one

If your company is outside Germany

The German B2B e-invoicing mandate applies to businesses established in Germany. Public authorities and many large German companies still ask foreign suppliers for an XRechnung, so it is worth being able to send one. For tax questions in your specific case, please ask a tax adviser.

With Billmorph you can use the interface in English. The XRechnung itself is language-neutral data; the readable PDF that comes with it uses German labels, as German recipients expect.

Questions

Where do I enter the Leitweg-ID?

In the field Buyer reference (BT-10). In Billmorph the field is called “Buyer reference / Leitweg-ID”.

Do private companies need a Leitweg-ID?

No. Only public authorities use Leitweg-IDs. For companies you may enter their order or customer number as buyer reference if they ask for one.

Can I look up a Leitweg-ID?

There is no complete public register. The authority's own statement is binding, so ask the ordering office if in doubt.