Hungary’s tax penalty consequences of non-compliance with tax requirements are governed by the Act on Rules of Taxation.
The law outlines a range of sanctions for non-compliance, including tax penalties, default penalties, late payment interest and self-revision fees. This blog will provide an overview of each sanction and summarise recent changes in this area.
Types of sanctions in Hungary for non-compliance
In Hungary, there are four types of payable sanctions for not complying with tax rules. While most of these sanctions are imposed by the Tax Authority, the self-revision fee is calculated and settled through self-declaration.
Tax penalty
A tax penalty is imposed as a result of an audit when the Tax Authority identifies a tax shortfall during an inspection. The standard rate is 50% of the unpaid tax, but it can increase to 200% in some cases.
Default fine
A default fine is a sanction that the tax authority may apply in case of a breach or failure to comply with tax obligations specified in legislation regarding taxes and budgetary subsidies. Most default fines are determined as fixed fees rather than a percentage. The law determines the maximum amount of this fine. The Tax Authority has the discretional right to levy it in the maximum amount, decrease it, or void it.
The amount that the Tax Authority can levy depends on the type of non-compliance and the taxpayer’s status, i.e., whether it is an entity or an individual taxpayer. For example, a default penalty can be levied for missed or late submission of a tax return.
Late Payment Interest (LPI)
LPI is charged when tax liabilities are not paid on time. The interest is calculated daily, and the rate is based on the central bank’s base rate plus five percentage points divided by 365. The Tax Office determines and assesses the amount of LPI.
Self-Revision Fee (SRF)
A Self-Revision Fee (SRF) applies when taxpayers voluntarily amend their tax returns to report a higher amount than initially declared. The SRF is calculated at a rate equivalent to the prime rate. In cases where the same return is revised multiple times, the applicable rate is increased by 50%.
The SRF must be calculated and self-declared simultaneously with the revised tax liability.
The severity of sanctions and applicable settlement rules vary based on the so-called qualification of the taxpayers. Taxpayers are categorised into three groups: Reliable, Neutral and Risky. Reliable taxpayers benefit from more lenient treatment, including reduced default penalties, whereas risky taxpayers are subject to stricter sanctions. For neutral taxpayers, standard penalty levels apply by default.
Changes to Hungary’s tax penalty regime
Recent changes to Hungary’s tax penalty regime include the following.
Increase in default fine
The Hungarian government doubled certain penalty amounts from 1 August 2024:
For individuals, the maximum default penalty increased from HUF 200,000 to HUF 400,000
For legal entities, it rose from HUF 500,000 to HUF 1,000,000
Late Payment Interest (LPI) changes
Effective from 1 January 2025, there were changes in:
Calculation method The payable LPI is calculated monthly. Previously, it was annually.
Payment date Previously, the due date was 15th November of the following year.
Based on the new rules for 2024, the LPI was payable by 31 March 2025. For the months of January to March, LPI is assessed in April and is payable by 22 April (as 20 April 2025 is a public holiday). From April 2025 onwards, LPI is levied and accounted for monthly on the taxpayers’ tax accounts and payable by the 20th of the following month.
Rounding rules Late payment interest should be paid without rounding in HUF.
Notification The Tax Office will not send notifications going forward on the amount of the payable LPI, although one will still be sent once the payment threshold has been reached. LPI will be booked on the tax account, and it should be settled monthly without notification. As a transitional rule, the notifications were sent out by the Tax Office for 2024.
Despite the change in the calculation method, no changes were made regarding the threshold under which LPI is not payable. This amount remained HUF 5,000 annually.
The Hungarian Tax Office issued a notification about the changes in LPI settlement on 11 April 2025 and published the corresponding guidance on its website on 3 February 2025.
Take Action
For further information about tax compliance in Hungary and beyond, contact Sovos’ team of experts today.
As indirect taxes (sales tax, VAT, GST) continue to play an increasingly vital role in global economies, tax authorities are modernizing their processes to improve efficiency and oversight. This evolving landscape presents businesses with both new opportunities and complex challenges when it comes to maintaining compliance.
Join Sovos expert Christiaan Van der Valk as he highlights five key trends in Indirect Tax Digitization, offering valuable insights into how businesses can adapt to the shifting regulatory environment. You will also learn strategies for staying compliant and ahead of the curve in this rapidly changing space.
We will cover:
The shifting landscape of indirect tax and its growing significance.
The five key trends business leaders must take into consideration when developing their tax and compliance strategy
How to develop a long-term plan and stay ahead
We hope to see you there!
Denmark E-invoicing
Denmark has mandated the use of electronic invoices, though not in all contexts, since 2005 – making it an early adopter of the technology. E-invoicing is required for suppliers of goods and services when conducting business with public entities (B2G).
There is no e-invoicing mandate for B2B transactions, however. This page provides an overview of the state of electronic invoicing in Denmark. Be sure to bookmark it to stay updated on future regulatory changes.
There is no e-invoicing mandate for B2B transactions in Denmark.
However, in May 2022, Denmark adopted the new Danish Bookkeeping under which Danish registered businesses or foreign companies with permanent establishments that have accounting obligations in Denmark are required to adopt digital bookkeeping systems compliant with the new regulations.
According to the new regulations, taxpayers in scope must use Digital Bookkeeping Systems capable of generating, receiving and storing electronic invoices in the Peppol BIS and OIOUBL (the Danish-specific version of the UBL) formats.
Businesses in Denmark can choose a digital bookkeeping system registered with the Danish Business Authority – which indicates it complies with the new Digital Bookkeeping Act). If a business opts to use a digital bookkeeping system that is not registered, it falls on them to ensure their systems meet the requirements according to the new Danish Bookkeeping Act.
The requirement to use compliant digital bookkeeping systems was introduced in a phased timeline:
2024 – Large taxpayers (defined as those who are required to submit annual financial statements) who choose to use a standard registered bookkeeping system (ERP) must ensure their bookkeeping system is certified by the Danish authorities
2025 – Large taxpayers (defined as those who are required to submit annual financial statements) choosing to use a specially designed or foreign bookkeeping systems must ensure that their system is compliant
2026 – Personally owned companies with an annual net turnover of more than DKK 300,000 in two consecutive years (e.g. 2024 and 2025) must ensure that their system is compliant
B2G e-invoicing in Denmark
In Denmark, sending and receiving electronic invoices is mandatory for B2G transactions. This means that suppliers of goods and services to public authorities and institutions must issue invoices electronically—either in the Peppol or national OIOUBL format.
The Danish government mandates using its NemHandel platform for sending and receiving e-invoices in a B2G context.
The use of Peppol in Denmark
Peppol is widespread in Denmark, serving as one of the two accepted means of formatting an electronic invoice. It’s said that 99% of B2G invoices in the country are electronic, and now the focus is improving the uptake of e-invoices in B2B transactions – which is not mandated.
The Danish Business Authority (ERST) is the nation’s Peppol Authority. This means it is responsible for registering companies that want to become a Peppol Access point or Service Metadata Provider (SMP), reporting, representing Denmark’s interests regarding Peppol and other related administrative efforts.
Follow Denmark’s e-invoicing journey with these key dates.
2005: Suppliers to public entities are required to issue invoices electronically
2017: Denmark integrates its e-invoicing system NemHandel with Peppol
18 April 2019: Public entities must be able to receive and process e-invoices to the European standard (EN-16931)
19 May 2022: Danish parliament passes law to introduce requirements for a digital bookkeeping system
1 July 2024 – The new Digital Bookkeeping Act requirements become applicable
Setting up e-invoicing in Denmark with Sovos
Complying with the tax requirements of one country can be tough; never mind multinational compliance everywhere you do business. Add e-invoicing requirements to that mix, and it can take up a lot of time and headspace in your organisation.
Sovos is your ideal compliance partner for wherever you do business: a single vendor for all of your tax requirements that frees you up to focus on what truly matters to you.
Contact us today to learn more about how Sovos can help.
Issuing electronic invoices is mandatory in Denmark for B2G transactions (suppliers of goods or services to public authorities and institutions), but there is no mandate for B2B e-invoicing in the country.
Digital bookkeeping systems must be able to issue, send, receive and store e-invoices in both the Peppol BIS and OIOUBL (the Danish-specific version of the UBL) formats.
This webinar will deepen your understanding of cross-border transactions within SAP. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of VAT or seeking to enhance SAP’s capabilities, this session will provide you with actionable insights and strategies to optimise your processes.
Join us on 30 April for our next VAT Snapshot webinar where we’ll be taking a look at the latest e-invoicing updates across 10 countries: Greece, France, Belgium, Malaysia, Philippines, Portugal, Angola, Israel, Slovenia and Croatia.
Join Sovos at Factuurcongres®, where digital transformation and EU regulations take centre stage. Discover the latest trends, connect with peers and explore smart solutions to optimise your financial processes.
Don’t miss this chance to future-proof your financial strategy.
Postillion Convention Centre Utrecht, Bunnik, Netherlands
Norway E-invoicing
Norway is widely regarded as one of the more forward-thinking European countries when it comes to e-invoicing.
Serving as one of the original Peppol adopters and having implemented a mandate for B2G transactions since 2011, Norway has long been on an e-invoicing journey. That said, it has yet to implement a mandate for B2B transactions.
This page has all the information you need to be aware of Norway’s implementation of electronic invoicing.
There is no e-invoicing mandate for B2B transactions in Norway. Despite it not being required, it is popular on a voluntary basis throughout the country. Businesses can send invoices electronically, providing they have acquired the buyer’s consent.
With the EU’s ViDA initiative now approved, Norwegian businesses will need to send invoices electronically for cross-border B2B transactions from 1 July 2030. The country may well look to introduce a mandate ahead of time, however, with the Ministry of Finance launching a study into its implementation on 16 January 2025.
B2G e-invoicing in Norway
Since 2011, central authorities have been mandated to receive and process invoices electronically. In 2012, Norway mandated all suppliers of central government entities to send e-invoices. Finally, in 2019, it passed a regulation mandating public contracting authorities to receive and process electronic invoices.
Government entities in Norway are required to utilise Peppol to facilitate its e-invoicing obligations, including using the Peppol BIS format for both domestic and cross-border business and sending invoices through the Peppol eDelivery network.
The use of Peppol in Norway
Ireland joined the OpenPeppol association on 18 January 2018.
The country’s Office of Government Procurement (OGP) operates the Irish Peppol Authority, which is responsible for registering companies wanting to become a Peppol Access Point or Service Metadata Publisher in Ireland.
Here are the key dates in Norway’s e-invoicing journey.
2011: It became mandatory for central authorities to receive and process e-invoices
2012: It became mandatory for all suppliers of central government entities to send e-invoices
1 April 2019: A regulation relating to e-invoicing in public procurement was passed, making it mandatory for public contracting authorities to be able to receive and process e-invoices
2020: A monitoring system is implemented to track the use of electronic invoices with both central and non-central public authorities
16 January 2025: Norway’s Ministry of Finance launches study into the introduction of mandatory e-invoicing for B2B transactions
1 July 2030: Norwegian businesses need to comply with VAT in the Digital Age requirements, which will mandate e-invoicing and e-reporting for cross-border B2B transactions
Setting up e-invoicing in Norway with Sovos
Norway appears to have more e-invoicing requirements on the way, and it’s not the only country to be evolving existing regulations and devising new rules. Compliance can be hard, especially when conducting business in multiple countries.
Sovos harmonises the fragmented nature of e-invoicing (with every country having its own obligations) by providing you with a single vendor for complete invoicing and tax compliance.
Choosing Sovos means choosing to reclaim your time and headspace.
It is mandatory for e-invoices to be issued for B2G transactions in Norway, but there is no requirement to issue and receive invoices electronically in a B2B context.
In a previous blog, we provided an overview of the current and proposed natural disaster-related measurements in some European countries and Australia. In this blog, we will focus on the possible EU-level solution proposed by the European Central Bank (ECB) and the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) in their latest discussion paper, issued in December 2024.
The proposal, as was also in the case of their discussion paper from April 2023, focuses on the growing “insurance protection gap” in Europe. It highlights that Europe is the fastest-warming continent in the world. If we look back at only the last six months, there were at least three severe climate-related catastrophes in Europe: Portugal wildfires and the Spanish and the Czech Republic Floods.
Among other significant economic consequences of the increasing frequency and severity of natural catastrophes, we need to highlight the impact of these events on insurance businesses and indirectly on the taxation of the insurance premium amounts.
The paper summarises 12 existing national natural catastrophe insurance schemes which we are going to brief in our blog series – adding the current tax treatment of these schemes. In this blog, we provide an overview of the EU-level solutions as proposed by the paper and a summary of the approaches followed by the EU countries.
Proposal for the possible EU-level solution
A two-pillar solution was included in the referenced document. The two pillars are:
EU public-private reinsurance scheme: This would not substitute the national level reinsurance schemes, it would be additional. This scheme would be voluntary and financed by risk-based premium amounts. The aim of this pillar is to increase the insurance coverage of the natural catastrophe risk where insurance coverage is low.
EU fund for public disaster financing: This second pillar would be made compulsory and aims to finance rebuilding efforts after a high-loss natural disaster. Contributions from member states would finance this.
Both of these pillars could potentially affect the amount of tax payable by the insurance companies on the collected premium amounts. The first pillar might indirectly increase the tax amount levied on the reinsured premium amount, such as in the case of France CCR (Caisse Centrale de Réassurance), where IPT (and contributions to the Major Risk Prevention Fund) is due on the CATNAT premium. The second pillar may trigger newly introduced contributions that might be levied on the insurance premium amounts.
Summary of the national level approaches
The current national schemes aim to broaden insurance coverage. Some countries, like Italy most recently, make certain natural catastrophe risks such as earthquakes, floods and landslides compulsory to be insured by either or both entities or individuals.
In other cases, compulsory reinsurance involving public-private sector coordination exists. The most well-known reinsurance system exists in France, the so-called CCR. However, there is a reinsurance system in Iceland, where insurers collect CATNAT premium amounts and pay them towards NTI (Icelandic Natural Disaster Insurance).
It remains to be seen the extent to which the proposals are acted upon and the impact that they may have on premium taxation regimes in the EU. As it is such a significant topic in insurance currently, Sovos will be keeping a close eye on developments in this area.
Ireland E-invoicing
Ireland gave electronic invoicing the same legal weight as paper invoices in 2013. Since then, there have been no major developments regarding mandating e-invoicing in the business-to-business space.
Nevertheless, as part of the European Union, Ireland will soon need to work on implementing the European VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) initiative, which aims to introduce mandatory e-invoicing and real-time reporting for cross-border transactions by July 2030.
This page details Ireland’s current stance on e-invoicing. Be sure to bookmark the page to stay in the know with any future developments.
There is no mandate for issuing and receiving electronic invoices for B2B transactions in Ireland.
Irish businesses can issue and receive electronic invoices and must consider the following legal aspects when implementing e-invoicing in the country:
Obtaining the consent of the buyer to send an electronic invoice.
Ensuring integrity and authenticity – any means are accepted, from internal process controls up to electronically signing the e-invoices.
Retention – e-invoices must be stored in such a way as to guarantee their integrity, authenticity and availability during the retention period. The retention period for electronic invoices is six years from invoice date.
The country’s tax authority is looking to modernise its VAT system. In late 2023, it launched a public consultation to understand how organisations feel about digitally transforming tax processes and proposed imposing a mandate for e-invoicing and real-time reporting when transacting domestically. The key driver of the consultation was the ViDA initiative.
Through the public consultation, the Irish tax authority managed to gather valuable insights from more than 1,000 businesses, aiming to use them in the design and implementation strategy phase.
With the final approval of ViDA Ireland will be able to impose mandatory e-invoicing in the country without the currently needed formal authorisation from the EU.
B2G e-invoicing in Ireland
While it is mandatory for central authorities, regional authorities and local authorities in Ireland to receive and process e-invoices, it is currently optional for suppliers to send electronic invoices.
The preferred national format for e-invoicing is Peppol BIS, but public administrations have defined their own format known as CIUS-CEFACT.
The Irish government encourages public sector organisations to utilise the Peppol framework when receiving e-invoices from suppliers.
The use of Peppol in Ireland
Ireland joined the OpenPeppol association on 18 January 2018.
The country’s Office of Government Procurement (OGP) operates the Irish Peppol Authority, which is responsible for registering companies wanting to become a Peppol Access Point or Service Metadata Publisher in Ireland.
1 January 2013: E-invoices are given same legal weight as paper invoices
18 April 2020: All public authorities can receive Peppol e-invoices via the Peppol eDelivery Network
13 October 2023: Ireland launches public consultation on e-invoicing and real-time reporting requirements
1 July 2030: Irish businesses need to comply with VAT in the Digital Age requirements (mandatory e-invoicing and e-reporting for cross-border B2B transactions).
Setting up e-invoicing in Ireland with Sovos
It seems inevitable that mandatory e-invoicing will arrive in Ireland. When that time comes, it’s important that your organisation is prepared for your new obligations.
Any new mandates only add to your compliance burden, with e-invoicing requirements being fragmented and unique to each country. Ensure you comply with your obligations, everywhere you do business, by working with Sovos.
Choosing Sovos means choosing a single vendor for all of your tax compliance needs.
Ireland does not mandate the use of electronic invoices. Public sector organisations must be able to receive e-invoices, but suppliers can choose whether or not to issue such documents electronically.
There are no officially announced dates for introducing mandatory e-invoicing or real-time reporting in Ireland. However, as part of the European Union, the country needs to implement the ViDA initiative by July 2030 and can start mandating e-invoicing as soon as ViDA is approved.
Singapore is on the brink of a significant transformation in its tax reporting landscape. The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) has announced a phased adoption of InvoiceNow, the national e-invoicing framework based on the PEPPOL network, set to commence voluntarily for GST-registered businesses in May 2025.
Germany – the largest economy in Europe, and the fourth largest globally – is moving towards mandatory e-invoicing. As a key exporter of industrial goods, automobiles, machinery and chemicals, many European countries depend on German supply chains. This demonstrates the importance of understanding your compliance requirements, and choosing the right solution provider is critical.
Tax authority audits can happen at any time. Join us for this webinar where our compliance experts will explain how to minimize the risk of audit, the evolving landscape of reporting and common triggers for an IPT audit.
Bulgaria SAF-T: Everything You Need To Know
Bulgaria is on its way to introducing mandatory SAF-T reporting requirements for businesses, with implementation starting in January 2026.
But what is SAF-T, and how will these requirements affect Bulgarian taxpayers? This page has all the answers you need.
Short for Standard Audit File for Tax, SAF-T is an XML-based file type used to exchange tax information electronically to tax authorities. The goal of the initiative is to enhance tax compliance and streamline data exchange between taxpayers and tax authorities.
SAF-T is an international standard used across Europe, including countries such as Poland, France, Germany, Romania, Lithuania, Norway and soon Bulgaria.
Different types of information typically have varying reporting requirements. For example, once implemented in Bulgaria, SAF-T rules will require the monthly filing of general ledger entries, purchase and sales invoices and payment records – while asset information must be submitted annually.
When to submit a SAF-T declaration in Bulgaria
SAF-T’s implementation in Bulgaria begins in January 2026. There will be three mandated SAF-T reports, all with different reporting cadences.
Monthly – submitted by 14th day of following month: General ledger, Accounts Payable and Receivable, Sales and purchase invoices
Annually – submitted by 30 June of following year: Fixed assets
On-demand: Inventory
Bulgaria SAF-T implementation timeline
Here are the key dates in Bulgaria’s SAF-T plans.
January 2026: SAF-T applies to large enterprises that either have:
Net sales revenue for 2023 exceeding BGN 300 million (approx. 150 million EUR)
Tax and social security contributions collected exceeding BGN 3.5 million
January 2027: SAF-T applies to large, medium and small enterprises that either have:
Net sales revenue for 2024 exceeding BGN 300 million (approx. 150 million EUR)
Tax and social security contributions collected exceeding BGN 3.5 million
January 2028: Large, medium and small enterprises that either have:
Net sales revenue for 2025 exceeding BGN 15 million (approx. 7.5 million EUR)
Tax and social security contributions collected exceeding BGN 1.5 million
January 2029 – SAF-T applies to all large, medium and small enterprises – regardless of additional conditions.
January 2030 – SAF-T also applies to micro-enterprises.
Note: There will be a six-month grace period for SAF-T reporting, and taxpayers can submit corrections to submitted files within six months without being penalised by the tax authorities.
Implementing SAF-T as a business
Complying with your tax obligations is vital. In the coming years, SAF-T will serve as another requirement for Bulgarian taxpayers, providing deadlines for the accurate reporting of important data. This will only add to your compliance workload.
Sovos SAF-T solutions can help your organisation to spend less time on compliance and more on growing your business. Automate your preparation process to drive efficiency and ensure accuracy, providing peace of mind that you will avoid potential fines and penalties.
SAF-T is not mandatory in Bulgaria, though its legal implementation begins in 2026 for qualifying large businesses. It will be obligatory for businesses of all sizes in Bulgaria from January 2030.
From January 2026, large enterprises will need to file SAF-T reports if their net sales revenue for 2023 exceeds BGN 300 million or tax and social security contributions collected exceed BGN 3.5 million.
From January 2027, large, medium and small enterprises will have to file SAF-T reports if their net sales revenue for 2023 exceeds BGN 300 million or tax and social security contributions collected exceed BGN 3.5 million.
From January 2028, large, medium and small enterprises must comply with SAF-T requirements if their net sales revenue for 2025 exceeds BGN 15 million or tax and social security contributions collected exceed BGN 1.5 million.
From January 2029, Bulgaria’s SAF-T obligation will expand to include all large, medium and small enterprises. This will grow to include micro-enterprises in January 2030.
From 2026, applicable taxpayers in Bulgaria will have to submit SAF-T reports as per the following:
General ledgers, Accounts Payable Receivable, and sales and purchase invoices must be submitted monthly – specifically by the 14th day of the following month.
Fixed assets must be reported annually – specifically by the 30 June of the following year.
Inventory reports must be submitted whenever requested – this is an on-demand reporting process.
Switzerland is on its e-invoicing journey, having mandated its use for transactions between suppliers and federal government entities since 2016.
That said, electronic invoicing is voluntary for B2B and B2C transactions, though there are different countrywide digitisation initiatives by businesses. Bookmark this page to stay on top of what’s to come from Switzerland’s tax authority.
Switzerland currently requires suppliers to issue electronic invoices when contracting with federal administrations, if the contract’s value exceeds CHF 5,000 (approx. EUR 5,200).
There are two main e-invoicing channels made available to businesses for submitting e-invoices to federal administrations:
Solution via ERP or Service provider
Submission of readable PDF via email
How does B2B e-invoicing work in Switzerland?
Private businesses can choose to issue electronic invoices voluntarily. A few initiatives, such as the QR Bill, encourage businesses to adopt electronic invoicing.
Since June 2020, QR bills replaced the payment slips. The QR bill embeds a Swiss QR code, that contains all relevant information for automated payment in structured form.
The QR code is compatible with e-invoices by complementing the data set with QR reference and QR IBAN in the Payment reference number and IBAN Number fields, respectively.
Considerations for handling B2B e-invoices in Switzerland
Integrity and authenticity: All data relevant to VAT must be ensured in terms of integrity, authenticity, and inalterability. The Federal Act on Electronic Signatures, ZertES, regulates electronic signatures.
Retention and archiving: Invoices must be stored in such way to guarantee their integrity, authenticity and availability during the storage period. Electronic signatures are explicitly mentioned as an example. The retention period is 10 years after end of accounting year.
Buyer consent: This is needed for the legal exchange of electronic invoices.
Format of electronic invoices and documents in Switzerland
While Switzerland does not mandate a specific invoice format, swissDIGIN is the recommended e-invoicing format. Other accepted formats include:
Cross-Industry XML Transaction Standards (UBL 2.0, CII XML 2.0)
Hybrid format (ZUGFeRD, Factur-X)
Timeline of e-invoicing adoption in Switzerland
Here are the key dates in the country’s electronic invoicing journey so far.
1 January 2016: B2G transactions now require the issuance of an e-invoice.
1 October 2022: The QR Bill replaces the previously used payment slips. All payment orders based on payment slips were discontinued.
Only transactions from suppliers to the Swiss government are mandated to be invoiced electronically. B2B e-invoicing is currently voluntary in Switzerland.
With the EU’s ViDA initiative close to being enforced, electronic invoices are planned to become mandatory for B2B transactions across Europe—including Switzerland—from January 2026.
Taxpayers must ensure the integrity of the content and authenticity of the origin of e-invoices. The most common method to meet these requirements is to apply an e-signature.
The primary benefit of adopting e-invoicing is complying with Switzerland’s mandate for B2G transactions.
It provides other business benefits, including reducing paper usage and waste, saving costs and manual labour associated with processing, reducing errors by eliminating manual input and enabling integration possibilities for operational efficiency.
Setting up e-invoicing in Switzerland with Sovos
E-invoicing isn’t just growing in popularity in Switzerland, it’s on a global rise. As electronic invoicing continues to become mandated, compliance becomes more difficult and as important as ever.
E-nvoicing may be a global trend, but it’s fragmented in nature. Countries have their own rules and regulations. That’s why it’s imperative that you choose a single vendor for compliance. Sovos is the solution.
Instead of spending your time ensuring compliance everywhere you do business, let Sovos do the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters.
As a pioneer in tax digitization, Sweden is one of the early adopters of electronic information exchange, with its journey starting in 2003.
The country has been digitally transforming its processes since then, bringing its e-invoicing rules and standards in line with the European standard (EN 16931).
This page is your ideal overview, covering major developments, pertinent regulations and requirements, and other important information.
As in many European countries, Sweden does not require the use of e-invoices for B2B transactions. Nevertheless, businesses in the country are encouraged to use the Peppol interoperability network and the EN19631-compliant Peppol BIS 3.0 format.
Companies opting for e-invoicing with their business partners should have the following compliance aspects in mind:
Buyer consent is needed to exchange electronic invoices.
Ensuring integrity and authenticity—any of the controls prescribed by the law are accepted. Electronic signatures and seals are the most widely accepted legal means of ensuring the integrity and authenticity of business transactions.
Invoices must be stored in such a way that guarantees their integrity, authenticity and availability during the storage period. The retention period is seven years from the end of the calendar year during which the accounting period ended.
B2G e-invoicing in Sweden
E-invoicing in public procurement has been mandatory in Sweden since 2019, obligating suppliers and their public contractors to exchange electronic invoices. Unlike many other countries that have implemented e-invoicing, Sweden does not have a central platform for transmitting invoices electronically.
Sweden considers Peppol its preferred solution for public sector e-invoicing. Peppol BIS Billing 3 is the nation’s standard e-invoicing format, meaning it wholly complies with the European standard. It requires public sector entities to be registered in Peppol so they can receive e-invoices from suppliers.
There are other formats in use – like ESAP 6 and Svefaktura – but Sweden’s Peppol Authority, the Agency for Digital Government (Digg), actively encourages the use of Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 and is phasing out the legacy formats.
The use of Peppol in Sweden
Sweden is one of the many European countries that complies with Peppol’s framework and standards. The country’s Peppol authority, the Agency for Digital Government (Digg), is focused on utilising the framework to assist with the adoption of e-invoicing, e-procurement and standardised infrastructure for cross-border trade.
Some of the Peppol specifications used in Sweden in are:
Here are the key dates in Sweden’s electronic invoicing journey.
11 November 2003 – First act on electronic exchange of information by government agencies
1 April 2019: The act for B2G transactions enters into force, mandating suppliers of public entities to send electronic invoices.
1 December 2019: All public sector entities must be registered in PeppolFebruary 2023: Swedish government agencies submit a formal request to the government to investigate the adoption of mandatory e-invoicing for B2B transactions
Setting up e-invoicing in Sweden with Sovos
While e-invoicing has been common in Sweden since 2008, it’s still growing in popularity and adoption around the world. As more mandates enter into force, compliance becomes more complicated for international organisations.
The global rise of electronic invoicing is paired with its fragmented nature; countries have their own rules and preferences. Choosing a single vendor for compliance everywhere you do business is key.
Reclaim time and free your mind by allowing Sovos to care about compliance for you.
The Netherlands’ e-invoicing journey started in 2019 when all public authorities were obligated to receive electronic invoices from their suppliers. It is estimated that roughly 1.6 million invoices are exchanged annually with the government.
Even though e-invoicing in business relations is still not mandatory, there are considerations to keep in mind when implementing e-invoicing between businesses voluntarily.
This page provides an overview of e-invoicing in The Netherlands, from its start to the current day. Be sure to bookmark the page to keep updated with future updates.
Key considerations for B2B e-invoicing in the Netherlands
Many businesses in The Netherlands voluntarily opt-in for e-invoicing in their business relations, unlocking the benefits of digitisation.
Key considerations companies need to be aware of when implementing e-invoicing in the country include:
Obtaining the consent of the buyer to send an electronic invoice.
Ensuring integrity and authenticity – any means are accepted, from internal process controls up to digitally signing the e-invoices.
The retention period for electronic invoices is seven years. The e-invoices must be archived in such a way as to guarantee their integrity, authenticity and availability during the retention period.
Characteristics of B2G electronic invoicing in the Netherlands
Since 2020, suppliers of central Dutch authorities have been obliged to submit e-invoices to their public contractors. The Netherlands has implemented the Peppol interoperability network to facilitate the exchange of e-invoices with governmental bodies.
The mandatory identifier that is used to route e-invoices to the central government organisations is the OIN number (Organisatie-identificatienummer).
There are three methods of submitting e-invoices:
Via Accounting Software, connected to Peppol.
Through e-invoicing service providers access points of Peppol.
Using the designated government Supplier Portal.
Common data formats used in the Netherlands
E-invoices in the Netherlands can be sent and received in several formats, including:
SI-UBL 2.0 – The UBL implementation of NLCIUS, addressing local Dutch requirements in e-invoicing to government and businesses. It is based on the European Standard EN 16931, and it is the preferred Dutch format.
Peppol BIS 3.0 – The interoperability format in the Peppol network. Based on the European Standard EN 16931.
Other industry formats used within the country – UBL-OHLN, 4.5. SETU (HR – XML), etc.
Timeline of e-invoicing adoption in the Netherlands
Here are the key dates in the Netherlands’ e-invoicing journey.
1 July 2016: The Dutch government transposes Directive 2014/55/EU into national law
18 April 2019: The deadline for government suppliers to implement B2G e-invoicing
1 October 2020: The Dutch Peppol Authority (NPa or Nederlandse Peppolautoriteit) becomes a governmental body and oversees the Peppol network within the country.
1 July 2030 – Dutch businesses need to comply with VAT in the Digital Age requirements – which include mandatory e-invoicing and e-reporting for cross-border B2B transactions.
Penalties: What happens if I don’t comply with e-invoicing in the Netherlands?
Taxpayers should expect to receive fines for failing to meet invoicing requirements in The Netherlands.
While sending electronic invoices for B2B transactions is not mandated, it is required for private businesses that supply the Dutch central government. Failure to comply with the rules could result in a financial penalty.
Setting up e-invoicing in the Netherlands with Sovos
E-invoicing is on the rise globally, especially in Europe, where the EU’s ViDA initiative is imminently arriving.
While electronic invoicing is a worldwide trend, it is fragmented and requires a nuanced approach wherever you do business. It’s important to choose a single vendor for compliance, simplifying your obligations.
Sovos is your ideal tax compliance partner. Let us handle your e-invoicing so you can focus on what matters: growing your business.
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The Netherlands mandates that invoices to the Dutch central government must be transmitted electronically. It is currently not enforced for transactions between private businesses.
The Peppol network is used as a framework in the B2G e-invoicing process. In late 2023, the country joined a pilot program organised by the European Commission on the exchange of e-invoices between businesses in The Netherlands and Singapore.
You’ll explore how businesses can navigate the evolving compliance landscape without getting trapped between disparate e-invoicing, reporting, and determination vendors.
Join Sovos at the 18th Group Indirect Tax Exchange and gain insights from our expert on the Industry Adoption of E-Invoices and E-Reporting Challenges. Stay ahead of the latest e-Invoicing conversations and make the most of this premier conference and networking event. Reserve your ticket today!
