1. A pdf is an electronic invoice
An electronic invoice, also called "e-invoice," is an invoice issued, sent and received in an electronic format. To create an electronic invoice, you use structured data based on the computer language UBL (Universal Business Language), the standard format for e-invoicing in Belgium. A pdf document is therefore not an electronic invoice.
2. An e-invoice does not have the same value as a paper invoice
Electronic invoices have the same legal validity as paper invoices. Moreover, the exchange of invoices is secure because they are encrypted files readable by the various accounting systems.
3. I cannot archive an e-invoice in a folder
A good e-invoicing solution like Banqup makes the process easy for you, no matter how big or small your business is. This also means providing a convenient digital archive in your account where you can keep all your documents, invoices and receipts. That way you don't have to physically keep covers and piles of paper - everything is accessible digitally anytime, anywhere.
4. Switching to electronic billing is a lot of work for little return
No prior knowledge is required and you don't need to be an IT expert to get started with e-invoicing. Just create an account and start sending electronic invoices. It's that simple. What's more, you're immediately set up for the future e-invoicing obligation (see item 7).
5. E-invoicing costs me more
No paper, no stamps, no physical transportation, no extra time or staff to manually type things over or check them ... electronic invoicing is cheaper AND more sustainable.
6. E-invoices are not reliable
Less manual handling also means less chance of errors (in the account number, communication, etc.). So you can be sure that you are using the correct data ánd that your invoice doesn't get lost in transit. Because a remarkable number of sent e-mails do not reach the recipient...
7. E-invoicing is only mandatory if I invoice the government
The Belgian government has announced a plan for mandatory electronic invoicing between companies (B2B). The exact dates have yet to be confirmed, but all companies (with the exception of micro-enterprises) should be able to send and receive electronic invoices in the future.
