Legally compliant invoices: Include date of service (payment or delivery/shipping/pickup date)

What is the need / problem ?

As a OFN user I want to create legally compliant invoices. This currently is not possible using the OFN invoices in Germany because they must contain the date of service - which in this case is the payment date or the delivery/shipping/pickup date (whatever is earlier).

Who does it impact ?

All German OFN users creating invoices.

What is the current impact of the problem ?

German users might get trouble with their tax declaration when using the standard OFN invoices. To avoid this they have to use third-party software, which increases the amount of work and time needed a lot. Providing invoices which are legally not compliant might cause an unprofessional impression of the OFN.

What is the benefit of focusing on this ?

Users can rely on the OFN and use the OFN invoices without getting in trouble. Using a third-party software for invoices is not required anymore. It’s quick and easy to use.

Potential solutions that will solve the problem ?

On the invoice, include the date of service which is

  • the payment date, if payment has already been received at the moment of invoice issue
  • the invoice issue date, if payment has not been received at the moment of invoice issue yet. Delivery/shipping date cannot be used because when the payment has not been received yet usually the invoice is issued before delivery/shipping to include it in the package/box or to provide it at pickup.

Optional: Enable an option to postpone the date of service up to a few days, in case the invoices are prepared a few days before delivery/pickup/shipping.

Selection of a feature candidate

[value x ease matric if needed]
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T-shirt size of our selected feature candidate

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Metrics to measure if need is satisfied after feature is implemented

Date of service is included on invoices.

Feature owners

t.b.d.

Epic/project where you can follow implementation

t.b.d.


Connected wishlist and discovery discussions*

Also linked with work on invoices:

Migrated to Wishlist board: Legally compliant invoices: Include date of service (payment or delivery/shipping/pickup date) · Issue #58 · openfoodfoundation/wishlist · GitHub