Hacienda delays Verifactu by one year

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

The move forms part of a broader effort to modernise Spain’s tax framework. Traditional paper or PDF invoices will no longer meet the new standards if generated outside certified software. For many businesses, Verifactu represents a significant operational shift, affecting not only accounting processes but also day-to-day administrative procedures. The system aims to streamline tax reporting while making it harder for fraudulent or incorrect invoices to go undetected.

Who is affected

Verifactu is mandatory for entities using invoicing software. Companies and self‑employed professionals that issue invoices manually or via non‑certified software are largely exempt. Some businesses participating in alternative reporting mechanisms may also be excluded depending on their specific circumstances. While millions of businesses could potentially be impacted, not all will face immediate regulatory pressure, and some have more time to prepare than others.

What has changed: the postponement

New schedule for mandatory adoption

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

• 1 January 2027 for companies subject to Corporate Tax.
• 1 July 2027 for SMEs, self‑employed professionals, and other users of invoicing software.

The original deadlines were January 2026 and July 2026, meaning many businesses now have additional time to implement compliant systems. The postponement was formalised via a decree‑law approved by the Cabinet, reflecting the government’s acknowledgment of the practical challenges involved in the transition.

Reasons for the delay

The decision responds to repeated requests from business associations and representatives of self‑employed professionals. Many argued that firms lacked sufficient time to update software, train staff, and fully comply with the new requirements. Limited voluntary adoption to date also highlighted the need for extra preparation time, indicating that a substantial portion of the business community was unprepared for a sudden enforcement of the rules.

Implications for businesses and freelancers

Key advantages

• Invoices under Verifactu are fully traceable and cannot be altered, reducing the risk of fraud and administrative errors.
• Standardised electronic submission simplifies audits and regulatory checks, saving time for both businesses and tax authorities.
• The system offers an opportunity to modernise accounting practices, introducing more robust internal controls and improving financial transparency.

Potential challenges

• Businesses using non‑certified software will need to upgrade, which may involve both financial cost and staff training.
• Small firms with basic or manual billing processes may face operational and administrative hurdles.
• Even with the delay, the obligation remains inevitable. Companies must use the extra time effectively to avoid disruption or penalties when the system becomes mandatory.
• Some businesses may also need to rethink invoice approval workflows and internal auditing procedures to fully comply.

Key points to remember

• Verifactu requires invoices to be generated through certified software, ensuring traceability and immutability.
• Mandatory adoption has been delayed to January 2027 for companies and July 2027 for SMEs and self‑employed professionals.
• The postponement reflects readiness concerns and low voluntary uptake.
• Businesses using manual or simple invoicing methods are mostly unaffected.
• The extra time is intended to help companies upgrade systems, train staff, and plan compliance effectively.

Conclusion

The one‑year delay in Verifactu’s mandatory introduction gives businesses crucial breathing space to prepare for a major regulatory shift. While the immediate impact is postponed, the system represents a fundamental change in Spanish invoicing, aiming for transparency, efficiency, and stronger controls against tax fraud.

By 2027, electronic invoicing under Verifactu will become the norm. Companies that use this time wisely can modernise processes, improve financial reporting, and adopt compliant software without disruption. Those that fail to prepare risk last‑minute challenges that could affect both operations and compliance. The delay is a reprieve, but it is also a clear reminder that change is coming, and preparation will be essential.