Governments around the world are increasingly implementing electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) mandates. Overall, the move towards e-invoicing represents a significant modernisation effort that aligns with broader goals of efficiency, transparency and sustainability, providing benefits to both governments and businesses.
Today, more than 100 nations have e-invoicing legislations in place, although in many countries this only applies to business-to-government (B2G) transactions. Take a look at our Global Compliance Checker to explore the existing mandates from all over the globe.
In this article we will list all the benefits for governments and tax authorities that are rising from the implementation of the e-invoicing system on the national level.
Benefits for governments and tax authorities
Increased tax compliance
E-invoicing allows tax authorities to monitor transactions in real time, which helps identify irregularities or potential tax evasion promptly. It becomes more difficult for businesses not to follow tax regulations when invoicing is digital and transparent with available audit trails.
Reduced VAT tax gap
E-invoicing allows governments to collect the full amount of taxes owed. By minimising tax evasion and fraud, results in increased tax revenue and a reduced VAT gap. Take a look at the EU VAT Gap Report 2023 to see where your country appears in the list.
Improved fiscal transparency
E-invoicing systems create a transparent digital trail of transactions, making it easier for tax authorities to monitor economic activities and to identify irregularities.
Streamlined tax collection
Electronic invoicing simplifies the tax collection process. Tax payments become automated, reducing the administrative burden on both businesses and tax authorities.
Cost savings
Cost savings increase, due to the reduction of manual data entry and paperwork associated with paper-based invoicing and tax collection processes.
Minimised errors
E-invoicing reduces the likelihood of tax calculation and reporting errors, leading to more accurate tax collection and reducing the need for tax adjustments.
Efficient auditing
Auditors can access electronic invoice data more easily, allowing for more efficient and targeted audits. This reduces the compliance burden on businesses with a history of good tax compliance.
Data analytics and policy insights
Governments can leverage e-invoice data for data analytics to gain insights into economic trends, to therefore inform policy decisions and to identify areas for economic growth.
Integration with other systems
E-invoicing systems can be integrated into other government systems, such as customs and electronic fiscalisation to facilitate efficient trade and regulatory processes.
Business-friendly environment
E-invoicing improves the business environment by simplifying tax compliance processes, reducing paperwork and making it easier for businesses to comply.
Environmental benefits
Electronic invoicing reduces paper usage and the associated environmental impact, aligning with sustainability and green initiatives.
International trade facilitation
E-invoicing simplifies cross-border trade by providing standardised digital documentation, making it easier for businesses engaged in international transactions to comply with tax regulations.
All government benefits are directly impacting the private sector and economy, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of doing business in general as well as enabling further digital transformation in payments and invoice financing.
The right partner is key to a successful implementation
Embracing e-invoicing is a strategic move that modernises tax administration and contributes to a more efficient, transparent and sustainable economy. At the same time, implementation of a national e-invoicing system is a challenging endeavour.
If you are looking for a reliable partner with proven know-how, competence, leadership and expertise in the e-invoicing field, as well as a ready to deploy solution for any government model, get in touch with us today to explore your options.