E-Invoicing & E-Reporting developments in the news in week 51/2024

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HIGHLIGHTS

Australia/ New Zealand – November 2024 release of A-NZ Peppol v1.0.12 and PINT A-NZ Billing v1.1.0
- Peppol Specifications Update: Peppol Authorities released the A-NZ Invoice and Self-Billing specifications v1.0.12 and PINT A-NZ v1.1.0 in November 2024, with mandatory adoption from March 10, 2025, aligning with Peppol BIS Billing v3.0.18.
- Effective Dates: The changes to BIS Billing v3.0.18 and validation documents will be mandatory from February 17, 2025, while updates to A-NZ Invoice and PINT A-NZ specifications will be effective from March 10, 2025.
- New Compliance Rules: New rules for sender/receiver identifiers in Peppol Business Message Envelope (SBDH) were introduced, and support for the Busdox Document Type Identifier Scheme was removed, transitioning to the Wildcard Document Type Identifier Scheme upon the enforcement of Peppol Policy v4.3.0.
Bulgaria plans to introduce mandatory SAF-T requirement from 2026
- Introduction of SAF-T Obligation: The draft State Budget Act for 2025 mandates Bulgarian businesses to submit standard audit files (SAF-T) starting in 2026, impacting nearly all enterprises, with exceptions for micro-enterprises.
- Implementation Timeline: The SAF-T requirement will be phased in from 2026 to 2030, beginning with large enterprises in 2026, followed by medium and small enterprises based on specific revenue thresholds in subsequent years.
- Submission Details: SAF-T files must be submitted electronically with a qualified electronic signature. Monthly submissions of economic activity data and accounting records are due by the 14th of the following month, while inventory and fixed asset data will be submitted annually. A six-month grace period is provided for the first submission.
European Union – ViDA Initiative Drives Digitalization with E-Invoicing Pilot and Electronic VAT Certificates
- Launch of OpenPeppol’s ViDA Pilot: OpenPeppol initiated a pilot program in December 2024 to test the 5-corner model for e-invoicing and digital reporting requirements under the ViDA framework, involving 101 participants including tax authorities and businesses, with results expected to guide effective ViDA implementation by Q2 2026.
- Introduction of Electronic VAT Exemption Certificates: The EU Commission announced a digital VAT exemption certificate on December 10, 2024, replacing paper certificates to streamline tax processes in cross-border transactions, with a transitional phase allowing both formats until the compulsory implementation period from 2031-2032.
- Commitment to Digital Taxation: Both initiatives reflect the EU’s aim to modernize tax processes, enhancing efficiency and compliance for businesses and tax authorities, while reducing administrative burdens and facilitating seamless cross-border transactions.
France – OpenPeppol to Act as Interim Peppol Authority for France’s e-Invoicing
- Approval of Key Decisions: The OpenPeppol Managing Committee approved Internal Regulations Part II, which sets a standardized foundation for the Peppol Network. OpenPeppol will act as the interim Peppol Authority for France starting January 1, 2025, overseeing post-award services and capability lookups while the French government establishes a permanent authority.
- Transitional Measures: To ensure a smooth transition, OpenPeppol will establish a Change Management Board and a French Service Provider Forum to maintain French specifications and address national requirements. OpenPeppol will fulfill all obligations typically assumed by a Peppol Authority under the PA Agreement.
- Strengthening Security: A mandatory Information Security Survey for all Service Provider Members has been introduced to assess the implications of mandating ISO/IEC 27001 certification. This aims to enhance security standards and ensure trust within the Peppol ecosystem.
Ivory Coast – The electronic standardized invoice comes into force in January 2025
- Introduction of Electronic Standardized Invoice: The General Directorate of Taxes (DGI) announced that the electronic standardized invoice will be implemented starting January 2025.
- Legislative Framework: The relevant law for the electronic standardized invoice has already been voted on and is awaiting promulgation, with a ministerial decree to outline the implementation stages and a planned transitional period not exceeding the first quarter of 2025.
- Transition from Traditional System: The traditional invoicing system will gradually phase out, with simplified processes for large companies, while small companies may face more complex challenges during the transition.
- Certification through FNE Platform: Companies will retain their usual practices while certifying electronically issued invoices via a platform known as the FNE platform, which will integrate all elements of the paper version into the electronic format.
Senegal’s Move Towards e-Invoicing: A Key Element of the 2025 Finance Bill
- Introduction of Electronic Standardized Invoice: The General Directorate of Taxes (DGI) announced that the electronic standardized invoice will be implemented starting January 2025, as discussed during an event organized by the European Chamber of Commerce in Côte d’Ivoire (EUROCHAM).
- Legislative Framework: The relevant law for the electronic standardized invoice has already been voted on and is awaiting promulgation, with a ministerial decree to outline the implementation stages and a planned transitional period not exceeding the first quarter of 2025.
- Transition from Traditional System: The traditional invoicing system will gradually phase out, with simplified processes for large companies, while small companies may face more complex challenges during the transition.
- Certification through FNE Platform: Companies will retain their usual practices while certifying electronically issued invoices via a platform known as the FNE platform, which will integrate all elements of the paper version into the electronic format.