Belgium has approved a draft law for mandatory B2B e-invoicing, with implementation set for 2026. The law has not yet been released and approved, but it is expected to happen in the next few days or weeks. This move towards mandatory e-invoicing is part of Belgium’s efforts to streamline its tax administration and combat tax evasion. By requiring businesses to use electronic invoices, the government aims to reduce the administrative burden and improve tax compliance.
Estonia is also considering adopting countrywide e-invoicing after 2025. The Estonian government has been actively promoting digitalization and e-governance, and implementing e-invoicing would be another step towards achieving these goals. By digitizing invoicing processes, Estonia aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance transparency in business transactions.
In France, the mandatory e-invoicing mandate, known as CTC, is set to start on September 1, 2026. From that date, all taxpayers will be required to be able to receive e-invoices. Large and medium-sized companies must also issue e-invoices and do e-reporting by this deadline. However, small enterprises have until September 1, 2027, to comply. It is worth noting that the timeline may be postponed by one quarter without Parliament’s approval. The French tax authorities are expected to reopen the application to join the pilot phase, with the pilot phase scheduled to start in 2025. This phased approach allows businesses to gradually transition to e-invoicing and ensures a smoother implementation process.
Germany and Greece are also taking steps to enforce tax measures and promote e-invoicing adoption. The Greek Parliament recently passed Law 5073/2023, which aims to combat tax evasion. The law includes provisions for fines and tax deductions, as well as incentives for voluntary e-invoicing. Starting from December 11, 2023, taxpayers who comply with MyDATA regulations by electronically transmitting related documents to AADE will benefit from tax deductions and deductible expenses. Non-compliance with MyDATA requirements will result in penalties, with fines reaching up to 250 Euros per document. Greece is also in discussions with the EU Commission for a B2B e-invoicing mandate, indicating a broader push for e-invoicing adoption in the country.
Italy is another country that is making e-invoicing mandatory for all taxpayers from January 1, 2024. This move is part of Italy’s efforts to combat tax evasion and improve tax compliance. By requiring all taxpayers to use electronic invoices, the government aims to reduce the risk of fraud and enhance the efficiency of tax administration.
In Kenya, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has set a deadline of January 1, 2024, for businesses to generate electronic invoices via the electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS). This initiative is aimed at improving tax compliance and reducing the risk of tax evasion. By implementing e-invoicing, the KRA hopes to enhance transparency and streamline tax administration processes.
Romania has published a guide on the use of its national electronic invoicing system, RO e-Invoice. The guide provides instructions and information on how to use the system effectively. By providing this guidance, Romania aims to facilitate the adoption of e-invoicing and ensure businesses can navigate the system with ease.
The Spanish tax authority has released specifications for VERI*FACTU certified billing systems. These specifications outline the requirements and standards that billing systems must meet to be certified by VERI*FACTU. By certifying billing systems, the Spanish tax authority aims to ensure the authenticity and integrity of electronic invoices, enhancing trust and reliability in e-invoicing processes.
Lastly, Uruguay has extended its VAT e-invoicing deadlines through a new resolution. The resolution provides businesses with additional time to comply with the e-invoicing requirements. This extension aims to alleviate the burden on businesses and allow them more time to implement the necessary systems and processes for e-invoicing.
Overall, these developments highlight the global trend towards e-invoicing adoption. Governments around the world are recognizing the benefits of electronic invoicing, such as improved efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced tax compliance. As more countries implement mandatory e-invoicing requirements, businesses will need to adapt and embrace digitalization to stay compliant and competitive in the evolving business landscape.
