Offenlegungs-XML Editor: Create Annual Financial Statements for the Federal Gazette Without XML Knowledge
3 min read
AI-generatedContents
Create XML files for the Federal Gazette (Bundesanzeiger) – without XML knowledge. The Offenlegungs-XML Editor (disclosure XML editor) is a desktop application that radically simplifies the complex process of filing annual financial statements. A visual tool for everyone who has no desire to deal with cryptic XML structures.
The problem: disclosure obligation meets XML chaos
The same story every year: the annual financial statements have to be filed with the Federal Gazette. For many companies, that means either expensive outsourcing to service providers or hours of struggling with XML structures that drive even experienced IT staff to despair.
The disclosure obligation under §325 HGB (German Commercial Code) applies to corporations, certain partnerships and many other companies. Filing is done electronically in XBRL format – an XML-based standard that is practically unreadable for humans.
Risk of non-disclosure
Companies that fail to meet their disclosure obligation risk administrative fines of up to €25,000. The Federal Office of Justice enforces this consistently. The correct XML structure is crucial here – faulty files are rejected.
The typical problems with creating XML manually:
- Complicated, nested XML structures
- Strict validation rules of the Federal Gazette
- Error-prone manual adjustments
- Incomprehensible error messages on submission
- High costs for external service providers
The solution: a visual XML editor
The Offenlegungs-XML Editor puts an end to the XML chaos. Instead of writing cryptic tags, you work in a clear, visual interface. The XML is generated automatically in the background – technically correct and validated.
The principle is simple: you take care of the content, the software takes care of the XML. No programming skills required.
| Criterion | Manual/text editor | XML editor |
|---|---|---|
| XML knowledge required | Yes, extensive | No |
| Risk of errors | High | Minimal |
| Time required | Hours to days | Significantly reduced |
| Validation | Only on submission | Integrated preview |
| Learning curve | Steep | Intuitive |
Features at a glance
The Offenlegungs-XML Editor is a native desktop application for Windows 10/11 and macOS 11+. No browser dependency, no cloud requirement – your sensitive financial data stays local on your computer.
Core features
The three core areas
The editor is divided into three central work areas that cover the complete workflow from input to finished XML:
Structure overview
The document tree shows all elements of your disclosure report hierarchically. With drag and drop you can move elements, rearrange them or insert them into other areas. You add new elements with a simple click – the software knows all the structures permitted by the Federal Gazette.
Table editor
You enter balance sheets, income statements and other tabular data in a professional table editor. Multi-level tables, nested rows and complex structures are no problem. Totals can be calculated automatically.
Elements and properties
Every element of the Federal Gazette schema is available. You choose what you need – the editor only shows the permitted options. This avoids incorrect entries from the start.
Importing existing files
Do you already have XML files from previous years or from other tools? No problem. The editor can import existing XML files and open them for editing. Perfect for using prior-year data as a template or for making corrections to files you’ve already created.
Local processing – maximum data security
An important aspect for everyone who works with sensitive financial data: the Offenlegungs-XML Editor is a pure desktop application. There is no cloud connection, no automatic synchronization, no data sent to external servers.
Your annual financial statement data stays where it belongs: on your local computer, under your control. You upload the finished XML file to the Federal Gazette yourself – the editor does not communicate directly with external services.
Who is the tool for?
The Offenlegungs-XML Editor is aimed at everyone who has to file disclosure reports with the Federal Gazette regularly – and doesn’t want to depend on expensive service providers or complicated XML editors.
| Target group | Typical use case |
|---|---|
| Corporations (GmbH, AG) | Annual mandatory publication of the annual financial statements |
| International companies | German branches with a disclosure obligation |
| Tax advisors and agencies | Efficient preparation for multiple clients |
| Compliance departments | Internal control over the disclosure process |
| Departments without an IT background | Independent preparation without XML expertise |
Price and license model
The Offenlegungs-XML Editor uses a transparent pricing model without hidden costs or subscription traps:
One-time payment
€299.00 incl. 19 % VAT (€251.26 plus VAT)
No subscription. Pay once, use permanently.
Included in the price
Cost comparison
External service providers often charge €150–500 per filing for creating a disclosure XML. With the XML editor, the investment pays for itself after just one or two sets of annual financial statements – and you keep full control over your data.
Conclusion: the Federal Gazette without the headache
The Offenlegungs-XML Editor solves a real problem that many companies know: the disclosure obligation is required by law, but the technical implementation is needlessly complicated. With this tool, a frustrating chore becomes a manageable process.
The combination of a visual editor, integrated validation and local data processing makes the editor a sensible alternative – both to expensive service providers and to error-prone manual methods.
Anyone who regularly has to file annual financial statements with the Federal Gazette and wants to stay independent should take a closer look at the Offenlegungs-XML Editor.
Summary
Try it yourself
Find out about all features on the official website and download the editor.
The Offenlegungs-XML Editor is a standalone product. realmaker is happy to help with questions about integration and consulting.
Michael Rademacher
Founder of realmaker
Michael Rademacher founded realmaker in 2003. He develops WordPress websites and software, produces films and live streams, and writes here about what he learns in client projects.
About Michael
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