{"id":220635,"date":"2025-10-20T11:03:44","date_gmt":"2025-10-20T09:03:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/?post_type=glossar&p=220635"},"modified":"2025-10-20T11:04:01","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T09:04:01","slug":"delivery-note","status":"publish","type":"glossar","link":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/glossary\/delivery-note\/","title":{"rendered":"Delivery Note"},"content":{"rendered":"
But how relevant is the delivery note from an accounting perspective? And is it subject to retention requirements?<\/p>\n\n\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path>\t\t<\/path>\t\t<\/path>\t\t<\/path>\t\t<\/path>\t\t<\/path>\t\t<\/path>\t\t<\/path>\t\t<\/path>\t\t<\/path>\t\t<\/path>\t<\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is a delivery note?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe delivery note is a supporting<\/mark> document <\/mark>for the shipment of goods. It typically includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ndelivery date<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\nitem descriptions<\/strong> and quantities<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\noptionally<\/strong>: serial numbers or batch numbers<\/li>\n\n\n\nsender<\/strong> and recipient information<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThe delivery note is issued by the supplier and enclosed with the goods. The recipient uses it to check: Was everything delivered?<\/mark> Are the quantities correct?<\/mark> Are there discrepancies<\/mark> compared to the order?<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn shipping and logistics<\/mark>, the term \u201cgoods accompanying document<\/mark>\u201d is commonly used \u2013 for example, for pallet shipments or partial deliveries.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\nDo I have to keep delivery notes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThat depends on how the delivery note is used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n1.<\/strong> Delivery note as accounting document<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf the delivery note is used for accounting documentation \u2013 for example, for audit purposes or as proof of delivery \u2013 the tax retention obligation applies:\u2794 8 years<\/strong> (\u00a7\u202f147 German Fiscal Code \u2013 Abgabenordnung).<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Delivery note as business correspondence<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf the note is considered standard business correspondence, the retention period is governed by commercial law:\u2794<\/strong> 6 years<\/strong> (\u00a7<\/mark> 257 of the German Commercial Code \u2013 Handelsgesetzbuch<\/em>).<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\nSo what matters is not the document itself, but its function within the company.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nwithout accounting function \u2013 no retention obligation<\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf the delivery note is not used for accounting purposes and has no legal relevance as business correspondence, there is no statutory retention requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ninternal transfers<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\nsample shipments,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\nproduct returns.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nStill, it may be useful to retain such delivery notes temporarily \u2013 for instance, to clarify inquiries or handle complaints.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDelivery Note vs. Invoice \u2013 What\u2019s the Difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe delivery note \u2013 also referred to as a goods accompanying document \u2013 records the delivery of goods, but not the payment obligation.The invoice, on the other hand, contains all price and tax-relevant information and serves as the basis for accounting and payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDelivery Note<\/mark><\/strong><\/th>Invoice<\/mark><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>Documents the delivery<\/strong><\/td>Documents the payment obligation<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Prices are not required<\/strong><\/td>Prices and taxes are mandatory<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Used for verification<\/strong><\/td>Used for booking and payment.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe term “goods accompanying document” is primarily used in logistics and freight forwarding, for example in the context of pallet shipments or partial deliveries. In general business communication, however, “delivery note”<\/strong> is the more common and widely understood term.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSpecial Case: Delivery Notes as Invoices<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn exceptional cases, a goods accompanying document may also serve as an invoice \u2013 for example, in direct deliveries or simplified workflows.For this to be legally valid, the document must include all mandatory invoice details:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nfull name and address of both supplier and recipient<\/li>\n\n\n\ntax number or VAT ID<\/li>\n\n\n\ninvoice date<\/li>\n\n\n\nquantity and type of goods delivered<\/li>\n\n\n\nnet amount and tax amount<\/li>\n\n\n\ndelivery or service date.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nIf any of these details are missing, the document may not qualify as a valid invoice \u2013 and the input tax deduction could be denied.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDigital Delivery Notes in the Context of E-Invoicing Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\nSince 2025, electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) has been mandatory for B2B transactions in Germany. While delivery notes are not directly affected \u2013 they are not e-invoices \u2013 they are gradually losing their relevance as accounting documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy? Because only structured e-invoices contain all tax-relevant information required for proper accounting and VAT deduction. A delivery note typically does not meet these requirements and therefore must not be used as a booking document.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Role in Digital Processes<\/h2>\n\n\n\nDespite the e-invoicing mandate, the delivery note<\/mark> remains a key component of digital business processes. It documents the actual delivery of goods and serves as a control tool \u2013 especially in conjunction with purchase orders and invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn digital workflows, those notes typically support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nGoods receipt checks<\/a><\/strong>: Was everything delivered as ordered?<\/li>\n\n\n\nDiscrepancy checks<\/strong>: Do quantities, item numbers, and batch codes match?<\/li>\n\n\n\nProcess integration<\/strong>: The note is linked and compared with the purchase order and invoice \u2013 often as part of a Three-Way Match<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThis makes the delivery note operationally relevant, even if it no longer plays a direct role in accounting<\/mark>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\n\n\neasy<\/span>archive<\/span><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nArchive data securely and compliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy archive<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n\neasy<\/span>invoice<\/span><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDigitally verify and approve invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy invoice<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A delivery note \u2013 also referred to as a goods accompanying document \u2013 is sent with a shipment and records what was delivered, but not what is charged. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-220635","glossar","type-glossar","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/glossar"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=220635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
The delivery note is a supporting<\/mark> document <\/mark>for the shipment of goods. It typically includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ndelivery date<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\nitem descriptions<\/strong> and quantities<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\noptionally<\/strong>: serial numbers or batch numbers<\/li>\n\n\n\nsender<\/strong> and recipient information<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThe delivery note is issued by the supplier and enclosed with the goods. The recipient uses it to check: Was everything delivered?<\/mark> Are the quantities correct?<\/mark> Are there discrepancies<\/mark> compared to the order?<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn shipping and logistics<\/mark>, the term \u201cgoods accompanying document<\/mark>\u201d is commonly used \u2013 for example, for pallet shipments or partial deliveries.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\nDo I have to keep delivery notes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThat depends on how the delivery note is used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n1.<\/strong> Delivery note as accounting document<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf the delivery note is used for accounting documentation \u2013 for example, for audit purposes or as proof of delivery \u2013 the tax retention obligation applies:\u2794 8 years<\/strong> (\u00a7\u202f147 German Fiscal Code \u2013 Abgabenordnung).<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Delivery note as business correspondence<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf the note is considered standard business correspondence, the retention period is governed by commercial law:\u2794<\/strong> 6 years<\/strong> (\u00a7<\/mark> 257 of the German Commercial Code \u2013 Handelsgesetzbuch<\/em>).<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\nSo what matters is not the document itself, but its function within the company.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nwithout accounting function \u2013 no retention obligation<\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf the delivery note is not used for accounting purposes and has no legal relevance as business correspondence, there is no statutory retention requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ninternal transfers<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\nsample shipments,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\nproduct returns.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nStill, it may be useful to retain such delivery notes temporarily \u2013 for instance, to clarify inquiries or handle complaints.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDelivery Note vs. Invoice \u2013 What\u2019s the Difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe delivery note \u2013 also referred to as a goods accompanying document \u2013 records the delivery of goods, but not the payment obligation.The invoice, on the other hand, contains all price and tax-relevant information and serves as the basis for accounting and payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDelivery Note<\/mark><\/strong><\/th>Invoice<\/mark><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>Documents the delivery<\/strong><\/td>Documents the payment obligation<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Prices are not required<\/strong><\/td>Prices and taxes are mandatory<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Used for verification<\/strong><\/td>Used for booking and payment.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe term “goods accompanying document” is primarily used in logistics and freight forwarding, for example in the context of pallet shipments or partial deliveries. In general business communication, however, “delivery note”<\/strong> is the more common and widely understood term.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSpecial Case: Delivery Notes as Invoices<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn exceptional cases, a goods accompanying document may also serve as an invoice \u2013 for example, in direct deliveries or simplified workflows.For this to be legally valid, the document must include all mandatory invoice details:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nfull name and address of both supplier and recipient<\/li>\n\n\n\ntax number or VAT ID<\/li>\n\n\n\ninvoice date<\/li>\n\n\n\nquantity and type of goods delivered<\/li>\n\n\n\nnet amount and tax amount<\/li>\n\n\n\ndelivery or service date.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nIf any of these details are missing, the document may not qualify as a valid invoice \u2013 and the input tax deduction could be denied.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDigital Delivery Notes in the Context of E-Invoicing Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\nSince 2025, electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) has been mandatory for B2B transactions in Germany. While delivery notes are not directly affected \u2013 they are not e-invoices \u2013 they are gradually losing their relevance as accounting documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy? Because only structured e-invoices contain all tax-relevant information required for proper accounting and VAT deduction. A delivery note typically does not meet these requirements and therefore must not be used as a booking document.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Role in Digital Processes<\/h2>\n\n\n\nDespite the e-invoicing mandate, the delivery note<\/mark> remains a key component of digital business processes. It documents the actual delivery of goods and serves as a control tool \u2013 especially in conjunction with purchase orders and invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn digital workflows, those notes typically support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nGoods receipt checks<\/a><\/strong>: Was everything delivered as ordered?<\/li>\n\n\n\nDiscrepancy checks<\/strong>: Do quantities, item numbers, and batch codes match?<\/li>\n\n\n\nProcess integration<\/strong>: The note is linked and compared with the purchase order and invoice \u2013 often as part of a Three-Way Match<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThis makes the delivery note operationally relevant, even if it no longer plays a direct role in accounting<\/mark>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\n\n\neasy<\/span>archive<\/span><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nArchive data securely and compliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy archive<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n\neasy<\/span>invoice<\/span><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDigitally verify and approve invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy invoice<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A delivery note \u2013 also referred to as a goods accompanying document \u2013 is sent with a shipment and records what was delivered, but not what is charged. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-220635","glossar","type-glossar","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/glossar"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=220635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
The delivery note is issued by the supplier and enclosed with the goods. The recipient uses it to check: Was everything delivered?<\/mark> Are the quantities correct?<\/mark> Are there discrepancies<\/mark> compared to the order?<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn shipping and logistics<\/mark>, the term \u201cgoods accompanying document<\/mark>\u201d is commonly used \u2013 for example, for pallet shipments or partial deliveries.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\nDo I have to keep delivery notes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThat depends on how the delivery note is used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n1.<\/strong> Delivery note as accounting document<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf the delivery note is used for accounting documentation \u2013 for example, for audit purposes or as proof of delivery \u2013 the tax retention obligation applies:\u2794 8 years<\/strong> (\u00a7\u202f147 German Fiscal Code \u2013 Abgabenordnung).<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Delivery note as business correspondence<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf the note is considered standard business correspondence, the retention period is governed by commercial law:\u2794<\/strong> 6 years<\/strong> (\u00a7<\/mark> 257 of the German Commercial Code \u2013 Handelsgesetzbuch<\/em>).<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\nSo what matters is not the document itself, but its function within the company.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nwithout accounting function \u2013 no retention obligation<\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf the delivery note is not used for accounting purposes and has no legal relevance as business correspondence, there is no statutory retention requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ninternal transfers<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\nsample shipments,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\nproduct returns.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nStill, it may be useful to retain such delivery notes temporarily \u2013 for instance, to clarify inquiries or handle complaints.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDelivery Note vs. Invoice \u2013 What\u2019s the Difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe delivery note \u2013 also referred to as a goods accompanying document \u2013 records the delivery of goods, but not the payment obligation.The invoice, on the other hand, contains all price and tax-relevant information and serves as the basis for accounting and payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDelivery Note<\/mark><\/strong><\/th>Invoice<\/mark><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>Documents the delivery<\/strong><\/td>Documents the payment obligation<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Prices are not required<\/strong><\/td>Prices and taxes are mandatory<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Used for verification<\/strong><\/td>Used for booking and payment.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe term “goods accompanying document” is primarily used in logistics and freight forwarding, for example in the context of pallet shipments or partial deliveries. In general business communication, however, “delivery note”<\/strong> is the more common and widely understood term.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSpecial Case: Delivery Notes as Invoices<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn exceptional cases, a goods accompanying document may also serve as an invoice \u2013 for example, in direct deliveries or simplified workflows.For this to be legally valid, the document must include all mandatory invoice details:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nfull name and address of both supplier and recipient<\/li>\n\n\n\ntax number or VAT ID<\/li>\n\n\n\ninvoice date<\/li>\n\n\n\nquantity and type of goods delivered<\/li>\n\n\n\nnet amount and tax amount<\/li>\n\n\n\ndelivery or service date.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nIf any of these details are missing, the document may not qualify as a valid invoice \u2013 and the input tax deduction could be denied.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDigital Delivery Notes in the Context of E-Invoicing Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\nSince 2025, electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) has been mandatory for B2B transactions in Germany. While delivery notes are not directly affected \u2013 they are not e-invoices \u2013 they are gradually losing their relevance as accounting documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy? Because only structured e-invoices contain all tax-relevant information required for proper accounting and VAT deduction. A delivery note typically does not meet these requirements and therefore must not be used as a booking document.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Role in Digital Processes<\/h2>\n\n\n\nDespite the e-invoicing mandate, the delivery note<\/mark> remains a key component of digital business processes. It documents the actual delivery of goods and serves as a control tool \u2013 especially in conjunction with purchase orders and invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn digital workflows, those notes typically support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nGoods receipt checks<\/a><\/strong>: Was everything delivered as ordered?<\/li>\n\n\n\nDiscrepancy checks<\/strong>: Do quantities, item numbers, and batch codes match?<\/li>\n\n\n\nProcess integration<\/strong>: The note is linked and compared with the purchase order and invoice \u2013 often as part of a Three-Way Match<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThis makes the delivery note operationally relevant, even if it no longer plays a direct role in accounting<\/mark>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\n\n\neasy<\/span>archive<\/span><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nArchive data securely and compliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy archive<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n\neasy<\/span>invoice<\/span><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDigitally verify and approve invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy invoice<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A delivery note \u2013 also referred to as a goods accompanying document \u2013 is sent with a shipment and records what was delivered, but not what is charged. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-220635","glossar","type-glossar","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/glossar"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=220635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
In shipping and logistics<\/mark>, the term \u201cgoods accompanying document<\/mark>\u201d is commonly used \u2013 for example, for pallet shipments or partial deliveries.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\nDo I have to keep delivery notes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThat depends on how the delivery note is used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n1.<\/strong> Delivery note as accounting document<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf the delivery note is used for accounting documentation \u2013 for example, for audit purposes or as proof of delivery \u2013 the tax retention obligation applies:\u2794 8 years<\/strong> (\u00a7\u202f147 German Fiscal Code \u2013 Abgabenordnung).<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Delivery note as business correspondence<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf the note is considered standard business correspondence, the retention period is governed by commercial law:\u2794<\/strong> 6 years<\/strong> (\u00a7<\/mark> 257 of the German Commercial Code \u2013 Handelsgesetzbuch<\/em>).<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\nSo what matters is not the document itself, but its function within the company.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nwithout accounting function \u2013 no retention obligation<\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf the delivery note is not used for accounting purposes and has no legal relevance as business correspondence, there is no statutory retention requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ninternal transfers<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\nsample shipments,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\nproduct returns.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nStill, it may be useful to retain such delivery notes temporarily \u2013 for instance, to clarify inquiries or handle complaints.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDelivery Note vs. Invoice \u2013 What\u2019s the Difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe delivery note \u2013 also referred to as a goods accompanying document \u2013 records the delivery of goods, but not the payment obligation.The invoice, on the other hand, contains all price and tax-relevant information and serves as the basis for accounting and payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDelivery Note<\/mark><\/strong><\/th>Invoice<\/mark><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>Documents the delivery<\/strong><\/td>Documents the payment obligation<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Prices are not required<\/strong><\/td>Prices and taxes are mandatory<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Used for verification<\/strong><\/td>Used for booking and payment.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe term “goods accompanying document” is primarily used in logistics and freight forwarding, for example in the context of pallet shipments or partial deliveries. In general business communication, however, “delivery note”<\/strong> is the more common and widely understood term.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSpecial Case: Delivery Notes as Invoices<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn exceptional cases, a goods accompanying document may also serve as an invoice \u2013 for example, in direct deliveries or simplified workflows.For this to be legally valid, the document must include all mandatory invoice details:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nfull name and address of both supplier and recipient<\/li>\n\n\n\ntax number or VAT ID<\/li>\n\n\n\ninvoice date<\/li>\n\n\n\nquantity and type of goods delivered<\/li>\n\n\n\nnet amount and tax amount<\/li>\n\n\n\ndelivery or service date.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nIf any of these details are missing, the document may not qualify as a valid invoice \u2013 and the input tax deduction could be denied.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDigital Delivery Notes in the Context of E-Invoicing Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\nSince 2025, electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) has been mandatory for B2B transactions in Germany. While delivery notes are not directly affected \u2013 they are not e-invoices \u2013 they are gradually losing their relevance as accounting documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy? Because only structured e-invoices contain all tax-relevant information required for proper accounting and VAT deduction. A delivery note typically does not meet these requirements and therefore must not be used as a booking document.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Role in Digital Processes<\/h2>\n\n\n\nDespite the e-invoicing mandate, the delivery note<\/mark> remains a key component of digital business processes. It documents the actual delivery of goods and serves as a control tool \u2013 especially in conjunction with purchase orders and invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn digital workflows, those notes typically support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nGoods receipt checks<\/a><\/strong>: Was everything delivered as ordered?<\/li>\n\n\n\nDiscrepancy checks<\/strong>: Do quantities, item numbers, and batch codes match?<\/li>\n\n\n\nProcess integration<\/strong>: The note is linked and compared with the purchase order and invoice \u2013 often as part of a Three-Way Match<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThis makes the delivery note operationally relevant, even if it no longer plays a direct role in accounting<\/mark>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\n\n\neasy<\/span>archive<\/span><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nArchive data securely and compliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy archive<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n\neasy<\/span>invoice<\/span><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDigitally verify and approve invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy invoice<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A delivery note \u2013 also referred to as a goods accompanying document \u2013 is sent with a shipment and records what was delivered, but not what is charged. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-220635","glossar","type-glossar","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/glossar"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=220635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
That depends on how the delivery note is used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the delivery note is used for accounting documentation \u2013 for example, for audit purposes or as proof of delivery \u2013 the tax retention obligation applies:\u2794 8 years<\/strong> (\u00a7\u202f147 German Fiscal Code \u2013 Abgabenordnung).<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Delivery note as business correspondence<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf the note is considered standard business correspondence, the retention period is governed by commercial law:\u2794<\/strong> 6 years<\/strong> (\u00a7<\/mark> 257 of the German Commercial Code \u2013 Handelsgesetzbuch<\/em>).<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\nSo what matters is not the document itself, but its function within the company.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nwithout accounting function \u2013 no retention obligation<\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf the delivery note is not used for accounting purposes and has no legal relevance as business correspondence, there is no statutory retention requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ninternal transfers<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\nsample shipments,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\nproduct returns.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nStill, it may be useful to retain such delivery notes temporarily \u2013 for instance, to clarify inquiries or handle complaints.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDelivery Note vs. Invoice \u2013 What\u2019s the Difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe delivery note \u2013 also referred to as a goods accompanying document \u2013 records the delivery of goods, but not the payment obligation.The invoice, on the other hand, contains all price and tax-relevant information and serves as the basis for accounting and payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDelivery Note<\/mark><\/strong><\/th>Invoice<\/mark><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>Documents the delivery<\/strong><\/td>Documents the payment obligation<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Prices are not required<\/strong><\/td>Prices and taxes are mandatory<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Used for verification<\/strong><\/td>Used for booking and payment.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe term “goods accompanying document” is primarily used in logistics and freight forwarding, for example in the context of pallet shipments or partial deliveries. In general business communication, however, “delivery note”<\/strong> is the more common and widely understood term.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSpecial Case: Delivery Notes as Invoices<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn exceptional cases, a goods accompanying document may also serve as an invoice \u2013 for example, in direct deliveries or simplified workflows.For this to be legally valid, the document must include all mandatory invoice details:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nfull name and address of both supplier and recipient<\/li>\n\n\n\ntax number or VAT ID<\/li>\n\n\n\ninvoice date<\/li>\n\n\n\nquantity and type of goods delivered<\/li>\n\n\n\nnet amount and tax amount<\/li>\n\n\n\ndelivery or service date.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nIf any of these details are missing, the document may not qualify as a valid invoice \u2013 and the input tax deduction could be denied.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDigital Delivery Notes in the Context of E-Invoicing Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\nSince 2025, electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) has been mandatory for B2B transactions in Germany. While delivery notes are not directly affected \u2013 they are not e-invoices \u2013 they are gradually losing their relevance as accounting documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy? Because only structured e-invoices contain all tax-relevant information required for proper accounting and VAT deduction. A delivery note typically does not meet these requirements and therefore must not be used as a booking document.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Role in Digital Processes<\/h2>\n\n\n\nDespite the e-invoicing mandate, the delivery note<\/mark> remains a key component of digital business processes. It documents the actual delivery of goods and serves as a control tool \u2013 especially in conjunction with purchase orders and invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn digital workflows, those notes typically support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nGoods receipt checks<\/a><\/strong>: Was everything delivered as ordered?<\/li>\n\n\n\nDiscrepancy checks<\/strong>: Do quantities, item numbers, and batch codes match?<\/li>\n\n\n\nProcess integration<\/strong>: The note is linked and compared with the purchase order and invoice \u2013 often as part of a Three-Way Match<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThis makes the delivery note operationally relevant, even if it no longer plays a direct role in accounting<\/mark>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\n\n\neasy<\/span>archive<\/span><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nArchive data securely and compliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy archive<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n\neasy<\/span>invoice<\/span><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDigitally verify and approve invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy invoice<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A delivery note \u2013 also referred to as a goods accompanying document \u2013 is sent with a shipment and records what was delivered, but not what is charged. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-220635","glossar","type-glossar","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/glossar"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=220635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
If the note is considered standard business correspondence, the retention period is governed by commercial law:\u2794<\/strong> 6 years<\/strong> (\u00a7<\/mark> 257 of the German Commercial Code \u2013 Handelsgesetzbuch<\/em>).<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\nSo what matters is not the document itself, but its function within the company.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nwithout accounting function \u2013 no retention obligation<\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf the delivery note is not used for accounting purposes and has no legal relevance as business correspondence, there is no statutory retention requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ninternal transfers<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\nsample shipments,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\nproduct returns.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nStill, it may be useful to retain such delivery notes temporarily \u2013 for instance, to clarify inquiries or handle complaints.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDelivery Note vs. Invoice \u2013 What\u2019s the Difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe delivery note \u2013 also referred to as a goods accompanying document \u2013 records the delivery of goods, but not the payment obligation.The invoice, on the other hand, contains all price and tax-relevant information and serves as the basis for accounting and payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDelivery Note<\/mark><\/strong><\/th>Invoice<\/mark><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>Documents the delivery<\/strong><\/td>Documents the payment obligation<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Prices are not required<\/strong><\/td>Prices and taxes are mandatory<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Used for verification<\/strong><\/td>Used for booking and payment.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe term “goods accompanying document” is primarily used in logistics and freight forwarding, for example in the context of pallet shipments or partial deliveries. In general business communication, however, “delivery note”<\/strong> is the more common and widely understood term.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSpecial Case: Delivery Notes as Invoices<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn exceptional cases, a goods accompanying document may also serve as an invoice \u2013 for example, in direct deliveries or simplified workflows.For this to be legally valid, the document must include all mandatory invoice details:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nfull name and address of both supplier and recipient<\/li>\n\n\n\ntax number or VAT ID<\/li>\n\n\n\ninvoice date<\/li>\n\n\n\nquantity and type of goods delivered<\/li>\n\n\n\nnet amount and tax amount<\/li>\n\n\n\ndelivery or service date.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nIf any of these details are missing, the document may not qualify as a valid invoice \u2013 and the input tax deduction could be denied.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDigital Delivery Notes in the Context of E-Invoicing Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\nSince 2025, electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) has been mandatory for B2B transactions in Germany. While delivery notes are not directly affected \u2013 they are not e-invoices \u2013 they are gradually losing their relevance as accounting documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy? Because only structured e-invoices contain all tax-relevant information required for proper accounting and VAT deduction. A delivery note typically does not meet these requirements and therefore must not be used as a booking document.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Role in Digital Processes<\/h2>\n\n\n\nDespite the e-invoicing mandate, the delivery note<\/mark> remains a key component of digital business processes. It documents the actual delivery of goods and serves as a control tool \u2013 especially in conjunction with purchase orders and invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn digital workflows, those notes typically support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nGoods receipt checks<\/a><\/strong>: Was everything delivered as ordered?<\/li>\n\n\n\nDiscrepancy checks<\/strong>: Do quantities, item numbers, and batch codes match?<\/li>\n\n\n\nProcess integration<\/strong>: The note is linked and compared with the purchase order and invoice \u2013 often as part of a Three-Way Match<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThis makes the delivery note operationally relevant, even if it no longer plays a direct role in accounting<\/mark>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\n\n\neasy<\/span>archive<\/span><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nArchive data securely and compliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy archive<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n\neasy<\/span>invoice<\/span><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDigitally verify and approve invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy invoice<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A delivery note \u2013 also referred to as a goods accompanying document \u2013 is sent with a shipment and records what was delivered, but not what is charged. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-220635","glossar","type-glossar","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/glossar"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=220635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
So what matters is not the document itself, but its function within the company.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nwithout accounting function \u2013 no retention obligation<\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf the delivery note is not used for accounting purposes and has no legal relevance as business correspondence, there is no statutory retention requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ninternal transfers<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\nsample shipments,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\nproduct returns.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nStill, it may be useful to retain such delivery notes temporarily \u2013 for instance, to clarify inquiries or handle complaints.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDelivery Note vs. Invoice \u2013 What\u2019s the Difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe delivery note \u2013 also referred to as a goods accompanying document \u2013 records the delivery of goods, but not the payment obligation.The invoice, on the other hand, contains all price and tax-relevant information and serves as the basis for accounting and payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDelivery Note<\/mark><\/strong><\/th>Invoice<\/mark><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>Documents the delivery<\/strong><\/td>Documents the payment obligation<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Prices are not required<\/strong><\/td>Prices and taxes are mandatory<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Used for verification<\/strong><\/td>Used for booking and payment.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe term “goods accompanying document” is primarily used in logistics and freight forwarding, for example in the context of pallet shipments or partial deliveries. In general business communication, however, “delivery note”<\/strong> is the more common and widely understood term.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSpecial Case: Delivery Notes as Invoices<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn exceptional cases, a goods accompanying document may also serve as an invoice \u2013 for example, in direct deliveries or simplified workflows.For this to be legally valid, the document must include all mandatory invoice details:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nfull name and address of both supplier and recipient<\/li>\n\n\n\ntax number or VAT ID<\/li>\n\n\n\ninvoice date<\/li>\n\n\n\nquantity and type of goods delivered<\/li>\n\n\n\nnet amount and tax amount<\/li>\n\n\n\ndelivery or service date.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nIf any of these details are missing, the document may not qualify as a valid invoice \u2013 and the input tax deduction could be denied.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDigital Delivery Notes in the Context of E-Invoicing Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\nSince 2025, electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) has been mandatory for B2B transactions in Germany. While delivery notes are not directly affected \u2013 they are not e-invoices \u2013 they are gradually losing their relevance as accounting documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy? Because only structured e-invoices contain all tax-relevant information required for proper accounting and VAT deduction. A delivery note typically does not meet these requirements and therefore must not be used as a booking document.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Role in Digital Processes<\/h2>\n\n\n\nDespite the e-invoicing mandate, the delivery note<\/mark> remains a key component of digital business processes. It documents the actual delivery of goods and serves as a control tool \u2013 especially in conjunction with purchase orders and invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn digital workflows, those notes typically support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nGoods receipt checks<\/a><\/strong>: Was everything delivered as ordered?<\/li>\n\n\n\nDiscrepancy checks<\/strong>: Do quantities, item numbers, and batch codes match?<\/li>\n\n\n\nProcess integration<\/strong>: The note is linked and compared with the purchase order and invoice \u2013 often as part of a Three-Way Match<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThis makes the delivery note operationally relevant, even if it no longer plays a direct role in accounting<\/mark>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\n\n\neasy<\/span>archive<\/span><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nArchive data securely and compliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy archive<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n\neasy<\/span>invoice<\/span><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDigitally verify and approve invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy invoice<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A delivery note \u2013 also referred to as a goods accompanying document \u2013 is sent with a shipment and records what was delivered, but not what is charged. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-220635","glossar","type-glossar","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/glossar"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=220635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
If the delivery note is not used for accounting purposes and has no legal relevance as business correspondence, there is no statutory retention requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Still, it may be useful to retain such delivery notes temporarily \u2013 for instance, to clarify inquiries or handle complaints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The delivery note \u2013 also referred to as a goods accompanying document \u2013 records the delivery of goods, but not the payment obligation.The invoice, on the other hand, contains all price and tax-relevant information and serves as the basis for accounting and payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDelivery Note<\/mark><\/strong><\/th>Invoice<\/mark><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>Documents the delivery<\/strong><\/td>Documents the payment obligation<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Prices are not required<\/strong><\/td>Prices and taxes are mandatory<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Used for verification<\/strong><\/td>Used for booking and payment.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe term “goods accompanying document” is primarily used in logistics and freight forwarding, for example in the context of pallet shipments or partial deliveries. In general business communication, however, “delivery note”<\/strong> is the more common and widely understood term.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSpecial Case: Delivery Notes as Invoices<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn exceptional cases, a goods accompanying document may also serve as an invoice \u2013 for example, in direct deliveries or simplified workflows.For this to be legally valid, the document must include all mandatory invoice details:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nfull name and address of both supplier and recipient<\/li>\n\n\n\ntax number or VAT ID<\/li>\n\n\n\ninvoice date<\/li>\n\n\n\nquantity and type of goods delivered<\/li>\n\n\n\nnet amount and tax amount<\/li>\n\n\n\ndelivery or service date.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nIf any of these details are missing, the document may not qualify as a valid invoice \u2013 and the input tax deduction could be denied.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDigital Delivery Notes in the Context of E-Invoicing Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\nSince 2025, electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) has been mandatory for B2B transactions in Germany. While delivery notes are not directly affected \u2013 they are not e-invoices \u2013 they are gradually losing their relevance as accounting documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy? Because only structured e-invoices contain all tax-relevant information required for proper accounting and VAT deduction. A delivery note typically does not meet these requirements and therefore must not be used as a booking document.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Role in Digital Processes<\/h2>\n\n\n\nDespite the e-invoicing mandate, the delivery note<\/mark> remains a key component of digital business processes. It documents the actual delivery of goods and serves as a control tool \u2013 especially in conjunction with purchase orders and invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn digital workflows, those notes typically support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nGoods receipt checks<\/a><\/strong>: Was everything delivered as ordered?<\/li>\n\n\n\nDiscrepancy checks<\/strong>: Do quantities, item numbers, and batch codes match?<\/li>\n\n\n\nProcess integration<\/strong>: The note is linked and compared with the purchase order and invoice \u2013 often as part of a Three-Way Match<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThis makes the delivery note operationally relevant, even if it no longer plays a direct role in accounting<\/mark>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\n\n\neasy<\/span>archive<\/span><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nArchive data securely and compliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy archive<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n\neasy<\/span>invoice<\/span><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDigitally verify and approve invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy invoice<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A delivery note \u2013 also referred to as a goods accompanying document \u2013 is sent with a shipment and records what was delivered, but not what is charged. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-220635","glossar","type-glossar","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/glossar"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=220635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
The term “goods accompanying document” is primarily used in logistics and freight forwarding, for example in the context of pallet shipments or partial deliveries. In general business communication, however, “delivery note”<\/strong> is the more common and widely understood term.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSpecial Case: Delivery Notes as Invoices<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn exceptional cases, a goods accompanying document may also serve as an invoice \u2013 for example, in direct deliveries or simplified workflows.For this to be legally valid, the document must include all mandatory invoice details:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nfull name and address of both supplier and recipient<\/li>\n\n\n\ntax number or VAT ID<\/li>\n\n\n\ninvoice date<\/li>\n\n\n\nquantity and type of goods delivered<\/li>\n\n\n\nnet amount and tax amount<\/li>\n\n\n\ndelivery or service date.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nIf any of these details are missing, the document may not qualify as a valid invoice \u2013 and the input tax deduction could be denied.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDigital Delivery Notes in the Context of E-Invoicing Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\nSince 2025, electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) has been mandatory for B2B transactions in Germany. While delivery notes are not directly affected \u2013 they are not e-invoices \u2013 they are gradually losing their relevance as accounting documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy? Because only structured e-invoices contain all tax-relevant information required for proper accounting and VAT deduction. A delivery note typically does not meet these requirements and therefore must not be used as a booking document.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Role in Digital Processes<\/h2>\n\n\n\nDespite the e-invoicing mandate, the delivery note<\/mark> remains a key component of digital business processes. It documents the actual delivery of goods and serves as a control tool \u2013 especially in conjunction with purchase orders and invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn digital workflows, those notes typically support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nGoods receipt checks<\/a><\/strong>: Was everything delivered as ordered?<\/li>\n\n\n\nDiscrepancy checks<\/strong>: Do quantities, item numbers, and batch codes match?<\/li>\n\n\n\nProcess integration<\/strong>: The note is linked and compared with the purchase order and invoice \u2013 often as part of a Three-Way Match<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThis makes the delivery note operationally relevant, even if it no longer plays a direct role in accounting<\/mark>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\n\n\neasy<\/span>archive<\/span><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nArchive data securely and compliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy archive<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n\neasy<\/span>invoice<\/span><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDigitally verify and approve invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy invoice<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A delivery note \u2013 also referred to as a goods accompanying document \u2013 is sent with a shipment and records what was delivered, but not what is charged. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-220635","glossar","type-glossar","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/glossar"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=220635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
In exceptional cases, a goods accompanying document may also serve as an invoice \u2013 for example, in direct deliveries or simplified workflows.For this to be legally valid, the document must include all mandatory invoice details:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If any of these details are missing, the document may not qualify as a valid invoice \u2013 and the input tax deduction could be denied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since 2025, electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) has been mandatory for B2B transactions in Germany. While delivery notes are not directly affected \u2013 they are not e-invoices \u2013 they are gradually losing their relevance as accounting documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why? Because only structured e-invoices contain all tax-relevant information required for proper accounting and VAT deduction. A delivery note typically does not meet these requirements and therefore must not be used as a booking document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the e-invoicing mandate, the delivery note<\/mark> remains a key component of digital business processes. It documents the actual delivery of goods and serves as a control tool \u2013 especially in conjunction with purchase orders and invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn digital workflows, those notes typically support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nGoods receipt checks<\/a><\/strong>: Was everything delivered as ordered?<\/li>\n\n\n\nDiscrepancy checks<\/strong>: Do quantities, item numbers, and batch codes match?<\/li>\n\n\n\nProcess integration<\/strong>: The note is linked and compared with the purchase order and invoice \u2013 often as part of a Three-Way Match<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThis makes the delivery note operationally relevant, even if it no longer plays a direct role in accounting<\/mark>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\n\n\neasy<\/span>archive<\/span><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nArchive data securely and compliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy archive<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n\neasy<\/span>invoice<\/span><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDigitally verify and approve invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy invoice<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A delivery note \u2013 also referred to as a goods accompanying document \u2013 is sent with a shipment and records what was delivered, but not what is charged. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-220635","glossar","type-glossar","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/glossar"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=220635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
In digital workflows, those notes typically support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This makes the delivery note operationally relevant, even if it no longer plays a direct role in accounting<\/mark>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\n\n\neasy<\/span>archive<\/span><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nArchive data securely and compliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy archive<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n\neasy<\/span>invoice<\/span><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDigitally verify and approve invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy invoice<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A delivery note \u2013 also referred to as a goods accompanying document \u2013 is sent with a shipment and records what was delivered, but not what is charged. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-220635","glossar","type-glossar","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/glossar"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=220635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Archive data securely and compliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy archive<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/a>\n\n\neasy<\/span>invoice<\/span><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDigitally verify and approve invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy invoice<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A delivery note \u2013 also referred to as a goods accompanying document \u2013 is sent with a shipment and records what was delivered, but not what is charged. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-220635","glossar","type-glossar","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/glossar"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=220635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Digitally verify and approve invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiscover easy invoice<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A delivery note \u2013 also referred to as a goods accompanying document \u2013 is sent with a shipment and records what was delivered, but not what is charged. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-220635","glossar","type-glossar","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/glossar"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=220635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
A delivery note \u2013 also referred to as a goods accompanying document \u2013 is sent with a shipment and records what was delivered, but not what is charged. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-220635","glossar","type-glossar","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/glossar"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossar\/220635\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/easy-software.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=220635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}