The implementation of the e-Invoicing already started in Serbia in May 2022 with B2G and G2G transactions and continues with G2B and B2B transactions. The national Serbia e-Invoicing system is called Sistem E-Faktura and it is an example of clearance model used all over the world.
You can find general information about the process in our first 5 Key Questions content. And now, we would like to share an updated version of the 5 Key Questions.
1.Is digital signature required?
Digital signing of invoices is not required. When you send an invoice via the API key and that’s enough authentication. Taxpayers can only submit invoices both in test and production through API key and generate it when they enter the government portal with digital certificates which is the highest level of security.
2. Is it mandatory to receive e-Invoices?
The Serbian government published an electronic invoice law and gives detailed information about the scope which can be found below:
- For B2G transactions, private sector entities must issue and process e-Invoices to Public entities from May 2022.
- For G2B transactions, private sector entities must receive and store e-Invoice issues by public entities as of July 2022.
- For B2B transactions, e-Invoice must be issued and stored between private entities from January 2023.
Receiving invoices is mandatory only in G2B transactions and the businesses should receive invoices automatically with government published API for incoming invoices. Otherwise recipients should download e-Invoices from the government portal. Processes can be digitized depending on taxpayers’ e-Invoicing solution.
3. Are export transactions covered by electronic invoice regulation?
In cross-border transactions, VAT registered persons, i.e. taxpayers who are within the scope of obligation, are required to report to the system, but if the invoice is issued by a VAT-exempt organization, they do not need to be entered into the system.
4. How many days does the receiver have to accept or reject an invoice?
Government first sends a notification to the receiver if he/she doesn’t accept or reject after 15 days submitting to the portal. The recipient has 5 more days to respond, if the recipient does not respond, the invoice is canceled. In summary the buyer has 20 days to accept or reject the electronic invoice from the portal.
5. Does the API key have an expiration date?
Taxpayers must apply separately and generate different API keys for test and production systems. Once they are created, the validity of the API key on e-Faktura is unlimited.
For more information about the process and our solutions, please contact us at contact@snitechnology.net
