# Outbound ZUGFeRD e-invoice on issue

Generate ZUGFeRD / EN 16931 e-invoices when issuing receivables.

When you **issue** a receivable invoice, Cortena can generate a **ZUGFeRD / EN 16931** hybrid PDF (human-readable PDF with embedded XML). A complete **legal profile** is required before issue; the UI shows progress, an **E-invoice** badge, and retry when generation fails.

**Who this is for:** German and EU AR teams sending compliant e-invoices to customers and admins maintaining tenant legal data and bank details.

## 1. Legal profile readiness

Before **Mark as issued**, Cortena checks issuer readiness, for example:

- Legal name and address on **Settings → Tenant**
- **VAT ID** validated where applicable
- **Bank account** (IBAN) on the legal profile

Missing fields **block issue** with a clear message pointing to **Settings → Tenant** or **Receivables** branding/legal sections.

See [Tenant legal profile](https://help.cortena.ai/guides/get-started/tenant-legal-profile).

## 2. Draft vs issued PDF

| State | PDF behavior |
| --- | --- |
| **Draft** | Preview PDF may show a **draft watermark**. Not for customer delivery. |
| **Issued** | Cortena runs **Creating legal-compliant e-invoice…** and stores the hybrid file |

Workflow **Send email** attaches the **issued** stored PDF, including ZUGFeRD when generation succeeded.

## 3. E-invoice badge

On issued receivables with a successful hybrid file:

- PDF viewer shows an **E-invoice** badge (tooltip: **ZUGFeRD · EN 16931**).
- Download and email use the same stored artifact.

## 4. Failed generation and retry

If XML embedding fails:

1. Status shows **Failed** with a short reason.
2. Use **Retry** to run generation again after fixing data (VAT, line totals, product codes).
3. Do not send customer email until the issued PDF succeeds or you accept a non-e-invoice fallback per your policy.

## Tips and limitations

- Feature availability depends on tenant receivables / e-invoice settings. Contact support if issue never offers hybrid output.
- Inbound ZUGFeRD **payables** are documented separately. See [E-invoices](https://help.cortena.ai/guides/advanced/e-invoices).
- Line amounts and tax must reconcile before EN 16931 validation passes.

## Quick reference

| Task | Where |
| --- | --- |
| Fix blockers | **Settings → Tenant** legal + bank |
| Issue | Receivable workflow → **Mark as issued** |
| Confirm hybrid | Issued detail → **E-invoice** badge |
| Retry | Failed panel → **Retry** |