The transition to the digital world has brought numerous changes in many sectors, and taxation is no exception. The transformation from paper invoicing to electronic invoicing is progressing gradually across Europe, driven by the growing need for efficiency, precision and environmentally friendly practices. Here is a summary of the upcoming dates for the implementation of electronic invoicing in different European countries.
Spain
Spain is at the forefront of adopting electronic invoicing, with its public sector requiring electronic invoices since 2015. However, the Spanish Tax Agency has recently announced an important change to extend the obligation to all B2B transactions. The new requirement, called TicketBai, has been gradually implemented in different regions, starting with the Basque Country and Navarra in January 2022, where it is already mandatory.
Italy
Italy took a significant step towards electronic invoicing in 2019, when it made electronic invoicing mandatory for all domestic transactions. The country will expand this requirement in 2022 with the introduction of electronic invoicing for all B2B and B2C transactions. The Italian Tax Agency established deadlines according to the size of the companies, with the largest companies required to comply first, starting from January 1, 2022.
France
France has been quite proactive in implementing electronic invoicing. The country is gradually transitioning to mandatory electronic invoicing from 2023 to 2025. Large companies with more than 5,000 employees must make the switch to electronic invoicing starting January 1, 2023. Midsize businesses will continue in 2024, while small businesses will have until January 1, 2025 to comply. Additionally, they require all companies using electronic invoicing in B2B transactions to do so through the Portail Public de Facturación (PPF) managed by the state, or through a PDP to manage their electronic invoices. At Brait, we are partners with the leading PDPs in France.
Germany
Germany is taking a different approach by gradually implementing e-invoicing, requiring public sector providers to send electronic invoices for contracts exceeding €1,000 as of November 27, 2020. However, the extension of this requirement to mandatory private sector transactions has not been officially announced, with the voluntary period starting in January 2025.
UK
Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, its approach to e-invoicing is worth mentioning. Currently, e-invoicing is not mandatory in the UK, but the government is interested in promoting it, especially in the public sector. The government has also announced plans to launch a new initiative, the “Procurement Bill”, which will require electronic invoicing in all public sector contracts.
In conclusion, the transition to electronic invoicing is a continuous process across Europe. Deadlines and requirements vary by country, and companies that operate in multiple jurisdictions must be kept up to date to ensure compliance.
With the undeniable benefits of greater efficiency, speed and accuracy, electronic invoicing is destined to revolutionize the way companies manage their finances in the digital age, and at Brait, we want to help you with our Invictia electronic invoice. Invictia is the perfect solution for all of a company's financial processes because, in addition to complying with mandatory electronic invoicing requirements, it also automates invoice management.
If you want more information about Electronic Invoicing in Europe, don't hesitate to contact us.
