SAF-T file and invoice obligations in Portugal and potential future plans

The "Digital Transformation in VAT" conference was organized and held on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, where national plans: various digital reporting models for specific countries were introduced, with Portugal being one of them. The speaker was in front of the Portuguese Tax Authority, and the presentation was about the general requirements, goals, and approach of the Tax Authorities, all in order to gain better tax control. More precisely, the presentation was about the general requirements of the SAF-T. It was a little bit about the history of SAF-T, from when it was first used, to how it has changed over the years.

After that, there were general requirements for the E-factura system—software for issuing an invoice, that must be certified, and why and how it is performed, in short. Also, three ways to send invoices to the tax authority are presented, along with the differences between them. It was pointed out that it is mandatory to issue all invoices to the tax authority, regardless of the way they are issued, their format, etc.; all transactions and relations are covered (B2B, B2C).

Then, a general introduction of invoicing rules has been presented, which must be issued for every transaction and in every relation between B2B, B2C. At the very least, the speaker reminds us of the QR code (which is mandatory to use beginning in 2022) and ATCUD code (which is mandatory beginning in 2023), what the purpose of these codes is, what the deadlines for mandatory usage are, how they must be presented, and how they are connected with the Portuguese authorities. Also, the speaker presented a general approach and vision for VAT digital reporting in the future, with no concrete information other than some key success factors for achieving data quality, speeding up the digital transformation process, etc. For Portugal, it was stated that VAT in the digital age will require harmonization with the current invoice system obligations, to provide new services based on collected data, and simplify data once processed, ensuring interoperability with other government bodies.

In summary, the presentation focused on what a SAF-T file and invoice obligation are, their history, and how they are easy to use and potentially useful in other VAT reporting obligations that will be established.