Accounting and invoicing for design and writing

Logo, website, catalogue copy, translation: creatives sell results, rounds of changes and usage rights. Saldiqo issues quotes with a clear scope, bills stages and shows which clients pay on time.

Updated: 16 October 2026

What comes up for design, writing and translation businesses

Scope and revision rounds

Two drafts, two rounds of changes, then an extra charge: a clear scope on quote and invoice prevents disputes.

Usage rights and packages

Logo for print and web, copy with exclusive rights, translation with proofreading: rights and packages belong visibly in the invoice.

Clients in several countries

Many creatives work for clients abroad. The invoice needs the matching tax type and note.

Irregular income

Two big jobs in a quarter, then a lull. Whoever keeps an overview of open invoices plans more calmly.

How Saldiqo helps

Quote with a clear scopeDrafts, revision rounds and rights as separate lines. Everything beyond that you bill by effort.
Deposit and final invoiceThe quote becomes the deposit invoice, and the final invoice deducts it.
Tax type for abroadFor businesses in other EU countries you choose reverse charge, and Saldiqo adds the note.
Open items in viewUpload the bank statement, and Saldiqo recognises paid invoices and shows who is still open.

Typical invoice lines

Examples that often appear on invoices in this industry. You set the prices yourself.

Logo design, three variants
Two rounds of changes, included
Further round of changes by effort, hours
Usage rights, unlimited in time, print and web
Copy, 1,200 words
Proofreading and editing

Tax and invoicing in Germany

What applies to invoices in Germany, in short. As of October 2026.

VAT: Standard rate 19 %, reduced rate 7 %. Which rate applies to which supply depends on the case. Saldiqo calculates each invoice line with the rate you pick.
Small business scheme: Under section 19 of the VAT Act (UStG) you charge no VAT as long as your turnover was at most €25,000 last year and is at most €100,000 this year. Saldiqo shows how much room is left and adds the note to your invoice.
Mandatory details: Under section 14 UStG every invoice shows a tax number or VAT ID, a consecutive invoice number, the date of supply and the recipient. Saldiqo checks this before you finalise an invoice. Small invoices up to €250 gross need fewer details.
E-invoicing: All businesses have had to be able to receive e-invoices since 1 January 2025. Issuing becomes mandatory from 2027 if last year’s turnover was above €800,000, and from 2028 for domestic business-to-business sales in all cases. Small businesses under section 19 are exempt. Saldiqo creates XRechnung and ZUGFeRD.
VAT return: The advance VAT return goes to the tax office through ELSTER, by the 10th after the end of the period. You file monthly if last year’s VAT was above €9,000 and quarterly above €2,000. Saldiqo provides the figures; you file in ELSTER or through your tax adviser.
Record keeping: Keep invoices and accounting vouchers for 8 years, books for 10 years and business letters for 6 years. The period starts at the end of the calendar year.
Late payment: In the second half of 2026 the default interest rate is 10.52 % between businesses and 6.52 % towards consumers, plus a €40 flat fee that applies to businesses only. Saldiqo has reminder levels with deadlines and fees.
Getting paid: Every invoice carries a GiroCode (EPC QR) that customers scan with their banking app. You match payments by uploading the bank statement as CSV or CAMT.
Tax adviser: Cash-basis profit calculation (EÜR), a DATEV export and a separate login for your tax adviser are built in.

Frequently asked questions

Can I show usage rights as a separate line?

Yes. You create them as an item and add them to the quote or invoice.

How do I bill clients in other EU countries?

You choose the tax type reverse charge. Which rule applies to the client, you clear with your tax adviser.

Do design, writing and translation businesses in Germany have to charge VAT?

Yes, unless they qualify as small businesses under section 19 UStG. That applies when turnover was at most €25,000 last year and is at most €100,000 this year. The limit is hard: VAT is due on the sale that takes you over it.

Do design, writing and translation businesses in Germany need e-invoicing?

Every business must be able to receive e-invoices since 2025. Issuing is mandatory from 2027 if last year’s turnover was above €800,000, and from 2028 for domestic business-to-business sales in general. Small businesses, invoices up to €250 and tickets are exempt. Private customers still get a normal invoice.

How long do design, writing and translation businesses have to keep invoices?

Invoices and vouchers for 8 years, books for 10 years and business letters for 6 years, counted from the end of the calendar year. You can store receipts digitally in Saldiqo. The legal duty to keep records and to document your procedures stays with you.

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Write invoices, match payments, collect receipts and send reminders: free and without a trial period.

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As of October 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice, without guarantee. For your case ask your tax adviser.