7 in 10 Belgian companies have not yet adopted e-invoicing

Putting processes in place 

That leaves 70% of companies that have not yet got their e-invoicing on point. How far along are they? A quarter already indicate that they may not be ready today but are on track to meet the deadline (<5 employees: 18%; 6–50 employees: 23%; and >50 employees: 31%). 17% indicate that their processes still need to be adjusted. In this area, large companies (>50 employees: 12%) are significantly ahead of the smaller players (<5 employees: 24%; 6–50 employees: 28%).  

“That isn’t so surprising when you know that the challenges for larger companies are a lot more extensive and often more complex. They work with PO numbers, budget codes, and so on, which means that every single detail has to be in order. That is why we at BDO also take a holistic approach – from an analysis of the current invoicing process, to choosing the right solutions and security measures, to redesigning internal processes,” explains Joyce Martens. 

Choosing the right system is challenging

Besides processes, there is, of course, the issue of systems. On that front, 8% of companies are going to put their house in order in the coming months. This topic is highest on the agenda among medium-sized companies (6–50 employees: 10%; <5 employees: 3%; and >50 employees: 7%). 

Return on investment 

Although the preparation process towards e-invoicing is often underestimated, companies are well aware of the impact. For example, 34% of business leaders point towards 
e-invoicing as the most impactful obligation (relative to other regulations, such as those around ESG or AI, for example). In doing so, a third (33%) also indicates that it comes at a heavy cost and that they would rather spend that budget on something else.  

Pascal Dauw, Partner Tax: “Of course, it will take some time for the investments in e-invoicing to start paying off – and that will certainly not be the case during the transition phase – but in the long run, it will mean more cost-efficient operations. The shoeboxes of documents dragged to the accountant around quarterly returns will be relegated to the past.  And for smaller businesses that are wary of the investment, there is a temporary increased cost deduction of 120% for the non-activated costs associated with e-invoicing (e.g. subscription costs for an invoicing package, consultancy costs incurred specifically for the preparation or implementation, etc.). In addition, small businesses also enjoy a 20% investment deduction on digital investments, such as software for an invoicing solution.”

Jo Heijse, Partner BDO Digital: “In practice, we often see companies underestimating the scope of e-invoicing. There is obviously a big digital component, but, in addition, there is also a tax aspect, for example, and obviously a lot of process impact. Many companies mishandle this. So those who do not yet have a concrete plan for implementation are really down to the wire.”  

Return on investment 

Although the preparation process towards e-invoicing is often underestimated, companies are well aware of the impact. For example, 34% of business leaders point towards 
e-invoicing as the most impactful obligation (relative to other regulations, such as those around ESG or AI, for example). In doing so, a third (33%) also indicates that it comes at a heavy cost and that they would rather spend that budget on something else.  

Pascal Dauw, Partner Tax: “Of course, it will take some time for the investments in e-invoicing to start paying off – and that will certainly not be the case during the transition phase – but in the long run, it will mean more cost-efficient operations. The shoeboxes of documents dragged to the accountant around quarterly returns will be relegated to the past.  And for smaller businesses that are wary of the investment, there is a temporary increased cost deduction of 120% for the non-activated costs associated with e-invoicing (e.g. subscription costs for an invoicing package, consultancy costs incurred specifically for the preparation or implementation, etc.). In addition, small businesses also enjoy a 20% investment deduction on digital investments, such as software for an invoicing solution.”

Jo Heijse, Partner BDO Digital: “In practice, we often see companies underestimating the scope of e-invoicing. There is obviously a big digital component, but, in addition, there is also a tax aspect, for example, and obviously a lot of process impact. Many companies mishandle this. So those who do not yet have a concrete plan for implementation are really down to the wire.”