1.4 billion euros – this is the amount of tax fraud discovered by the Financial Administration of Slovakia since the introduction of control reports in 2014. To strengthen the fight against non-payers, from January 1, 2027, the country will implement a system of mandatory electronic invoices (e-faktúra), which will provide tax authorities with transaction data in near real-time.
This change will affect all entrepreneurs, including Ukrainians doing business in Slovakia. We explain who and how should prepare for the innovations.
What is e-faktúra and why is it being introduced?
An electronic invoice, or e-faktúra, is not just a PDF invoice sent by email. It is a structured digital document in XML format, which will be created and sent through the special state information system for electronic invoicing (IS EFA).
The main goal of the system is to combat tax evasion, particularly fictitious transactions and VAT fraud. Currently, the Financial Administration receives transaction data with a delay, after tax returns and control reports are submitted. The new system will allow suspicious transactions to be seen almost instantly.
In addition to strengthening control, the system has other benefits for businesses:
- Reduced administrative burden: automation of processes and elimination of the need to manually re-enter data from paper or PDF invoices.
- Fewer errors: a single digital format minimizes the risk of data entry errors.
- Transparency: all transactions will be recorded in a single system, simplifying reporting and audits.
Who will be affected by the changes?
The new rules will apply to almost the entire business environment in Slovakia, but the obligations will differ.
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Who is obliged to issue e-faktúry? From January 1, 2027, the obligation to issue electronic invoices will apply to all VAT payers (platitelia DPH), including sole traders (živnostník) and companies (s.r.o.). This applies to domestic transactions (B2B and B2G), meaning when supplying goods and services to other entrepreneurs or public institutions within Slovakia.
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Who is obliged to accept e-faktúry? The obligation to accept electronic invoices will be imposed on all entrepreneurs, regardless of whether they are VAT payers. This means that even if you are a sole trader (živnostník) not paying VAT, you must be technically ready to receive and process an invoice issued to you through the new system.
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Who will not be affected by the changes? Mandatory e-faktúra will not apply to transactions with end consumers (B2C), nor to certain types of VAT-exempt activities (e.g., financial and insurance services). Simplified invoices, i.e., receipts from cash registers (eKasa), will also remain an exception.
How will it work in practice?
The invoicing process will change. Instead of creating a document in Word or Excel and sending it by mail, entrepreneurs will have to use specialized software integrated with the state IS EFA system.
Data transmission will occur through certified intermediaries, so-called "digital postmen," or through a free state application. The entrepreneur will create the invoice in their accounting software, which will automatically send it to the state system. The system will verify the data and deliver the invoice to the recipient.
The Financial Administration recommends that entrepreneurs check now whether their accounting software will be ready for the transition to e-faktúry. Many software developers already offer integrated solutions.
What are the penalties for violations?
The law provides for fines for non-compliance with the new obligations. For late, incomplete, or incorrect provision of data from an invoice, a fine of up to 10,000 euros may be imposed. In case of repeated violations, the amount may increase.
The transition to the new system is mandatory, so it should not be ignored. Entrepreneurs are advised not to postpone preparations until the last moment to avoid problems and financial sanctions at the beginning of 2027. More detailed information about the changes can be found on the official resources of the Financial Administration.
Source: kryptomagazin.sk
