E-invoicing and the domino effect for VAT

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too do the regulations governing tax compliance in Europe. The introduction of e-invoicing is not just a technological upgrade; it's a strategic move by European tax authorities to close the notorious VAT gap and modernise the entire process of indirect tax collection. With the European Union's ViDA initiative now approved, businesses must adapt to these transformative changes in VAT compliance, including mandatory e-invoicing and digital reporting requirements that will be phased in from up to 2030.

Why e-invoicing is on the rise

The new way of VAT reporting is gaining momentum across Europe as governments recognise the significant revenue lost due to tax fraud and inefficiencies in current tax collection systems. The VAT gap—the discrepancy between expected VAT revenue and what is actually collected—was estimated at a staggering €99 billion in 2020. This gap underscores the urgent need for more robust and efficient tax reporting mechanisms, with e-invoicing regulations being a critical part of the solution.

While the European Commission (EC) has yet to establish a directive to standardise this initiative across all member states, the push towards digital tax compliance is undeniable. While the European Commission has established clear directives through ViDA, standardising digital tax compliance across member states, many countries are already implementing their own e-invoicing mandates ahead of the revised ViDA timeline.  

The current landscape of e-invoicing regulations

In December 2022, the EU released the ViDA proposal, which includes a significant focus on this new regulation as a means to modernise VAT reporting. However, the path to implementation is fraught with challenges. For the ViDA proposal to come into force, it required unanimous approval from all EU member states—a tall order given the diverse tax systems and investments in existing frameworks across Europe.  

Despite these hurdles, several European countries are already moving towards this mandatory process. Italy, France, and Poland have received authorisation from the EC to implement e-invoicing solutions, while other countries are at various stages of seeking similar permissions. Italy, in particular, has been a pioneer, having successfully rolled out this providing a model for other EU nations to follow.

However, implementing e-invoicing is not as simple as flipping a switch. It requires the establishment of an invoice reporting or clearance model that allows tax authorities to monitor transactions in real-time or near real-time. This shift represents a significant change in the way businesses operate, requiring them to invest in new systems and processes to remain compliant.

Global trends in e-invoicing

The trend towards this method of invoice reporting or clearance models is not confined to Europe. Globally, the market is expected to reach $35.9 billion by 2028, driven by both business efficiencies and the increasing number of government mandates. However, the complexity of the regulations varies from country to country, making it challenging for businesses operating internationally to stay compliant.

In the absence of a standardised global framework, businesses must stay informed about the evolving e-invoicing regulations in each market they operate in and or are planning to expand to. This requires a proactive approach to upgrading financial systems and overhauling tax processes to accommodate the diverse vat requirements of different tax authorities.

Strategic considerations for businesses

For businesses, it’s not just a compliance issue; it's a strategic opportunity to streamline operations and improve efficiency. However, the transition to automated solutions must be carefully managed to avoid the risks associated with poor implementation.

Firstly, companies need to invest in systems that support multiple e-invoicing models. As this new method becomes integral to revenue collection and procurement, it's crucial that these systems are flexible enough to adapt to various regulations across different jurisdictions.

Secondly, businesses must ensure that their implementation of this type of solution is capable of handling real-time reporting mandates. Any delays or errors in invoice processing could lead to push-back from tax authorities, resulting in penalties or disruptions to business operations. Senior leadership teams should be aware of these risks and have contingency plans in place to mitigate them.

Moreover, while e-invoicing promises enhanced compliance, it is not a guarantee unless businesses get their processes right. For instance, the accounts payable process often involves manual intervention, which can lead to discrepancies between booked invoices and actual vendor invoices. This provides an opportunity to automate this process, reducing errors and improving efficiency. However, correct tax coding of accounts payable (AP) invoices remains a critical challenge that requires further system and process enhancements.

Critically, success depends on having accurate data from the source systems, particularly ERPs, from the outset. Organisations must ensure seamless integration between their source systems and e-invoicing solutions to maintain data integrity and avoid compliance issues. This integration is fundamental to achieving both regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

The broader impact of e-invoicing

Beyond compliance, e-invoicing offers several opportunities for businesses to improve their overall operations. These include:

• Enhanced collaboration: E-invoicing can strengthen the relationship between tax, finance, and IT functions within a company, fostering greater collaboration and alignment.
• Improved billing and accounts receivable processes: By standardising and automating the invoicing process, businesses can achieve greater efficiency, faster settlement of invoices, and better relationships with vendors and customers.
• Integration with digitalisation efforts: Investing in solutions can be part of a broader digital transformation strategy, optimising resource management, and triggering improvements in accounts payable automation and indirect tax determination.

Preparing for the future of e-invoicing

The shift towards this new mandatory process is inevitable, and businesses must be prepared. This requires a proactive approach to updating tax compliance strategies and investing in the necessary e-invoicing solutions. The benefits of doing so extend beyond mere compliance; they include operational efficiencies, enhanced collaboration, and enable business growth for a stronger competitive position in the market.