Hacienda delays Verifactu by one year

Verifactu is Spain’s new electronic invoicing system, developed by Agencia Tributaria to strengthen financial oversight and tackle tax fraud. The system requires that invoices issued by businesses, small businesses, and self-employed professionals using certified invoicing software be fully traceable, immutable, and electronically verifiable. Each invoice leaves a secure digital record that cannot be changed, simplifying audit and compliance processes and providing a clear chain of accounting accountability.

The move is part of a broader effort to modernize Spain’s tax framework. Traditional paper or PDF invoices will no longer meet the new standards if they are generated using non-certified software. For many companies, Verifactu represents a significant operational change, impacting not only accounting processes but also day-to-day administrative procedures. The system aims to streamline tax filing while making fraudulent or erroneous invoices less likely to be detected.

Who is affected?

Verifactu is a must-have for businesses using invoicing software. Businesses and self-employed individuals who issue invoices manually or through non-certified software are mostly exempt. Some companies that participate in alternative reporting mechanisms may also be excluded depending on their specific circumstances. Millions of businesses could be affected, but not all will face regulatory pressure immediately, and some are spending more time preparing than others.

What has changed: Postponed

New schedule for mandatory introduction

The Spanish government has postponed the mandatory introduction of Verifactu by one year. The revised deadlines are:

• Companies subject to corporate tax are January 1, 2027.
• July 1, 2027 For small businesses, self-employed individuals, and other invoicing software users.

The original deadlines were January 2026 and July 2026. This means that many companies have been given additional time to implement compliant systems. The postponement reflected the government’s recognition of the practical challenges associated with the transition, and was formally decided by a Cabinet-approved ordinance.

Reason for delay

This decision comes in response to repeated requests from business organizations and representatives of self-employed professionals. Many argued that businesses lacked sufficient time to update software, train staff and fully comply with new requirements. The limited voluntary implementation to date also highlights the need for additional preparation time and indicates that a significant portion of the business community is unprepared for the sudden implementation of the rules.

Impact on businesses and freelancers

Main benefits

• Verifactu invoices are fully traceable and immutable, reducing the risk of fraud and administrative errors.
• Standardized electronic filing simplifies audits and regulatory checks, saving time for both companies and tax authorities.
• This system provides an opportunity to modernize accounting practices, implement more robust internal controls, and improve financial transparency.

Potential challenges

• Businesses using non-certified software will need to upgrade, which may require financial costs and staff training.
• Small businesses with basic or manual billing processes can face operational and administrative challenges.
• Even if delayed, the obligation remains inevitable. Businesses need to effectively utilize the extra time to avoid disruption and penalties if the system becomes mandatory.
• Some businesses may need to rethink their invoice approval workflows and internal audit procedures to become fully compliant.

Important points to remember

• Verifactu requires that invoices be generated using certified software to ensure traceability and immutability.
• The mandate has been postponed to January 2027 for businesses and July 2027 for small and medium-sized enterprises and the self-employed.
• The postponement reflects concerns about preparedness and low voluntary participation.
• Businesses using manual or simple billing methods will be largely unaffected.
• The additional time is intended to allow businesses to upgrade systems, train staff, and effectively plan for compliance.

conclusion

The one-year delay in the mandatory introduction of Verifactu gives businesses important breathing room to prepare for major regulatory changes. Although the immediate impact is deferred, the system represents a fundamental change in Spanish invoicing, aiming for transparency, efficiency and stronger controls against tax evasion.

By 2027, e-invoicing with Verifactu will become the norm. Businesses that use this time wisely can modernize processes, improve financial reporting, and implement compliant software without disruption. Companies that fail to prepare risk facing last-minute challenges that can impact both operations and compliance. The postponement is a reprieve, but it is also a stark reminder that change is coming and preparation is essential.