In the previous article, we explained the legislative obligations introduced from 1 January 2027 by the amendment to the VAT Act. However, many businesses still find it difficult to imagine how the entire exchange of documents will work in their day-to-day operations.
Are you wondering how an e-invoice is delivered step by step, what role the so-called Digital Postman plays, and what practical benefits it brings to your accounting processes? You will find the answers here.
How is an E-Invoice sent and delivered in 5 steps?
You can think of the e-invoicing process in much the same way as traditional mail: you write a letter, put it in an envelope, the postman collects it, checks the address and delivers it directly to the recipient’s mailbox. In the digital world, the process works in a similar way, but at lightning speed and with the highest level of security.
- Invoice Issuance: The sender (supplier) generates the invoice in their invoicing, accounting or ERP software in the same way as before. The software converts the document into the standardised XML / Peppol BIS 3.0 data format.
- Sending via the Digital Postman: The supplier’s system sends the e-invoice to its Digital Postman (Access Point).
- Secure Transmission via the Peppol Network: The supplier’s Digital Postman establishes an encrypted connection with the customer’s Digital Postman and securely transmits the document.
- Automatic Reporting to the Tax Authority: At the same time, the required data from the e-invoice is automatically transmitted in real time to the Slovak Financial Administration in the form of a TDD (Tax Data Document).
- Receipt by the Customer: The customer’s Digital Postman delivers the e-invoice directly to the customer’s accounting software, where it is automatically recorded without the need for manual data entry.
What benefits does the E-Invoicing revolution bring to businesses?
Although the new legislation may at first seem like yet another administrative obligation, it will bring significant practical benefits to businesses in their day-to-day operations:
- No more manual data entry: Invoice data is imported into the accounting system automatically, eliminating errors caused by manual data entry.
- 100% guaranteed delivery: Thanks to the Digital Postman and MLS (Message Level Status) confirmation messages, you receive immediate confirmation that the invoice has been delivered to the customer. No more excuses such as “the invoice ended up in spam”.
- Faster payment and approval: Immediate delivery shortens internal approval processes and helps accelerate invoice payment.
- Lower operating costs: You save on printing, paper, envelopes, postage and the physical storage of document binders.
- Fewer reporting obligations in the future: The continuous transmission of data to the Slovak Financial Administration will eventually replace complex VAT reporting requirements, such as the VAT Control Statement and the EC Sales List.
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In the next article, you will learn: Who is the Digital Postman and what is its role in the Peppol network?