E-invoicing is becoming a legal requirement in more and more countries. This article explains what it actually means and why it affects how you bill your clients.
What e-invoicing means
"Electronic invoicing" usually means sending an invoice in a structured electronic format that software can read automatically - not just a PDF or a paper copy.
A related (and often confused) requirement is "e-reporting" - sending invoice data to the tax authority, sometimes in real time.
These are two different obligations. A country can require one, the other, or both.
Why governments are introducing it
The main goal is to reduce tax fraud and close the VAT gap. To do that, invoicing software has to create invoice records that are:
Reliable - the invoice data stays exactly as it was created and can't be changed afterwards.
Traceable - every invoice can be followed in a clear, checkable sequence.
Tamper-resistant - if something needs correcting, you create a new record (such as a credit note), rather than secretly editing the original.
What it means for you in Billdu
Billdu follows the local rules for the country your business is registered in.
In countries with anti-fraud invoicing rules - Spain is the clearest example - once an invoice has been sent, shared, printed or downloaded as a PDF, you can no longer edit or delete it.
To change a finalised invoice, you issue a credit note and then create a new invoice.
Some countries also require invoices to carry extra elements, such as a QR code or a verification status.
Does it change my taxes?
No. E-invoicing rules are about the format and traceability of your invoices - not about your tax rates or how VAT is calculated.
Note: Requirements differ by country and change over time. To see what applies to you, check the article for your country or contact our support team.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Contact our support team and we'll sort it out for you.