Help

How do I create my first invoice?

Go to Invoices → New Invoice. The wizard guides you through picking a client, entering details, adding line items, and finalising. It takes about 30 seconds.

Which tax numbers do I need on invoices?

Your Steuernummer (format: 12/345/67890) — required on every invoice. It's assigned by your local Finanzamt. Don't confuse it with the Steuer-ID (11-digit personal number) — the Steuer-ID is not used on invoices. If you invoice EU business clients, you also need a USt-IdNr (starts with DE, e.g. DE123456789).

Where do I find my Steuernummer?

Check the top left of your last tax assessment letter (Steuerbescheid) or any letter from your Finanzamt. You can also call your local Finanzamt directly — they can look it up with your name and address.

How do I get a USt-IdNr (VAT ID)?

Apply for free at the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern (BZSt). You can do it online, or tick the box when registering your business with the Finanzamt. It takes a few weeks and arrives by post. You only need one if you invoice business clients in other EU countries.

What is Kleinunternehmer?

If your annual revenue is below €22,000, you may qualify as a Kleinunternehmer (§19 UStG). This means you don't charge VAT but also can't reclaim it. Kikiform adds the required legal notice automatically.

Can I just use a free PDF or Word invoice template from the internet?

Technically yes — but it comes with real risks. A template has no way to enforce sequential invoice numbering, which is a legal requirement under §14 UStG. It also won't automatically add the mandatory legal notices your situation may require — Kleinunternehmer exemption, reverse charge for EU clients, or export. Most importantly: since 2025, all German businesses must be able to receive structured e-invoices (ZUGFeRD/XRechnung), and from 2027 sending them becomes mandatory for most businesses. A plain PDF template cannot produce that embedded XML — and a non-compliant invoice can delay payment or cause problems with your Finanzamt.