Six Months to Prepare for a Change That Cannot Be Ignored E-Invoicing Is Coming
Mandatory electronic invoicing will affect virtually every business in Slovakia from the beginning of next year. Businesses have just six months left to prepare for the transition to e-invoicing before the new rules take effect next year.
An e-invoice is not simply a PDF sent by email. It is a structured electronic document in XML format, created in accordance with a European standard, enabling automated processing within information systems.
As of January 1, 2027 the obligation to issue e-invoices will apply to all domestic VAT-registered businesses when carrying out transactions with other domestic businesses, non-taxable legal entities, or public authorities.
However, the obligation to receive e-invoices is much broader. It will apply to all domestic taxable persons, including sole traders, lawyers, notaries, and property landlords, even if they are not VAT registered.
“This obligation to receive e-invoices is just as important as the obligation to issue them, as it affects a much broader range of entities,” says Veronika Chválová Rajnohová, Senior Tax Manager at TPA Slovakia.
Digital Service Provider and Technical Preparation
A key component of the entire system is the so-called digital service provider – a certified delivery service provider through which e-invoices are sent, received, and simultaneously reported to the Slovak Financial Administration in real time.
“When selecting a digital service provider, it is important to focus on the reliability of the solution and its technical capabilities.” “If you are not satisfied with the provider, you can switch to another one at any time,” says Miroslava Kvočáková, Senior Accounting Manager at TPA Slovakia. The Slovak Financial Administration regularly publishes and updates the list of certified service providers on its website.
As a first step, every company should map its invoicing processes, identify the types of invoices it issues and receives, and verify whether its ERP or accounting software can handle the required structured data format. Companies should also pay close attention to document archiving. E-invoices must be retained for ten years, and experts recommend archiving not only the XML file itself but also a PDF version for easier viewing and reference.
Deadlines, Required Information and Penalties
The supplier is required to issue and send an e-invoice within 15 days of delivering the goods or services, or upon receipt of payment. From July 2030, this deadline will be shortened to 10 days. An e-invoice must contain the essential identification and invoicing details, including the VAT numbers of both the supplier and the customer, the date of supply, a description of the transaction, and the amounts required for the correct determination of VAT.
“If an e-invoice is delivered through a certified digital service provider, the VAT payer has no additional specific reporting obligations towards the Slovak Financial Administration,” adds Veronika Chválová Rajnohová. The VAT Control Statement will remain in force until June 2030, as it also covers transactions that fall outside the e-invoicing system.
Failure to report, incorrect reporting, or late reporting of required data may result in a fine of up to EUR 10,000 for a first offence and up to EUR 100,000 for repeated violations.
In the event of an error or a demonstrable technical failure on the part of a certified service provider, no penalty will be imposed, provided the issue is rectified without undue delay.
The year 2026 will serve as a testing phase, during which no penalties will be imposed. Companies may test the system with business partners who are technically prepared and connected to the Peppol network.
“Most larger companies are already preparing for the transition, while many smaller businesses are still waiting for simpler solutions, such as mobile applications for issuing and receiving e-invoices,” notes Miroslava Kvočáková. Even sole traders or self-employed professionals who are not VAT registered – such as hairdressers, for example – will need to contract a digital service provider to receive e-invoices, such as those issued for rent or electricity by VAT-registered suppliers.
