In recent months there has been a lot of talk about Veri*Factu, The new legal framework that regulates how invoicing systems must work in Spain. However, doubts and misunderstandings are also circulating: is it compulsory to send invoices to the tax authorities in real time, what changes need to be made to the invoicing software, what risks are there?
In this article we review the key points that every self-employed person, SME or company should be aware of.
1. The regulation commonly referred to as the Veri*Factu
Although colloquially referred to as “the Veri*Factu law”, in reality it is the Royal Decree 1007/2023, published in December 2023. This regulation implements Law 11/2021 on the fight against fraud and establishes the requirements to be met by computerised invoicing systems (SIF).
In short, it does not regulate the electronic invoice itself, but rather how the programmes that generate and store invoices should behave in order to avoid manipulation.
2. It is not compulsory to send invoices to the tax authorities in real time.
One of the most common misconceptions is that from now on all invoices must be sent to the Tax Agency as soon as they are issued.
This it is not true:
It is imperative that systems generate secure and unalterable records of each invoice.
But the entrepreneur or professional may choose to for sending those records in real time to the tax authorities (Veri*Factu mode) or store them in their own system and hand them over only if required by the administration.
Therefore, using the AEAT's platform it is not compulsory.
3. Features to be met by the billing software
In order to comply with the regulation, invoicing programmes must:
Generate a single record for each invoice (and, where applicable, for each cancellation).
Incorporate mechanisms for electronic signature and a system of chained (hash) to ensure traceability of all records.
Include a QR code on invoices, allowing customers and the tax authorities to easily check the validity.
Maintain a event log where operations such as accesses, modifications or downloads are stored.
Prevent the possibility of altering or deleting invoices once they have been issued.
4. How to make sure your system meets the requirements
The easiest way to comply is:
Use a updated invoicing software that is already certified for the new regulation.
Ask your technology provider for a affidavit that your system complies with Royal Decree 1007/2023.
In the case of freelancers or SMEs without their own software, it is possible to use the free AEAT application (which will operate in Veri*Factu mode).
5. Deadlines to adapt to Veri*Factu
The regulation is already approved, but the obligations will come into force on different dates depending on the type of subject:
Software producers and marketers: have at their disposal 9 months from the publication of the Order HAC/1177/2024 (October 2024) to adapt their programmes and market them as compliant.
Companies subject to corporate income taxshall use compliant systems as from 1 January 2026.
Self-employed and entities without legal personalityYou will have until 1 July 2026 to adapt their billing systems.
In short: first the software manufacturers must adapt, and then the companies and professionals using the software.
6. Possible negative effects of sending records in real time
Although it is not mandatory to send records to the tax authorities immediately, some entrepreneurs are considering doing so for the sake of transparency. However, there are reasonable doubts:
More visibility for the TreasuryReal-time submission means that the Tax Agency has an immediate record of your transactions.
Garnishments and third party debtsOne of the biggest concerns arises here. Although in theory the records submitted correspond to your own invoicing, there are serious doubts as to whether the tax authorities could use them to identify debts owed by customers or suppliers and act against them by means of seizures..
Greater control and faster checksIt is also possible that the AEAT may detect earlier inconsistencies or delays in the issuer's own compliance with tax obligations.
In conclusion, sending the logs in real time is an option, but it is worth considering the added risks to give immediate access to all your invoicing.
Conclusion
The Veri*Factu system is a technical framework that aims to avoid manipulation and increase transparency. There is no obligation to send invoices to the Treasury in real time, but there is an obligation to use computer systems that generate secure and unalterable records.
The challenge now is to choosing the right software and adapting in time:
Software manufacturers, by summer 2025.
Companies, in January 2026.
Autonomous and unincorporated entities, in July 2026.
