3.1 Introduction.

What is Electronic Invoicing?

Electronic invoicing is an invoice in digital format, introduced with the 2008 Finance Act, in which the European Union (EU) calls on Member States to provide a regulatory and technological framework. Electronically manage the entire system of invoicing and fiscal control.

Electronic invoicing allows you to send and receive invoices without having to print any paper invoices, thus eliminating large printing and mailing costs. This is a digital revolution that allows you to send invoices electronically to all eligible parties without the need for printing.

Compulsory

- PA Invoice

The obligation of electronic invoicing begins on June 6, 2014 for Public Administrations (Ministries, Tax Agencies and National Social Security Institutions). From March 31, 2015, the provision will apply to the other national agencies included in the ISTAT list and to Regions, Provinces and Municipalities.

- B2B Invoice

The official date for mandatory electronic invoicing will be 1 July 2018 for fuel suppliers and subcontractors of government suppliers, while the current deadline for all other companies subject to Italian VAT obligations is 1 January 2019 (B2B Invoice).

Thanks to this new legislation, from the last entry into force (January 1) companies that join the electronic invoice may have tax and accounting benefits (included in the Decree Law 193/2016).

In case of non-compliance with the obligation of electronic invoicing between private operators, it should be borne in mind that any issuance of the invoice in paper format will be considered non-existent and the document will not be issued.

Benefits for the Administration

• Preventing and combating tax evasion
• Tax simplification
• Reduction of tax obligations
  
  
  
  

Interesting links

The guidelines to be followed (operating procedures, regulatory details, etc.) are described on the site prepared by Inland Revenue and Sogei at http://www.FatturaPA.gov.it where documentation for public bodies is available, and at https://www.agenziaentrate.gov.it/portale/web/guest/aree-tematiche/fatturazione-elettronica , where information concerning B2B can be found.

Shipping

Basically it is about producing for each invoice a file with a specific format called FatturaPA that must be digitally signed and sent through a specific channel called Exchange System (SdI).