Our VAT Snapshot series aims to provide you with information to untangle the complex web of tax obligations created by multi-national trading, helping you stay compliant with the latest tax requirements across Europe. In our first webinar of 2025, we’ll discuss the latest e-invoicing updates in Poland, Estonia, Greece and Portugal.
February 10 to 12, 2025 in Dubai
The Middle East and Africa are facing a rapidly evolving landscape for E-Invoicing and VAT reporting. We follow this development and continue the successful first two editions of the E-Invoicing Exchange Summit and proudly announce the 3rd edition to be held in Dubai from February 10 to 12, 2025.
On the pre-conference day, Monday, February 10, you will have the opportunity to start the E-Invoicing Exchange Summit by attending the workshop “GENA Academy Essentials: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About E-Invoicing, but Were Afraid to Ask”. Furthermore, a great networking opportunity awaits you with the Icebreaker Reception in the early evening. The conference itself will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 11 and 12, including the Networking Dinner on Tuesday evening.
Insightful presentations and interactive roundtable sessions on
Mastering E-Invoicing Now: Actionable Steps for Compliance and Efficiency
Streamlining Compliance for UAE E-Invoicing with SAP Document and Reporting Compliance
Convergence of Digital Real-Time Controls & Business Automation
Managing Tax Compliance Risks in the Middle East Post-E-Invoicing
Big Data vs Big Brother – How Mirror Visibility Drives Indirect Tax Consolidation
Global and Regional Compliance Update + Implementation and Adoption Progress Reports from around the Globe
Australia is on its e-invoicing journey. It has slowly been rolling out electronic invoicing rules and requirements since 2018, when it launched a joint project with New Zealand.
Fast forward to the current day and the country has mandated government agencies to be able to receive e-invoices. While it is not planning on doing the same for B2B, there is a plan for businesses to be able to request electronic invoices.
This page has all you need to know about Australia e-invoicing. Bookmark it to stay in the know as things change.
Since 1 July 2022, only Australian government agencies covered must be able to receive e-invoices. The full list of the e-invoicing-enabled Australian government agencies is available here.
B2B e-Invoicing in Australia is currently optional. The Australian Department of Treasury (ATO) proposed introducing the Business E-Invoicing Right (BER) in 2021 and adopting the mandatory B2B e-invoicing using the Peppol format. The rollout for larger companies was planned to start in July 2023.
Based on communication from the ATO, the current government will not proceed with this rollout. Instead, it strongly encourages businesses of all sizes to engage with the concept of Peppol e-invoicing and pilot it on their own terms ahead of any potential mandate.
If taxpayers opt to issue e-invoices for B2B transactions, they must do so via Peppol’s four-corner model in the PINT A-NZ format.
Electronic invoices must be securely archived for at least five years and formatted in a specific way.
Format of electronic invoices in Australia
On 15 November 2024 it became mandatory to format electronic invoices as PINT A-NZ, following other non-EU countries (Japan, Singapore and Malaysia) in using Peppol’s international invoice specification.
PINT A-NZ is a joint specification between Australia and New Zealand, and it differs slightly from the previous A-NZ specification.
For specific information on how to format an e-invoice in Australia, read the A-NZ PINT specifications.
Timeline of e-invoicing adoption in Australia
Australia’s journey to implementing e-invoicing has been short compared to many other countries. Here are the key dates:
25 October 2018: Australia and New Zealand enter an agreement to jointly explore e-invoicing
December 2019: Australia adopts Peppol framework as its common e-invoicing standard
1 July 2022: Mandatory for government agencies to receive e-invoices
15 November 2024: PINT A-NZ format becomes mandatory
15 May 2025: The prior A-NZ format is no longer supported
Peppol e-invoicing in Australia
Australia and New Zealand have separate Peppol Authorities, though they began working together in 2018 to jointly establish an approach to electronic invoicing.
After entering the ‘Australia and New Zealand Government Electronic Invoicing Arrangement’, the nations adopted the Peppol Interoperability Framework.
As a result, the Australian Taxation Office became the Australian Peppol Authority, and legislation was passed to allow the tax authority to implement e-invoicing.
It’s worth noting that the country’s tax authority does not have access to e-invoices transmitted between businesses. This approach differs from those seen in many other countries, primarily because e-invoicing is often seen as a means of closing the tax gap—meaning tax information is transmitted to national tax authorities in almost real time for transparency and validation.
Colombia VAT Compliance: An Overview for Businesses
Meeting your VAT obligations in Colombia is crucial to avoiding penalties and reputational harm. Each country has its own VAT rules, and Colombia is no different – you must be aware of your specific requirements.
Compliance is Sovos’ concern. That’s why this overview is your ideal one-stop-shop for Colombian VAT compliance information. Be sure to bookmark the page and revisit it whenever you have a question.
General VAT information for Colombia
Periodic VAT return
Bi-monthly
Within 25 days of the month following the month in which the payment corresponds
Quarterly
Within 25 days of the month following the month in which the payment corresponds
As well as e-invoicing, Colombia has electronic equivalent documents. These documents are digital receipts issued by the tax authority and are necessary for transactions that do not require issuing a sales invoice.
Electronic receipts may be issued, generated and transmitted—regardless of the operation's amount —allowing domestic B2C transactions less than or equal to 5 UVT to be issued electronically and reported to the tax administration in real time.
Colombia’s electronic equivalent documents must comply with specific legal requirements, contain information relevant to the commercial operation and be both generated and transferred electronically through a DIAN-authorised technology provider.
Requirements to register for VAT in Colombia
Colombia does not have a threshold for VAT registration, meaning businesses must register for VAT if they sell eligible goods or services. They can register for VAT through Colombia’s DIAN website. To be legally seen as VAT–registered, they need to be registered with the national tax authority and have obtained an NIT number.
However, individuals must register for VAT once their total gross income exceeds 3,500 UVT in the previous or current year.
Invoicing requirements in Colombia
Colombia has stringent rules in place for invoicing. These include:
Established taxpayers must issue and receive invoices electronically
E-invoices must be validated by the tax authority before being issued
They must be securely signed with a digital signature to ensure integrity
They must be archived by both the issue and the receipt
Invoices must use the consecutive numbering system and include a Unique Electronic Invoice Code (CUFE)
Issuers must also create a PDF version of the invoice that includes a QR code
Penalties for non-compliance with VAT in Colombia?
There are penalties in place for taxpayers who fail to meet their VAT obligations in Colombia, including:
Late filing of VAT return: 5-200% of tax owed
Corrections made to VAT return: 10-30% of tax owed
Omission in the declaration: 10% of the income of the last declared period
There are also harsh repercussions for those who are found to have committed fraud related to their VAT returns, both financially and in terms of restrictions on their ability to do business.
VAT reclaims can only be requested by those responsible for the goods and services referred to in Article 481, by the producers of the exempt goods referred to in Article 477 of the Tax Code.
Builders who develop social interest housing will also be entitled to a refund or compensation of the Value Added Tax, VAT, paid on the acquisition of materials for the construction of the same.
A refund is also applicable for gold exporters who meet certain requirements.
Colombia’s tax authority allows tourists to recover 100% of VAT paid on taxed goods, as long as the purchases are covered by an electronic invoice equal to, or greater than, 3 Tax Value Units (UVT).
In Colombia, a VAT ID number is a unique identifier that can be obtained from the government when registered for VAT in the country. It’s important to note that this number differs from a tax identification number.
Solutions for VAT compliance in Colombia
It may seem heavy on resources to meet your business obligations in Colombia, but it does not have to be. Choosing Sovos as your compliance partner allows you to meet requirements while focusing on your core business.
Sovos’ solutions are matched only by our team of regulatory experts, helping you keep on top of tax both now and as regulations evolve over time.
In this webinar, we will revisit the foundational principles behind this mandate, covering its evolution up to the latest developments, so you have all you need to keep your business compliant.
Update: 12 March 2025 by Kelly Muniz
EU Officially Adopts ‘VAT in the Digital Age’
The VAT in the Digital Age Package (ViDA) has been adopted by the EU on 11 March 2025, 27 months after it was initially proposed by the Commission in late 2022.
The package includes a directive, regulation, and implementing regulation, focusing on three key areas: digitalizing VAT reporting by 2030, requiring online platforms to collect VAT on short-term accommodation and passenger transport services, and expanding the online VAT one-stop-shop to simplify cross-border VAT registration.
Next Steps
The new rules will take effect on the 20th day after publication in the Official Journal of the EU, with Member States required to transpose the directive into national law.
While many rules will come into effect only a few years from now, some will be effective immediately, such as Member States’ right to introduce mandatory domestic electronic invoicing without needing prior authorization from the EU.
The ViDA package marks a significant step towards modernizing VAT in the digital era, streamlining processes for businesses, and improving cross-border efficiency.
The European Parliament has approved the VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) proposal, bringing it one step closer to official adoption. The proposal will now head to the Council of the EU for final approval, marking a key step in the effort to modernize VAT systems throughout the European Union.
ECOFIN Agrees on ViDA
The long-awaited VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) proposal has been approved by Member States’ Economic and Finance Ministers. On 5 November 2024, during the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) meeting, Member States unanimously agreed on adopting the ViDA package. This decision marks a major milestone in modernizing the VAT Directive, setting the stage for a more efficient and digital VAT system across the European Union.
Certain changes will take effect immediately once the package comes into force, while others will roll out in stages over the coming years.
The text will proceed to formal approval by the Parliament, after which it will be ready for official adoption.
Read our blog below for a detailed breakdown of the amendments impacting e-invoicing obligations, the new Digital Reporting Requirement (DRR), and the timeline for these changes.
New ViDA Proposal Set for ECOFIN Approval
The Council of the European Union has released a new proposal regarding the VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) reform.
The proposal aims to modernise and streamline VAT systems across the EU, notably e-invoicing and Continuous Transaction Controls (CTC). Members States will review it on 5 November at the upcoming ECOFIN meeting.
If approved, a series of changes will take place over time – some of which will take effect as soon as the Directive enters into force. Here is an overview of the key updates, particularly on e-invoicing and CTC requirements.
What is new, and why the delay?
The new proposal does not substantially modify its previous version. The main change in the new ViDA proposal concerns the dates when measures become effective. Deadlines have been postponed as a result of the setbacks ViDA has faced since its initial draft.
The ViDA proposal has faced delays due to the complexity of its objectives, which are mainly to harmonise the varying VAT systems within the EU. In addition to the extensive consultations held during this process to balance different stakeholders’ interests, an approval of ViDA requires the alignment of Member States’ views and priorities.
This has proved a significant hurdle, as Member States have raised their concerns regarding different aspects of the proposal, such as implementation costs and alignment with EU data privacy rules, among others. ViDA must also go through the formal steps for approval by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.
These factors combined have made ViDA adoption a lengthy process, but its implementation promises significant benefits in public and private sectors across the EU.
Recap: What is ViDA and what changes with its adoption?
Changes effective with the ViDA’s approval
Removal of EU approval for domestic e-invoicing: Under the current VAT Directive, EU approval is required for Member States to introduce domestic mandatory B2B e-invoicing. Countries such as Italy, Poland, Germany, France, Belgium and Romania have applied for derogations to mandate e-invoicing. With ViDA, Member States may impose domestic e-invoicing without needing EU approval, provided it applies only to established taxpayers.
Buyer e-invoice acceptance eliminated: The current EU VAT Directive states that the use of e-invoices is subject to buyer acceptance. Under ViDA, Member States that have introduced mandatory domestic e-invoicing will no longer require buyer consent.
ViDA changes effective from 1 July 2030
Redefinition of electronic invoicing
ViDA redefines electronic invoices. Under the proposal, electronic invoices are those issued, transmitted and received in a structured electronic format that allows its automated processing. This means that non-structured formats, such as pure PDFs or JPEG images, will no longer qualify as an e-invoice. Hybrid formats, such as ZUGFeRD and Factur-X, can remain due to their structured portion.
In principle, electronic invoices must comply with the European standard and the list of its syntaxes pursuant to Directive 2014/55/EU (the “EN” format). However, ViDA allows Member States to use other standards for domestic transactions upon meeting certain conditions.
From 2030, B2B e-invoices compliant with the European standard will be the default and no longer requiring buyer acceptance. However, if a Member State opts for a different mandatory domestic standard, they may either waive or require buyer acceptance for e-invoices using the European standard.
Digital Reporting Requirements (DRRs) for cross-border transactions
One of the most impactful updates in ViDA is the requirement for near-real-time digital reporting of cross-border transaction data.
Starting in 2030, taxpayers engaging in cross-border transactions within the EU must report invoice data electronically following the EN format. Such DRR will be a condition for taxpayers to exempt VAT in a cross-border transaction or claim input VAT. Each Member State will provide electronic mechanisms for submitting this data.
With ViDA, cross-border e-invoices within the EU must be issued in up to 10 days after the chargeable event. In these cases, DRR must happen at the same time the e-invoice is issued or should have been issued.
Invoices issued by the recipient on behalf of the seller (known as self-billing) and the invoices related to intra-community acquisitions must be reported no later than five days after the invoice is issued or should have been issued or received, respectively.
As expected, DRRs may be carried out by the taxpayers themselves or outsourced to a third party on their behalf.
Digital Reporting Requirements for domestic transactions
ViDA grants Member States the option to mandate digital reporting for domestic B2B/B2C sales, purchase data, and self-supplies for VAT-registered taxpayers within their jurisdiction. Domestic reporting requirements must align with ViDA’s cross-border DRR standards, and Member States must permit submissions in the European standard format, although other interoperable formats may be allowed.
For Member States with domestic real-time reporting systems in place as of 1 January 2024, compliance with ViDA’s standards will be required by 2035. On the other hand, the proposal clarifies that other reporting obligations, such as SAF-T, can still exist. This alignment will ensure consistency across the EU in preparation for full ViDA implementation.
Member States have until 30 June 2030 to integrate ViDA’s e-invoicing and DRR provisions into their national legislation, making the Directive effective across the EU by 1 July 2030.
ViDA’s impact on businesses
The ViDA proposal represents a significant shift for businesses operating within the EU, promising both opportunities and challenges. By introducing DRRs, ViDA aims to replace obsolete requirements, reduce administrative burdens, improve accuracy, and combat VAT fraud.
The move towards structured e-invoicing and near-real-time digital reporting will require businesses to update their invoicing and reporting systems, driving digital transformation across sectors. While the transition may entail initial adjustments, it is expected to increase efficiency, create a level playing field, and facilitate smoother interoperability between companies using different systems.
Peppol E-invoicing explained: What it is and how it works
The global adoption of electronic invoicing is accelerating. Governments worldwide are pushing to adopt e-invoicing to digitally transform their national systems and, often, to close the VAT gap.
While many countries have introduced their own e-invoicing mandate to digitise fiscal controls, the requirements and systems implemented by each country often fail to align with one another. This makes it complex for multinational organisations to meet their electronic invoicing obligations.
To enhance interoperability, countries across Asia and Europe are embracing Peppol, a framework established to simplify interoperability for e-invoicing and other procurement documents. But what exactly is it? This blog has all the information you need.
What is Peppol?
Peppol began in 2008 as an effort to standardise public procurement in governments across the European Union. It is a framework made up of specifications that enable cross-border electronic procurement and a method of sending invoices to customers. Peppol integrates business processes by standardising the way information is structured and exchanged.
In recent years, Peppol has expanded its remit to include APAC. Singapore was the first Asian country to establish a Peppol authority. As well as being established in Europe, it also includes Australia, Japan, Malaysia and New Zealand.
What does it stand for?
Peppol is short for Pan-European Public Procurement On-Line, as it was initially a European initiative.
While receiving e-invoices has been mandated by law for all public sector entities in the EU since April 2020, being Peppol one of the options chosen by many countries to implement such obligation, and Peppol’s name derives from its European service, the standard is now being adopted outside of the union. Malaysia and Singapore are two non-European countries that have embraced Peppol in recent years, for example.
How does Peppol work?
While we have made it clear that Peppol is an EU-wide standard for exchanging electronic documents like e-invoices, that doesn’t explain how it actually works.
The European Union laid out standards for electronic invoices. These documents must meet the required specifications and, in most cases, be sent through its network. Most public sector entities in the EU are required to be able to receive such invoices, creating a uniform and universal method of invoicing B2G transactions across the region.
It’s worth noting that while the public sector is obligated to receive these invoices in some cases, they can also be sent to companies for B2B transactions. Peppol enables the efficient electronic exchange of e-invoices, purchase orders, and other business documents, whether you are a private business or a public organization.
Peppol invoices are sent to the recipient through a Peppol Access Point. This connects to the Peppol network and comes from an approved service provider, allowing businesses to electronically exchange documents with other organisations with an Access Point.
Peppol connects organisations through a network of Peppol-accredited Service Providers, removing barriers to electronic trading created by closed ‘three-corner’ networks.
What is a Peppol authority?
To ensure that the aforementioned Access Points follow the rules and regulations set out, it has official authorities. They are also in place to “set national requirements for the design and content of Peppol documents,” according to PEPPOL itself.
There are currently 17 Peppol Authorities in place, all of which are national bodies – bar one. OpenPeppol is the only authority which is not attached to a country as it serves as the official Peppol Authority in jurisdictions where no authority exists.
Why use it?
Its widespread implementation makes it an appealing option for many. Considering the variety of approaches to electronic invoicing across countries, the appeal to Peppol is the standardisation and interoperability of global electronic document exchange.
Having a collection of common standards for transferring electronic documents for every country an organisation conducts business in makes the process simpler – thus reducing the possibility of errors.
Standardising the way information is structured and exchanged makes it more secure. As well as invoices and purchase orders, Peppol has the potential to automate the exchange of any kind of business document, between any organisation, anywhere in the world.
Which countries use Peppol?
Peppol currently has 37 member countries, 29 of which of which are in Europe.
Outside of Europe, countries that have implemented Peppol standards include:
Australia
Japan
Malaysia
New Zealand
Singapore
Peppol Corner Models
Corner models are frameworks for digital transactions. There are multiple approaches, though Peppol’s base framework is the 4-corner model
3-Corner model for e-invoicing
Now considered an old model, the 3-corner model for e-invoicing required senders and receivers to connect through a single service provider. Buyers would often decide on which service provider they use, meaning suppliers had to use multiple systems across their customers.
4-Corner model for e-invoicing
An upgrade to the previous approach, the 4-corner e-invoicing model connects four entities. The four corners are:
Sender
Sender’s Access Point
Recipient’s Access Point
Recipient
The introduction of Access Points secures transactions by ensuring that communication of documents is sent and received correctly, using document validation, Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures and more.
5-Corner model for CTC
As seen in Singapore, Peppol also has a 5-corner model. This approach adds another corner to the traditional model, being the Tax Authority/Government central platform. This framework is also known as Peppol CTC.
The 5-corner model allows tax authorities to receive almost real-time access to invoices, ensuring that tax information is transferred correctly.
At the discretion of the applicable government, the central platform can either validate documents before they are sent to the recipient or allow certified service providers to validate them instead, serving as a repository for the electronic invoices.
Peppol VIDA pilot project
This pilot project established by OpenPeppol demonstrates that the network and e-invoicing specifications can also be used to meet the digital reporting requirements of the EU’s VIDA proposal.
The project is open to EU Tax Authorities/Administrations, Service Providers and end users.
Sovos is participating in this pilot project. We are a respected member, serving as a provider in both Malaysia and Singapore.
Learn more about the adoption of electronic invoicing and its many rules and regulations in our E-invoicing Guide. For help complying with e-invoicing requirements and other tax considerations, consider our Compliance Cloud solution.
Every quarter, our VAT Snapshot webinar brings you the latest global e-invoicing updates to help your business meet the ever-changing demands of new and evolving mandates. In this session we’ll share updates for Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, Greece, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
Compliance Network: E-Invoicing, E-Receipts and E-Archiving
Global Compliance for Continuous Transaction Controls
Sovos Compliance Network is complete, continuous and connected. We process over 6 billion compliant invoices per year through our Compliance Network, more than 60 times other industry providers.
A core component of our Indirect Tax Suite, Sovos Compliance Network helps you:
Effortlessly map indirect tax compliance requirements with suppliers, buyers and consumers
Ensure your transactional documents adhere to the latest local regulations
Connect seamlessly with the right government agencies and certified platforms
Distribute invoices to trading partners where required
Build the Sovos Compliance Network into every transaction
The solution provides:
B2B & B2G Transaction Compliance
The world’s first complete solution for e-invoicing compliance, including clearance, CTC and global post-audit models.
Prove integrity and authenticity with universal, compliant archiving, including compliance maps, preservation sets, timestamps and signing and validation services.
“Compliance is now inside the transaction, elevating its importance and driving businesses to look beyond just meeting a minimum threshold. Now, the goal is a global view of compliance with a single source of data that allows them to generate actionable business intelligence”
Kevin Permenter, Research Director IDC
Sovos Compliance Network
Global Coverage
Post Audit and CTC e-invoicing in 65+ countries.
Future-Proof
Comply today and enjoy the peace of mind that scalable solutions are built-in for tomorrow.
Always-on
Ensure invoices continue to flow so your business and its supply chains run smoothly.
Automated
Save time, eliminate labor-intensive manual updates and enhance accuracy.
Sustainable
Minimize the need for ad hoc IT involvement and investment in compliance updates.
Cost Efficient
Mitigate penalties and reduce your total cost of compliance by centralizing CTC compliance in one place.
Embedded in the Business Process Platforms You Use Today
Looking for more information on Compliance Network?
Chile has long been a leader in adopting electronic invoicing, starting in 2001 with voluntary adoption for taxpayers.
Its status as a pioneering country with e-invoicing is reflected by the fact that all taxpayers in the nation must issue and receive electronic invoices – one type of Electronic Tax Document (DTE).
This page has all the vital information you need to understand Chile’s e-invoicing regime and how to ensure compliance. Bookmark this overview to stay updated on any future regulatory updates.
The current legislation requires companies to send all DTEs to the SII, Chile’s tax authority, in real time, after which they will inform the taxpayer about their acceptance. In some cases, the SII's authorisation must precede the document's sending to the client. This is the case for dispatch guides not accompanied by electronic invoices.
Contingency
Mandatory for all DTEs that are sent to the SII for validation. However, the SII accepts that such documents continue to be issued when such a referral is not possible. In such cases, a contingency system has been established that will allow the SII to refer and validate these.
Synchronous process
All local or export invoices, or debit or credit notes, must be declared to – and validated by - the tax administration.
File retention
All documents must be retained for six years due to the provisions of the Chilean Tax Code.
Acknowledgement of receipt
In principle, recipients of electronic invoices must generate an acknowledgement of receipt for the invoices they receive. However, current legislation establishes that it will be considered formally accepted after a period of eight days from the receipt of an invoice.
Factoring operations
One of the most important changes introduced by the 30-Day Payment Law was the incentive for factoring operations with electronic invoices issued by taxpayers within the Internal Revenue Service billing system. The electronic invoice thus becomes a negotiable instrument for suppliers, who can sell such invoices on the market as if it were another security. This has resulted in the recipients of such invoices carefully monitoring the changes generated in the ownership of the invoices they have received.
Characteristics of electronic invoicing in Chile
Chile B2B e-invoicing
Chile mandates that every established company must issue and receive electronic invoices.
While the country’s journey with e-invoicing started in the early 2000s, it wasn’t until 2018 when it became mandatory for businesses of all shapes and sizes.
Businesses must follow many rules and requirements to be compliant with Chile’s B2B e-invoicing mandate. These include using an electronic signature, securely archiving e-invoices for six years, meeting the strict administrative procedure and more.
Chile B2G e-invoicing
As with B2B transactions, Chile requires B2G transactions to be documented and processed through electronic invoices. All organisations must issue and receive e-invoices when dealing with governmental and public administration entities.
B2G transactions have the same stringent requirements as B2B and B2C transactions where security is involved. These standards ensure that documents cannot be tampered with and are approved as authentic and accurate by the SII.
Types of electronic documents in Chile
Chile has requirements for other electronic documents beyond e-invoices. Regulations include other e-documents related to buying and selling goods that taxpayers should be aware of, such as:
Sales invoice: Required in B2B transactions and generators of tax credit.
Purchase invoice: For B2B purchases in which the buyer assumes the obligation to issue the invoice.
Dispatch guide: Mandatory document that authorises the transport of goods sold.
Sales and services ticket: Mandatory in cases of B2C sales. They don’t generate tax credit.
Invoice settlement: Issued by the commission agent to the client to invoice his commission and the registration of the payment to the principal.
Debit and credit note: They apply in all the above cases except for the dispatch guides.
Format of electronic invoices and documents in Chile
There are some common elements of electronic documents (DTE), such as e-invoices, used in Chile – including:
Header: Used to identify the sender, the receiver and the total amount, among other data.
Detail by item: Data on each item sold, such as weight, value and quantity.
Discounts and surcharges: Identifies the total discounts or surcharges.
Reference information: Identifies the documents associated with the issuer.
Commissions and other charges: Mandatory field for invoice settlements.
Electronic stamp of the SII: Electronic signatures on the fields defined as representative of the document, including the Folios Authorization Code provided by the SII.
Electronic signature: Verifies the integrity of the DTE’s content. E-signatures must use a digital certificate granted by an SII-accredited certification company.
Timeline of e-invoicing in Chile
A mandate as significant as Chile’s e-invoicing ruling takes time to develop and implement. Here are the key dates of its development:
2001: E-invoicing is implemented as a voluntary scheme for taxpayers
2014: VAT e-invoicing is made mandatory for established organisations
March 2018: B2B e-invoicing is made mandatory for established organisations
March 2021: B2C e-invoicing is made mandatory for established taxpayers
Penalties: What happens if I don’t comply with e-invoicing in Chile?
Chile has penalties in place for taxpayers who do not comply with the mandate’s requirements, including a fine of 50-500% of the amount of the operation.
The aforementioned fine applies to:
Failing to issue delivery guides for invoices, debit notes, credit notes, receipts
Using unauthorised receipts, invoices, debit notes, credit notes, delivery guides
The former will also result in the physical location where the violation was committed being closed for up to 20 days. Repeated violations of this kind within three years may result in imprisonment.
What else do I need for VAT compliance in Chile?
There are other obligations established taxpayers in Chile need to meet, including general VAT compliance. Not meeting what’s required by tax authorities and governments can be costly, and that applies in Chile – so be sure you know what is expected of your organisation through our overviews.
These requirements can become even more demanding when considering your business’ obligations in other countries. That’s why Sovos is your ideal compliance partner.
An e-invoice can be cancelled in Chile if the cancellation is issued in the same tax period. An electronic credit note containing a field that indicates the annulment must be generated.
In Chile, electronic tax documents (DTE) is a general name for digital documents related to buying and selling goods and services. Electronic invoices are the most prevalent type of DTE in the country.
In Chile, electronic invoices must be secured with an electronic signature – technology that validates the integrity of the document and its content. They must also be cleared via the SII before being sent to the buyer.
If the recipient of an electronic invoice does not generate an acknowledgement of receipt within eight days of receiving the document, it will be considered as formally accepted.
Customers have eight days to respond to an e-invoice once it has been sent through SII. If it is refused or not received, the buyer must contact the seller via email. If no acknowledgement is given within that period, it will be considered formally accepted.
Setting up e-invoicing in Chile with Sovos
Electronic invoicing is becoming more common globally, following the lead of Latin American countries like Chile, and compliance must be a priority.
E-invoicing is becoming global, but it’s fragmented everywhere you do business, solidifying the need to choose a single vendor for compliance. Sovos is a tax compliance partner you can trust.
Focus on what truly matters and reclaim your time, knowing Sovos has your back. Speak with a member of our team today to begin reclaiming your time.
Complete the form below to speak with one of our e-invoicing experts
The Government of the Republic of Slovenia has released a draft proposal to implement mandatory e-invoicing and e-reporting for B2B and B2C transactions. This implementation would mark a significant shift in the country’s e-invoicing landscape.
Should the proposal be approved, taxpayers will be subject to a two-fold obligation: they must issue and exchange B2B invoices electronically and report B2B and B2C transactional data to the tax authority. Although clearance will not be required in the e-invoice issuance process, transactional data must be reported to the tax authority in near real-time, which shows that Slovenia is aligning with the global trend of governments implementing Continuous Transaction Controls (CTC).
Taxpayers under scope are all business entities registered in Slovenia’s Business Register (PRS), including companies, self-employed entities and associations. To register in the PRS, business entities must have a registered office or address in the territory of the Republic of Slovenia.
This new system also introduces a decentralised reporting and exchange model facilitated by registered service providers, called e-route providers. These are similar to the network exchange requirements in France and those planned for Spain.
The proposed mandatory e-invoicing and CTC e-reporting will be introduced from 1 June 2026.
E-invoicing requirements
The e-invoicing mandate would require taxpayers to issue, send and receive e-invoices and other e-documents for B2B domestic transactions.
Under the Slovenian proposal, e-invoices refer to an invoice or similar accounting document that records business transactions, regardless of what they are called. This includes credit notes, debit notes, advance invoices, payment requests, etc.
There are multiple supported formats for the exchange of e-invoices:
e-SLOG standard, developed by the Chamber of Commerce of Slovenia, which is compatible with EN16931 and already in use in the B2G sector
European standard EN 16931 for e-invoices, as per Directive 2014/55/EU
Other internationally recognised standards agreed mutually by the parties
The proposal allows three methods for e-invoice issuance and exchange:
E-route providers, which are registered service providers facilitating the issuance and exchange of e-invoices and e-documents.
Direct exchange between the issuer and recipient’s information systems (excluding e-mail transmission)
The authority’s free application for taxpayers with a smaller business volume
In cases where the issuer and recipient use e-invoice different standards, if using e-route providers, the recipient’s provider must convert the e-invoice to the syntax accepted by the recipient.
Regarding B2C transactions, consumers will have the option to receive either e-invoices or paper invoices. This must be agreed upon by the parties. If an e-invoice is issued, suppliers will be obliged to provide a visualised content version (e.g., PDF).
CTC e-reporting requirements
The proposal states that taxpayers must electronically report B2B and B2C transactional data, including cross-border transactions, to the Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia (FURS) within eight days of invoice issuance or receipt. Reporting must be done exclusively in the e-SLOG standard.
The reporting requirement extends to B2C and cross-border transactions, regardless of whether an invoice was issued electronically. This ensures that transactions such as these, for which e-invoicing is not mandatory, are reported to the FURS allowing it a comprehensive collection of taxpayers’ transactional data.
The selected method for e-invoice exchange will impact the e-reporting of transactional data. If the parties use e-route providers, both the issuer’s and recipient’s providers must send the e-invoice to FURS. For direct exchanges, both parties must separately report their transactions to FURS.
E-route provider requirements
The draft establishes obligations and certain technical requirements applicable to e-route providers. According to the Slovenian government, the requirements to become an e-route provider are comparable to those in France but without the need for certification
However, the public authorities will maintain a list of registered e-route service providers who must fulfil certain requirements, some of which are already listed in the draft law. The proposal does not state explicit local registration/establishment rules for e-route providers. The government will publish further regulations detailing the application process and other applicable requirements.
Next steps
The government must take certain crucial steps before enforcing the mandate. The Parliament must officially approve the draft law before the requirements are confirmed.
Moreover, publication of the technical specifications and further regulations are awaited, including details of the data reporting methods to the tax authority. Slovenia will need to apply for a derogation from the VAT Directive with the EU Commission to enforce mandatory B2B e-invoicing before the adoption of ViDA (VAT in the Digital Age).
For businesses operating in Slovenia, this will mean impactful changes to their outbound and inbound processes by 1 June 2026. This includes the acquisition of software or update of their systems to issue, send and receive e-invoices, adapting to the allowed e-invoicing formats and connecting to the FURS or availing the services of e-route providers to electronically report their data.
Have questions about how these changes could affect your operations? Ask our team of experts.
Singapore E-invoicing
While electronic invoicing is not mandated yet on any level in Singapore, the country’s tax authority is working on implementing a continuous transaction control (CTC) reporting model.
Singapore’s push towards digitalization was evidenced by the launch of its e-invoicing standard framework in 2018. Singapore was the first country outside Europe to adopt PEPPOL. The PEPPOL Business Interoperability Specifications (BIS) for e-invoicing and the PEPPOL eDelivery Network have been live since 2019.
The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) has announced the implementation of a phased adoption of InvoiceNow, the national e-invoicing framework based on the PEPPOL network, for invoicing data transmission. It will start voluntarily for GST-registered businesses in May 2025. The mandate will only cover B2B transactions; the government is expected to make B2G mandatory in the coming years.
Bookmark this page and revisit it often to stay on top of upcoming obligations.
Format Currently both Singapore BIS Billing 3.0 (PEPPOL) and Singapore (SG) PEPPOL PINT are allowed; PEPPOL PINT will be used exclusively from 2025.
eSignature Requirement Ensuring integrity and authenticity is required, an e-signature is one method of assurance.
Archiving Requirement Five years
Singapore B2G e-invoicing
Network InvoiceNow.
Format Currently both Singapore BIS Billing 3.0 (PEPPOL) and Singapore (SG) PEPPOL PINT are allowed; PEPPOL PINT will be used exclusively from 2025.
eSignature Requirement Ensuring integrity and authenticity is required, an e-signature is one method of assurance.
Archiving Requirement Five years.
E-invoicing in Singapore: Requirements and regulations
Currently, there is no mandate for using e-invoices in Singapore. However, taxpayers can connect to the PEPPOL network to send and receive e-invoices. Singapore’s IMDA is a PEPPOL authority and, as such, those who choose to send invoices electronically through the InvoiceNow network must meet the format requirements:
Singapore BIS Billing 3.0 (PEPPOL) or Singapore (SG) PEPPOL PINT, though the latter will become the only applicable format from 2025.
E-reporting in Singapore: Requirements and regulations
Singapore is implementing a CTC reporting mandate, utilizing the nation’s InvoiceNow PEPPOL framework. The implementation of this mandate sees a move away from a PEPPOL 4 corner model, instead adopting a PEPPOL 5 corner model with taxpayers transmitting invoice data to the IRAS, the nation’s tax authority.
Invoice data from both sales and purchases needs to be reported to the tax authority. Reporting requirements for “PEPPOL e-invoices” is real-time. For invoices issued outside InvoiceNow (“solution extracted invoices”), reporting is within a specific deadline with weekly submission recommended, no later than the return due date.
Accredited Access Points (AP) are the only parties allowed to submit invoice data to IRAS using C5 API – Sovos is an accredited AP in Singapore.
The implementation of this e-reporting obligation is included in the implementation timeline below.
Singapore’s E-invoicing and E-reporting Implementation timeline
Digitalization is on a storied journey towards implementation in Singapore. Here are the important dates:
May 2018: Singapore’s IMDA became the first PEPPOL Authority outside of Europe
January 2019: The nation’s e-invoicing network, later named InvoiceNow, launched
March 2020: Singapore launches Registration Grant to incentivise businesses to join the network
1 May 2025: B2B e-reporting is implemented for voluntary early adoption by GST-registered businesses
1 November 2025: B2B e-reporting is implemented for newly incorporated companies that register for GST voluntarily
PEPPOL in Singapore
Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) became the first PEPPOL Authority outside of Europe in May 2018. Later, it launched its e-invoicing network with an initial 11 Access Point providers.
The network is established on the PEPPOL framework, helping businesses exchange documents electronically. As a PEPPOL Authority, IMDA can:
Approve and certify PEPPOL Access Point providers in Singapore
Accredit PEPPOL-ready solution providers in Singapore
Govern the compliance of businesses to the PEPPOL framework
Specify country-specific rules and technical standards under the PEPPOL framework – namely SG PEPPOL BIS and SG PEPPOL PINT format
While Singapore encourages businesses to issue and receive invoices electronically through its InvoiceNow system, it has not yet mandated e-invoicing between businesses. The mandatory e-reporting using InvoiceNow will start from 1 November 2025 for newly incorporated companies that register for GST voluntarily.
InvoiceNow is a nationwide e-invoicing initiative by The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) that helps SMEs and large enterprises streamline invoicing. The aim is to provide a faster and more sustainable way to transact, nationwide and worldwide.
PEPPOL is a standard for sending electronic invoices to public sector clients (in other words, for B2G transactions) throughout the EU – and beyond. Singapore was the first PEPPOL-approved authority outside of Europe.
Meet the Sovos team in Prague where Anna Norden, Sovos’Principal, Regulatory Affairswill be sharing an update on the CIAT Digitalization Classification Matrix. The team will also be waiting to greet you at the Sovos stand to discuss all things e-invoicing.
The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) has announced the implementation of a phased adoption of InvoiceNow, the national e-invoicing framework based on the Peppol network, for GST registered businesses starting voluntarily in May 2025. The mandate will cover B2B transactions only, as the government is expected to make B2G mandatory in the coming years.
What is InvoiceNow?
InvoiceNow is a nationwide e-invoicing initiative by The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for SMEs and large enterprises to streamline their invoicing for a faster and more sustainable way to transact, nationwide and worldwide.
What’s the timeline?
Singapore’s nationwide e-invoicing network was first announced in 2019 and has recently been referred to as InvoiceNow. The mandate will require GST registered businesses to use InvoiceNow solutions to transmit invoice data to IRAS. The transmission of invoice data to IRAS will be done through Peppol Access Point (AP) service providers, extending the traditional four corner e-delivery model to a fifth corner model.
The mandate will be implemented in phases, as follows:
From 1 May 2025, for voluntary early adoption by GST-registered businesses, as a soft launch.
From 1 November 2025, for newly incorporated companies that register for GST voluntarily.
From 1 April 2026, for all new voluntary GST-registrants.
Even though an implementation timeline for all businesses has not been shared yet, further updates are expected in the future.
Sovos is here to help
Saphety Level – Trusted Services, S.A is an IMDA-certified Peppol service provider in Singapore. Our regulatory experts can connect to the InvoiceNow network on your behalf.
Electronic invoicing in Argentina
Argentina was an early adopter of electronic invoicing, with its e-invoicing journey beginning in 2002. The technology was only implemented on a widespread level across the nation in 2015, but it still beat most countries to digitizing its invoicing system.
While Argentina’s e-invoicing scheme may be less confusing than others, it’s important to know the exact rules and regulations to avoid paying the price that comes with non-compliance. This dedicated overview has you covered on all thing Argentina e-invoicing, no matter how things change in the future. Be sure to bookmark this page and check back periodically.
Here is a quick run-through of how Argentina’s e-invoicing process works:
Issue the e-invoice once you have the necessary recipient information
Receive the Electronic Authorization Code (CAE) from the AFIP Federal Public Revenue Administration (AFIP)
Once the e-invoice is validated, the issuer sends the document to the recipient
Both the issuer and recipient electronically store the invoice securely for 10 years
Characteristics of electronic invoicing in Argentina
Argentina B2B e-invoicing
Argentina was an early adopter of e-invoicing when considering the global landscape. It had an optional system starting in 2003, and it made electronic invoicing mandatory years later – slowly warming organisations up to the idea of transmitting data online.
Mandatory since 2015 for businesses operating in Argentina, the e-invoicing scheme also includes export invoices, cash receipts, credit memos and debit notes. Businesses registered in the country are required to file for an Electronic Authorization Code (CAE) through the domestic tax authority, and they must conform to the rules laid out in the mandate.
All taxpayers in the country – even freelancers – have had to meet particular e-invoicing obligations. These requirements change depending on the specifics of each business; for example, small businesses with an annual turnover under a particular threshold only need to issue e-receipts for in-person transactions, whereas larger businesses must issue e-invoices for all transactions.
Argentina B2G e-invoicing
As you may expect, having already started learning about Argentina e-invoicing, the country requires electronic invoices to be transmitted for B2G transactions.
The same rules apply as per B2B, where taxpayers are required to be approved by the tax authority, and they must issue compliant electronic invoices through the typical process.
Put simply, if you’re an Argentinian taxpayer doing business with public administrations and governmental departments, you must issue e-invoices.
Types of invoices and electronic documents
There are a host of invoices and electronic documents that businesses operating in Argentina should be aware of. Different business operations require specific types of receipts, including:
Invoices, invoice receipts and export invoices
Debit and credit notes
Purchase receipts of used goods
There are different types of invoices to be aware of, too:
Type A: Issued by registered taxpayers when transacting with other registered taxpayers
Type B: Issued by registered taxpayers when transacting with final consumers or exempt taxpayers
Type C: Issued by non-registered and exempt taxpayers to all customers
Type E: Issued by any taxpayer when dealing with exported operations
Type T: Issued by hotels and accommodation services for foreign tourists
Factura de Crédito Electronica: Applies to micro, small and medium-sized businesses, allowing the advance collection of credits and receivables issued to their customers. This type of invoice can be Type A, B or C, as defined above with their corresponding credit and debit notes.
Benefits of using e-invoicing in Argentina
While taxpayers are technically required to send and receive invoices electronically in Argentina, there are additional benefits to e-invoicing when compared to traditional invoicing.
Save costs: E-invoices reduce your reliance on paper usage, postage and manual labour
Time savings: With standardised formats and automated processes, it frees up your team to focus on what truly matters
Peace of mind: Authentication and validation are built into the e-invoicing process, ensuring the authenticity of the documents
Timeline of e-invoicing in Argentina
Argentina’s implementation of electronic invoicing was done over many years, following this journey:
2002: General Resolution 1361 is published, introducing e-invoices as a duplicate voucher
2005: Argentina published General Resolution 1956, introducing an e-invoice issuance and storage system
2006: General Resolution 2177 mandates the use of electronic invoices for certain groups of taxpayers
2008: General Resolution 2485 is published, establishing a special regime for the issuance and electronic storage of original receipts for registrants and small contributors
April 2015: General Resolution 3749 comes into effect, implementing widespread e-invoicing by mandating the technology for all VAT-registered taxpayers
April 2019: General resolution 4290/2018 mandates e-invoicing for all companies, including freelancers
June 2021: All e-invoices must include QR codes
Penalties: What happens if I don’t comply with e-invoicing in Argentina?
A taxpayer could receive significant penalties if they fail to meet the requirements of Argentina’s e-invoicing scheme.
As per conditions established by the Federal Administration of Public Revenues, those who fail to issue e-invoices or comply with the regulation may be sanctioned with the closure of their organisation for two to six days.
What else do I need for VAT compliance in Argentina?
While it’s important to stay current with e-invoicing rules and regulations in Argentina, your business also has other obligations.
Argentina’s VAT regulations, for example, require your organisation to pay attention to – and comply with – more than just electronic invoicing mandates. Overall tax compliance is vital for businesses, and Sovos is here to help.
Once an electronic invoice has been approved and issued, cancellations are not accounted for. Reversing the transaction must be done by issuing a credit note.
With electronic invoicing becoming more common globally, following the lead of Latin American countries like Argentina, it is important that you prioritise compliance.
The global – yet fragmented – adoption of e-invoicing solidifies the need to choose a single vendor for complete compliance wherever you do business. Sovos is a tax compliance partner you can trust, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.
Speak with a member of our team today to gain peace of mind.
Complete the form below to speak with one of our e-invoicing experts
Germany, like many European countries, is on its way to implementing electronic invoicing requirements for domestic taxpayers of all shapes and sizes. However, e-invoicing is yet to be fully implemented and mandated in the country.
E-invoicing in Germany is currently divided by transaction type. There are national and federal requirements for B2G transactions, but the time hasn’t come for B2B transactions to utilise e-invoices yet. This will begin to change in 2025, and by 2028, all German businesses will be mandated to send and receive invoices electronically.
With Germany’s e-invoicing rollout fragmented and intensive to follow, use this page as your go-to overview to ensure you meet your obligations. Bookmark this page and revisit it whenever you need a reminder of the current requirements.
From January 2025, taxpayers must be able to receive electronic invoices. Sending and receiving e-invoices will become mandatory in Germany from 1 January 2027, applying to companies with an annual turnover exceeding EUR 800,000. From January 2028, it will apply to all companies.
This go-live date for German B2B e-invoicing was set in March 2024 when the Bundesrat passed the law known as ‘Wachstumschancengesetz’.
Germany B2G e-invoicing
E-invoicing is mandated when trading with public administrations, though it’s divided at a federal state level. There is a national mandate, but it runs alongside its 16 federal states – each of which has legislative freedom to develop its own e-invoicing platform.
The following German federal states have implemented e-invoicing for governmental transactions:
Baden-Württemberg
Bavaria
Berlin
Bremen
Hamburg
Hessen
Lower Saxony
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
North Rhine-Westphalia
Rhineland-Palatinate
Saarland
Saxony
Saxony-Anhalt
Schleswig-Holstein
Thuringia
The aforementioned European Directive (2014/55/EU) requires member-state government entities to be able to receive and handle electronic invoices according to the CEN standard, EN 16931.
Timeline: e-invoicing adoption in Germany
The implementation of e-invoicing in Germany can be hard to follow. Here are the main dates you need to know:
April 2017: Germany publishes its e-Bill law
18 April 2020: Federal states implement mandatory e-invoicing in public procurement
27 November 2020: Public authorities must receive e-invoices from state authorities
July 2023: Germany’s Federal Ministry of Finance presents draft legislation for mandatory e-invoicing
22 March 2024: Germany’s Federal Council approves a legislative package that includes the introduction of mandatory e-invoicing
1 January 2025: German taxpayers must be able to receive e-invoices from their suppliers (B2B)
1 January 2027: German taxpayers with an annual turnover of at least EUR 800,000 must issue e-invoices for B2B transactions
1 January 2028: Remaining German taxpayers must issue e-invoices for B2B transactions
1 July, 2030: German VAT-registered businesses must comply with VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) requirements, which include mandatory e-invoicing and digital reporting for Intra-Community B2B transactions.
Benefits of e-invoicing in Germany
Implementing electronic invoicing can benefit taxpayers by automating processes. Not only can this save time and headspace, it can also significantly reduce the risk of errors by removing the need for people to input and handle data manually.
Future of e-invoicing in Germany
While it’s now clear that there’s more to come on the e-invoicing front in Germany, there’s a larger initiative that could shift how the technology is implemented in the country – and across EU Member States at large.
VAT in the Digital Age is a proposal to digitize the European VAT system, implementing digital reporting and e-invoicing, among other new, innovative tax solutions.
It’s worth noting that while Germany is still working on implementing e-invoicing for all resident taxpayers, many countries are further along in their electronic invoicing journey. Global tax compliance can be tough, considering the nuances of each country’s tax digitization journey, but Sovos can help – wherever you do business.
Additional obligations for VAT compliance in Germany
While electronic invoicing is an important component of tax compliance in Germany, organisations have other obligations to stay on top of.
Staying updated with regulatory expectations becomes even more complicated when you consider the evolving nature of laws. Not only do you need to meet your current obligations, but you also need to stay on top of what’s to come – this is demanding in terms of both time and resources.
Non-compliance can be costly, but you don’t need to fall behind. Find out more about German VAT compliance with our dedicated overview.
B2G e-invoicing is mandatory in Germany, and B2B e-invoicing is currently scheduled to come into effect from 1 January 2027 for companies with an annual turnover exceeding EUR 800,000.
The ZRE stands for Zentrale Rechnungseingangsplattform des Bundes, which translates as Central Invoice Submission Portal. ZRE is a web portal that allows suppliers and service providers to send electronic invoices to federal entities.
ZUGFeRD is a hybrid e-invoicing format that includes human-readable (PDF/A-3) and machine-interpretable invoice data. It’s based on XML, allowing invoices to be sent as attachments or embedded within an email.
ZUGFeRD meets the requirements of the European standard (EN 16931).
XRechnung is a standard for electronic invoicing that the German government accepted in late 2020. It was devised as a standard for converting invoice information into an XML data file, serving as an e-invoice.
XRechnung also meets the requirements of the European standard (EN 16931).
B2G e-invoicing has been mandated at a national level since mid-2019, meaning that all Member State government agencies must be able to receive and manage electronic invoices.
Elsewhere, here’s the timeline for B2B e-invoicing in the country:
From January 2025, all German taxpayers must be able to receive electronic invoices from their suppliers.
From January 2027, all German taxpayers with an annual turnover of over EUR 800,000 must issue electronic invoices.
From January 2028, all German taxpayers must issue and receive electronic invoices.
When transacting with federal contracting authorities, you should send an electronic invoice through the relevant state’s individual transmission platform.
Setting up e-invoicing in Germany with Sovos
B2B e-invoicing has yet to be implemented in Germany, but it provides yet another obligation for organisations to meet once it is. Then, consider the other countries where you do business and the stages they may be at in their tax digitization journeys.
One solution is to pay attention to evolving mandates and regulations everywhere you operate. The more freeing solution is to appoint a single tax compliance partner, like Sovos, to do the busy work for you.
Trusted by the world’s best companies, including half the Fortune 500, Sovos’ solutions provide global compliance through local expertise.
Electronic invoicing is mandatory for B2G supplies and optional for B2B and B2C supplies.
However, the Greek authorities are on the way to implementing a nationwide B2B e-invoicing mandate as part of the e-invoicing reform. The reform started in 2020 with the roll-out of the country’s e-audit scheme called myDATA.
E-invoicing requirements across B2G, B2B and B2C transactions vary, making it a demanding task to stay on top of compliance with the country’s e-invoicing regulations. This page details the current status quo and will be updated as changes are enforced – be sure to bookmark it and revisit it to stay compliant.
E-invoicing through an accredited e-invoicing service provider
Network
PEPPOL
Format of e-invoice
EN-compliant, PEPPOL BIS 3.0 (Greek CIUS)
eSignature Requirement
N/A
Archiving Requirement
5 years
Greece B2B e-invoicing
E-invoicing/CTC Type
Post-audit/Voluntary CTC e-invoicing (via an accredited e-invoicing service provider)
Network
Exchange not regulated (unless CTC e-invoicing is used)
Format of e-invoice
E-invoice format not regulated (EN-compliant, if CTC e-invoicing is used)
eSignature Requirement
N/A
Archiving Requirement
5 years
Greece B2C e-invoicing
Greece does not have a mandate for e-invoicing as far as B2C transactions are concerned. Fiscal devices currently used for issuing compliant invoices for B2C sales must follow new technical requirements for the connection and real-time reporting of B2C sales data to the myDATA platform (new generation online tax mechanisms).
E-Invoicing regulations in Greece
In Greece, there are several regulations relating to electronic invoicing. The regulations include:
The transposition of Directive 2014/55/EU mandates the government sector to receive electronic invoices.
Joint Ministerial Decision No. 52445 ΕΞ/2023, mandating the use of e-invoices for all sales made to the government.
Joint Ministerial Decision no. 63446/2021 (as amended by Joint Ministerial Decision no. 31781ΕΞ2022/2022), specifies the e-invoice format for B2G transactions which is compliant with the European standard (EN 16931).
The Ministerial Decision No. 1017/2020 specifies the e-invoice format for B2B transactions in the nation.
The Ministerial Decision No. A.1035/2020 dictates rules and regulations for accredited e-invoicing service providers.
Timeline: B2G e-invoicing adoption in Greece
The tax authority has rolled out the B2G e-invoicing mandate in phases. The mandate covers most public contracts, from defense to general supplies and services. The gradual implementation has been concluded according to the following calendar:
As of 12 September 2023: suppliers to some major government agencies (e.g. Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Digital Transformation, Ministry of Migration and Asylum, etc.).
As of 1 January 2024: suppliers to all central government agencies.
From 1 June 2024: suppliers to all other government authorities.
From 1 January 2025: other government expenses must be invoiced electronically (outside the scope of public procurement contracts)
1 July, 2030: Greek VAT-registered businesses must comply with VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) requirements, which include mandatory e-invoicing and digital reporting for Intra-Community B2B transactions.
Format of an e-invoice in Greece
Governments implement electronic invoices to simplify and standardise the transmission of data in transactions, and Greece is no different. The e-invoice format in B2G transactions is based on the European standard for e-invoicing (EN 16931) and PEPPOL BIS Billing 3.0.
The format of a B2B e-invoice in Greece is not regulated and largely falls in line with the obligations of the EU VAT Directive. Invoices must include information such as:
Issuance date
Date of supply
Supplier’s VAT number
Names and addresses of both supplier and customer
Full description and quantities of goods
Net taxable value
VAT rate and amount
CTC e-invoicing via an accredited e-invoicing service provider for B2B transactions is voluntary. While Greece has yet to implement a nationwide B2B mandate, it has a set standard and format for taxpayers who issue e-invoices voluntarily. The e-invoice must be in a structured format compliant with the European standard.
Process of B2G e-invoicing in Greece
If you do business with a public sector entity in Greece, you must issue invoices electronically. Doing so requires you to follow a set process:
Prepare the e-invoice data and send it to the accredited e-invoicing service provider.
The e-invoicing service provider validates the invoice data before submitting it, using the respective services of the National Interoperability Center (KED), which is responsible for receiving all e-invoices by suppliers through the PEPPOL network.
The e-invoicing service provider reports certain invoice data in a structured format and according to specific technical specifications to the myDATA platform for clearance and receives back a unique registration number (MARK).
The e-invoicing service provider prepares the e-invoice based on the European standard, according to the Joint Ministerial Decision no. 63446/2021 (as amended by Joint Ministerial Decision no. 31781ΕΞ2022/2022).
The e-invoicing service provider submits the e-invoice to the Access Point of the National Interoperability Center through the PEPPOL network.
The National Interoperability Center receives and validates the e-invoice according to the European standard and national rules for e-invoicing.
The National Interoperability Center routes the e-invoice to the competent contracting authority.
The competent contracting authority handles the e-invoice according to their internal procurement and payment process.
Upon receipt of the e-invoice, the contracting authority sends a response message regarding the status of the e-invoice back to the supplier through the National Interoperability Centre and his e-invoicing service provider.
Benefits of using e-invoicing in Greece
Greece provides incentives for using CTC e-invoicing through accredited service providers, as per Law 4701/2020, for the 2020-2024 tax years.
These incentives include a reduction of the statute of limitation for fiscal matters by two years and a depreciation of twice the cost incurred for acquiring technical equipment and software required to implement electronic invoicing.
Implementing e-invoicing can also be beneficial by automating and standardising your processes, reducing the chance of clerical errors and freeing up resources.
Future of e-invoicing in Greece
Following the steps of other EU countries, Greece has applied for an authorization from the EU to implement a country-wide B2B domestic e-invoicing mandate. The country is close to receiving this derogation, with the final approval from the Council of the EU still pending.
According to the EU Commission’s proposal for the derogation decision, Greece would be able to introduce mandatory B2B e-invoicing as early as July 2025. The mandate will target Greek established businesses and will function alongside the existing myDATA e-audit obligation.
The Greek government has not yet announced the official deadlines or regulatory framework for its upcoming B2B e-invoicing mandate, but this is now only a matter of time.
As many European countries seek to digitize their tax systems to increase transparency for tax authorities and reduce the VAT gap – Greece is moving in this same direction with changes on the horizon.
Additional obligations for VAT compliance in Greece
Electronic invoicing and myDATA are important obligations for taxpayers in Greece to be aware of, but there are more compliance needs that many need to meet.
Consider the evolving nature of tax regulations. The number of obligations and the chance of change make meeting your obligations an ongoing, demanding task.
It’s vital that you are aware of what applies to your organisation, and how to stay on top of your requirements. Find out more about Greece VAT compliance through our dedicated overview, and bookmark the page to stay updated on any regulatory updates.
Electronic invoicing is mandatory for B2G supplies, as of September 2023, and optional for B2B and B2C supplies. However, invoice data for B2B, B2G and B2C supplies, and other accounting data must be reported to the myDATA platform.
Greece has requested EU authorization to implement mandatory domestic B2B e-invoicing, still pending final approval. If approved, implementation would be possible from July 2025.
Since 2021, companies established in Greece have been required to electronically report accounting data through the myDATA system. MyDATA is mandatory for all taxpayers subject to Greek accounting rules.
Greece’s myDATA is a reporting obligation of ledger-type data, and it is not to be confused with e-invoicing as it doesn’t require invoices to be issued and exchanged in electronic form.
Greece mandates e-invoices in B2G transactions and allows for invoices in B2B/B2C transactions to be issued and exchanged on paper or electronically, following the standard e-invoicing rules of the EU VAT Directive or the voluntary CTC e-invoicing scheme.
How Sovos can help
Sovos’ Compliance Cloud is a complete platform for tax compliance and regulatory reporting. The platform provides one place to identify, determine and report on global tax obligations, including those in Greece.
Get in touch with us
Related resources
Stay on top of the tax transformation with these resources.
Turkey was an early adopter of electronic invoicing when considering the global landscape of tax digitization. As part of its larger e-Transformation initiative, the country mandated e-invoicing in 2014.
Understanding the complexities of Turkey e-invoicing and its other electronic systems can be challenging, however, and that’s why this page exists. Be sure to avoid penalties for non-compliance by exploring this mandate overview – and bookmark the page to ensure you are always on top of any regulatory changes.
Want to speak to a tax expert? Get in touch with our compliance team.
Fiscal stamp or qualified electronic signature required
Archiving Requirement
10 years
Turkey B2G e-invoicing
CTC Type
E-invoice clearance with two-way application
Network
GIB portal
Format
UBL-TR 1.2
eSignature Requirement
Fiscal stamp or qualified electronic signature required
Archiving Requirement
10 years
Who needs e-invoicing in Turkey?
The scope that mandates e-invoicing usage in Turkey has evolved over time. Considering the cost of non-compliance, it is important to know if you fall under the requirements of the regulation.
Companies with turnovers exceeding TRY 3 million are required to use electronic invoices, though there are also sector-based parameters for the mandate that ignore the turnover threshold. This turnover exception includes:
Companies licensed by the Turkish Energy Market Regulatory Authority
Middlemen or merchants that trade fruits or vegetables
Online service providers that facilitate online trade
Importers and dealers
How to issue an e-invoice?
Before getting started with issuing and receiving electronic invoices in Turkey, taxpayers are required to register on the tax authority’s GIB portal. They need their Vergi Kimlik Numarasi – a 10-digit tax identification number – for a successful registration.
Once registered, taxpayers have a few options for issuing electronic invoices. They can either use the GIB portal, integrate the portal with their own internal applications or use a vendor like Sovos (which has its own Turkey e-invoice solution).
What are the benefits of e-invoicing in Turkey?
Besides the fact that e-invoicing is mandatory for many businesses and all public administrations in Turkey, there are several benefits of invoicing electronically.
Cost-saving: Reducing paper, postage and manual labour saves money
Time-saving: Using structured, automated electronic systems and processes saves time
Compatibility: The universal format of e-invoices and systems increases interoperability
Security: The automation, validation and authentication of e-invoices maintain integrity
Legal requirements for an e-invoice in Turkey
The e-invoice mandate in Turkey requires taxpayers to include specific information on electronic invoices. These requirements include:
Invoice date
Invoice reference number
Description and specification of goods and services delivered
Total net amount and gross amount for the order
Supplier details (name, address, tax ID, etc)
E-invoices are required to be secured with an eSignature. Individuals must use a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES), a more secure version of an electronic signature.
From September 2023, it will also be mandatory to include a QR code on electronic invoices (as well as other electronic document types).
E-invoicing software
E-invoicing software allows you to create and send electronic invoices online. Solutions need to meet the specifications set forth by the Turkish Revenue Authority, either integrating into your existing system or serving as a cloud platform.
Sovos’ e-invoice compliance solution allows customers to meet their compliance requirements, both in Turkey and globally. If you are part of an international organisation, our platform allows you to stay compliant wherever you do business.
The future of e-invoicing
Turkey is well ahead of most when it comes to the digitization of its tax system. This includes utilising electronic invoices, with the country mandating the use of e-invoices for specific companies on 1 April 2014. Find out more about Turkey’s e-Transformation.
That said, tax digitization is still developing globally. In the EU, the VAT in the Digital Age initiative aims to digitize tax across the region. If passed, this proposal could produce major changes to how businesses operate across the European Union – including using e-invoices and digital reporting.
The rapid yet fragmented digitization of tax worldwide only increases the importance of working with a global compliance partner like Sovos. It’s vital to take a long-term view when dealing with compliance.
Additional obligations for VAT compliance in Turkey
Turkey has a vast digital tax system comprised of many electronic systems and documents. It stepped up its tax system in 2012 with its e-Transformation initiative and produced a host of potential compliance requirements for taxpayers.
As well as e-invoicing, there are other related requirements organisations must be aware of. These include:
Turkey e-invoicing is a mandate that requires certain taxpayers to issue and receive invoices electronically. According to the TRA’s regulations, taxpayers with annual revenue of over 3 million TL must register in the e-invoicing system.
Within the scope of the communiqué published by the Revenue Administration; as of July 1, 2022
Taxpayers with a turnover of 5 million TL for the 2018, 2019 and 2020 accounting periods, 4 million TL for the 2021 accounting period and 3 million TL or more for the 2022 and subsequent accounting periods,
Service providers who have a gross sales revenue of 1 Million TL for 2020 or 2021 account periods, 500 thousand TL or more for 2022 and subsequent account periods;
Service providers who provide electronic commerce environment for the execution of commercial activities on the internet to mediate the purchase, sale, rental or distribution of goods or services,
Owners or operators of websites that publish advertisements related to the sale or rental of real estate, motor vehicle vehicles belonging to real and legal persons on the internet, and internet advertising service agents who are engaged in mediating the publication of advertisements on the internet,
Those who have a gross sales revenue of 1 Million TL for the 2020 or 2021 account periods, 500 thousand TL or more for the 2022 and subsequent accounting periods;
Those who sell goods or services on their own or their intermediary service providers’ websites or any other electronic environment,
Taxpayers who have a gross sales revenue of 1 Million TL for the 2020 or 2021 accounting periods, 500 thousand TL or more for the 2022 and subsequent accounting periods
Those who make real estate and/or motor vehicle, construction, manufacturing, purchase, sale or rental transactions and taxpayers who are in mediatory activities for these transactions,
Hotel businesses that provide accommodation services by obtaining investment and/or operating certificates from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and municipalities, which have a gross sales revenue of 1 million TL for 2020 or 2021 accounting periods, 500,000 TL or more for 2022 and subsequent accounting periods, must switch to e-invoice.
Also:
EMRA licensed taxpayers in the list numbered ÖTV I (Special Consumption Tax),
Taxpayers who manufacture, build, and import the goods in the list numbered ÖTV III,
Taxpayers who trade fruits and vegetables as brokers or traders,
Health service providers who have signed a contract with the Social Security Institution and all taxpayers who supply medical materials and drugs/active substances (hospitals, medical centers, branch centers, dialysis centers, other specialized treatment centers licensed from the Ministry of Health, diagnosis, examination and imaging centers, laboratories, pharmacies, medical device and material suppliers, optician institutions, hearing center, spas, private law legal entities that offer and/or produce human medical products/products and their branches that do not have legal personality, pharmaceutical warehouses, etc.) also have to use e-Invoice.
The cancellation and return process of an e-invoice is the same as the paper invoices when viewed technically. However, in practice, some processes vary.
Find out more about cancelling and refunding electronic invoices in Turkey.
After switching to the e-invoice application, you cannot issue a paper invoice for e-invoice users. After switching to the e-invoice system, the option period granted to you is limited to seven days. During this time, you can continue to issue paper invoices.
Failure to comply with Turkey’s e-invoicing mandate may result in a financial penalty which equates to 10% of the value of the missed electronic invoice(s) in question. The maximum amount a taxpayer can be penalised in a year changes annually. Currently, the maximum is TRY 1,700,000.
Direct Integration: Businesses can prepare their own computing infrastructures within the framework of the infrastructure and quality certifications specified by the Revenue Administration Department with technical guidelines. They can carry out their processes with their own infrastructures that work integrated with the GIB.
GİB Portal: The application can be used by entering invoices through the Revenue Administration Portal served by the Revenue Administration.
Special Integratorship: Companies such as Sovos, which have received a special integrator permission from the Revenue Administration, can be easily started by quickly switching to the e-Invoice application.
It is very easy to use e-invoices with Sovos. If taxpayers who will electronically invoice with the special integrator method prefer the Sovos solution, they are given all kinds of support for an easy transition to e-invoice.
Unlike the GİB Portal method, there is no additional process required for e-invoice backup and storage with Sovos. If taxpayers who use e-invoice with the private integrator method prefer the Sovos solution, all incoming and outgoing invoices are stored securely in our developed infrastructure without paying an additional fee. (This retention is provided retrospectively for 10 years during the period of being a Sovos customer.)
Being obliged to use the e-invoice application within the framework of the conditions determined by the Revenue Administration is a term used for taxpayers. The regulations made regarding these conditions and limitations are announced by the notifications published by the GIB at regular intervals. In this context, many companies become e-invoice taxpayers within the scope of these requirements.
After switching to the e-Invoice application, you cannot issue a paper invoice for e-invoice users. After switching to the system, you are granted an option period of seven days. During this time, you can continue to issue paper invoices.
Since e-invoices are subject to the same provisions as paper invoices, the provision valid for paper invoices in Article 231 of Tax Procedure Law (VUK) No. 213 also applies to e-invoices. Accordingly, the issuance period for e-invoices is determined as seven days. According to the article, e-invoices must be created on the system and forwarded to the recipient within seven days.
Companies using SAP can benefit from Sovos’ SAP Packages for an end-to-end e-Transformation solution and start using the product without additional integration. Companies that use other ERP/Accounting Software can use their products without additional integration with the Sovos ERP Adapter solution. In integration situations where the Sovos Adapter is not covered, companies can use the Sovos API Documents to integrate with the Sovos APIs. They can access and start integration via https://api.fitbulut.com/servis/#/eInvoice.
The management of e-invoices that come with the Sovos solution is in your hands. Thanks to our user-friendly interface, you can easily access the invoice you want and archive the invoices you make transactions with in a few clicks. In addition, by providing increased control over certain invoices with the colour, display and business rules you will determine on the invoices; you can facilitate the invoice management processes of your users.
E-invoices are issued and received only between taxpayers who fall under e-invoicing obligations. The recipient and the sender must be registered in the GİB e-invoice application.
You can check whether your customer is registered on the electronic invoice from the e-Invoice-registered users list of the Revenue Administration. As another method, a query is made with VKN/TCKN from the e-invoice-registered user inquiry screens from the portal.
According to the Tax Procedure Law, the invoice must be issued within seven days from the date of service or delivery of the goods. It is possible to retroactively issue e-invoices if the seven-day period rule is followed. Technically, the portal has no restrictions.
No changes can be made to the e-invoice sent. In this case, a new electronic invoice is created upon the rejection of the invoice from the other side. Cancellation and refund transactions vary in basic e-invoicing and commercial e-invoicing scenarios.
How to be compliant with Sovos
Sovos has software that was built specifically to help customers meet their e-invoicing obligations in Turkey. Whether you integrate it into your system or use our cloud platform, it speeds up processes and provides immediate clarity for the status of your invoices.
As well as your organisation’s need to meet requirements in Turkey, the global tax digitization continues. If you operate internationally or plan to do so in the future, it’s becoming increasingly important to choose a compliance partner that monitors regulatory changes around the world. This is where Sovos steps in.
Organisations of all shapes and sizes trust Sovos with tax – including e-invoicing compliance – allowing them to focus more time and energy on their core business.
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