Compliance Updates

Looking at implementing e-invoicing via the National System of e-invoices (KSeF)

The Polish Ministry of Finance (‘MoF’) is looking into amending the VAT act by introducing the possibility of issuing electronic invoices next to the current paper and electronic invoices, via KSeF – the National System of e-Invoices. Next to the business benefits of e-invoicing (such as cost reductions, better transparency, and shorter payment cycles), there will be further advantages to the taxpayer such as a reduction of the deadline for VAT refunds from 60 to 45 days. The project is planned to commence in the first quarter of 2021. However, it seems that this system will be moved to mandatory usage later in 2022.

Still on track for mandatory e-invoicing and VAT e-reporting

Last November 24, the French DGFiP presented its report to external stakeholders that details the road to widespread use and adoption of electronic invoicing in France and the obligation to report VAT electronically as of 2023.

At the beginning of 2021, a “Project Department” will be set up within the DGFiP. This department will lead the next steps. In collaboration with the AIFE, further consultations, organised in “Working Groups”, with stakeholders, will be happening during 2021 to further detail requirements, best practices, and support structure alignment with the needs of companies.

Mandatory electronic invoicing

As stated before in our earlier update, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is making fast progress with the introduction of compulsory e-invoicing. The electronic invoicing system aims to drive down shadow economy transactions and to fight commercial concealment.

The Saudi General Authority of Zakat and Tax approved the new electronic invoicing regulation on Friday 4 December 2020. The electronic billing regulation contains seven articles that regulate the mechanism for issuing and keeping electronic invoices for taxpayers. The regulation also stipulates the procedural rules and timings, as well as further provisions, procedures and persons subject to these. Mandatory issuance of electronic invoices will commence from 4 December 2021; followed by mandatory invoice reporting to the government in June 2022.

For further information, please review the English version of the e-invoicing Regulations and FAQs as recently released by GAZT.

Postponement of single document code ('ATCUD')

In decree 195/202, the Portuguese Government announced the requirement for businesses to include a single document code (ACTUD) on invoices and other documents relevant for taxation by January 2021. This has now been delayed until 2022.

However, Ministerial Order nº 412/2020.XXI stipulates that the Portuguese Tax Authority should strengthen support for taxpayers in meeting the obligation to include a QR Code (Quick Response Code) on invoices from 01/01/2021.

Please follow the link here for the technical specifications of the QR Code.

Draft 2021 Budget Law drives changes to the e-invoicing mandate from 2022

The (draft) 2021 Budget Law will introduce changes to the Italian e-invoicing requirements, which will -in principle- come into effect from 2022: 

• Obligation to transmit transactions with non-residents (entities not established for VAT) to the Sistema di Interscambio (SdI). This in fact means that they cross-border reporting (Esterometro) will no longer be in use.
• The FATTURA XML may see new fields and additional checks for supplies with declaration of intent.

Norway: Reduced VAT rate extension

Norway has extended the 6% Reduced VAT Rate beyond October 31. A new end date has not yet been established.

Spain - Extension emergency zero-rate

In April 20’, the Spanish Government introduced a temporary zero VAT rate for purchases and imports by public entities, hospitals and other not-for profit organisations of surgical masks and sanitary products. This was due to expire on July 31 but has been extended to 31 October 2020 working retrospectively from the date the original derogation expired.

Ireland: Reduction in VAT Rate for hospitality sector

Ireland will temporarily reduce the VAT rate for the hospitality sector (hotels, restaurants, bars, etc.) from 13.5% to 9%. The change is effective from November 1, 2020 until 31 December 2021.

Poland; full steam ahead with B2B invoice clearance

The Polish Ministry of Finance plans to roll out a B2B VAT invoice clearance mandate (like the Italian SdI model) expected at the latest in 2022, with some sources citing an implementation closer to mid-2021.

Read more.

Greece delay Oct 1st invoice registration mandate

The Greek Government did an about turn on Oct 1st, the day of the mandate, to extend the voluntary period for invoice registration to January 1st 2021 citing economic impact of COVID and business readiness.

Hungary introduces a new file structure for online invoice data reporting

The Hungarian tax authority recently published a new file structure that will be the basis for online invoice data reporting in 2021. The new file structure is XSD version 3.0.

Read more. 

USA explores the possibilities for standardised e-invoicing

The American Business Payments Coalition (BPC) is leading a 3-year effort to explore the feasibility of developing and implementing a standard framework for ubiquitous B2B electronic invoicing for the US market.

Read more. 

The UK extends its reduction of the VAT rate for tourism and hospitality

The temporary VAT rate reduction to 15% VAT for the tourism and hospitality sectors will be extended up to the end of March 2021.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; on its way to an e-invoicing mandate

On the 17th September Saudi’s General Authority for Zakat and Taxes recently published a draft e-invoicing regulation and have sought consultation with industry experts to provide input into their proposals. Tungsten is actively engaged in the consultation process which ends on October 14th.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) announces a base-rate VAT increase

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) announces a base-rate VAT increase from 5% to 15%: KSA’s Minister of Finance, Mr. Al Jadaan, announced starting from 1 July 2020 the VAT rate will increase from 5% to 15%.

India delays invoice mandate

The Indian government announced its invoice registration mandate late 2019, putting forward a very challenging go-live date of 1 April 2020 – they are now reporting they will be postponing the effective date of the mandate until 1 October 2020.

China moves forward with plans to improve VAT law functionality

The Chinese State Tax Administration (STA) provided a public update on multiple tax-related topics, including a development plan for electronic special VAT invoices.

Poland marches forward with November deadline for B2G e-invoicing

Poland is taking the next step in the introduction of a national digital platform supporting its main public services with the introduction of mandatory e-invoicing for B2G transactions.

Germany's B2G e-invoicing approaches second phase

Germany has announced its schedule for mandatory B2G e-Invoicing. As April approaches, the second phase will come into action for the regional and communal levels. Tungsten is here to help – we can support your invoice delivery of the XRechung through our PEPPOL connection.

Greece announce e-invoicing plans to improve their national VAT gap

In a bid to fight indirect tax evasion, the Greek government is adopting an invoice clearance model that is similar to Mexico’s current setup.

Further information on the Indian mandate

From 1st April 2020, all businesses with a turnover of at least Rs.100 Crore will be obliged to start using the IRP.

Unilever and Tungsten obtain CAS usage permit in the Philippines

After several years of collaboration, we can officially announce that a usage permit between Unilever and Tungsten was finally granted in early January 2020.

Indian e-invoicing deadline confirmed for April 2020

It has now been confirmed that India will have launched their Invoice Registration Portal in early 2020, which will see mandatory usage for medium and large taxpayers from April 2020.

Italy extends fuel suppliers deadline for B2B e-invoicing

The Italian government has announced that suppliers of fuel must begin sending B2B e-invoices by 1 January 2019, along with all other companies with an Italian VAT number.

Spain extends B2G e-invoicing mandate

Spain has announced an extension of the existing B2G mandate to subcontractors involved in public contracts/tenders, effective from 1 July 2018.

Greece to mandate B2B e-invoicing

The Independent Authority of Public Revenue (Α.Α.Δ.Ε.) announced its intention in introduce mandatory e-invoicing and e-maintenance of accounting books as of 1 January 2020.

EU permits derogation for Italian B2B e-invoicing mandate

The European Commission has permitted a derogation to articles 218 and 232 of Directive 2006/112/EC for Italy, as their B2B mandate was in direct conflict to these. The Italian mandate can now be rolled out without contravening any EU laws.

South Africa changes VAT rates

Standard VAT rate is increased from 14% to 15% from 1 April 2018.

VAT implementation in Qatar

In February 2016 the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) announced that Value-Added Tax (VAT) would be rolled out throughout the Gulf States, starting in January 2018.

Germany mandates B2G e-invoicing

The European Union (EU) VAT Directive 55 obliges all EU public authorities to receive invoices electronically by 27 November 2018.

United Arab Emirates implements VAT

In February 2016 the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) announced that Value-Added Tax (VAT) would be rolled out throughout the Gulf States, starting in January 2018.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia implements VAT

In February 2016 the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) announced that Value-Added Tax (VAT) would be rolled out throughout the Gulf States, starting in January 2018.

Sweden implements EU VAT Directive 55

The European Union (EU) VAT Directive 55 obliges all EU public authorities to receive invoices electronically, or at least to have a defined for how they will do so, by 27 November 2018.