The implementation of the new mandatory electronic invoicing software, known as Sistema Verifactu and promoted by the Tax Agency (AEAT), will no longer be effective with the arrival of the new year. Just one month away from its original deadline, and after a series of criticisms and requests for a moratorium, the Government has confirmed a delay in its implementation until 2027.
This decision, as announced by the President of the Government, follows the negotiations with Junts and will be formalized by means of a royal decree approved by the Council of Ministers.
What is Verifactu and how does it work?
The term Verifactu is the abbreviation of “Invoice verifiable in the electronic headquarters of the AEAT”. It is a system designed by the Anti-Fraud Law for the electronic verification of invoices, seeking to strengthen the fight against tax fraud and promote greater transparency in the accounting and invoicing processes of professionals and companies.
The key feature of the system is that it requires taxpayers to issue invoices through certified software that must automatically send transactional information to the Tax Agency. In addition to preventing fraudulent practices such as the concealment or manipulation of sales invoices, the system seeks to promote the standardization and digital modernization of business IT systems in Spain.
Measure postponed after controversy
Despite its objective of digitalization and fiscal control, the initiative has generated great controversy since its announcement. Numerous business and self-employed organizations, such as ATA, have repeatedly requested an extension for its obligatory nature.
Concern was palpable among microenterprises and SMEs, especially in sectors such as butchers, bakeries and fishmongers. Their employers argued that their businesses lacked the technical know-how, the appropriate hardware and, above all, that the high costs of adapting the software and the lack of support could compromise their viability.
Recent surveys indicated that, at the end of November, more than 60% of the business community had not yet begun the adaptation process.
New timetable for entry into force
The Royal Decree approved by the Council of Ministers extends the adaptation period by a full year, modifying the initial schedule as follows:
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For companies with a turnover of less than six million euros: The obligation, originally planned for January 1, 2026, is moved to January 1, 2027.
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For more than 3.4 million self-employed: The deadline that started on July 1, 2026 is extended to July 1, 2027.
This extension provides considerable scope for the more than 3.4 million self-employed and smaller companies to take on the investment and technical training necessary to comply with the requirements of the new verifiable invoicing system.
