E-invoicing government organisations
Are you an entrepreneur who invoices government organisations for work you have done? You may be required to send your invoices as e-invoices. An e-invoice is an electronic invoice. The Dutch central government only accepts only e-invoices. Local and regional authorities such as municipalities, provinces, and water authorities also require this more often.
What is an e-invoice?
An e-invoice is an electronic invoice. On an e-invoice, invoice details are always in a fixed position using a unique code. This makes it easier for the government to process the invoice automatically. As a result manual processing is no longer required.
Legal requirements for e-invoice
The government has drawn up specific conditions for sending e-invoices. If it is stated in the purchase conditions of your contract, you are obliged to send an e-invoice. An e-invoice must meet the same legal requirements as paper and pdf invoices.
E-invoicing local authorities
Local authorities may require an e-invoice for work you have done. Local authorities include municipalities, provinces, and water authorities. Other organisations which are required to follow public procurement procedures, such as educational institutions and museums, may also require e-invoices. These organisations are legally obliged to be able to receive and process e-invoices.
How do you send an e-invoice?
There are different methods for sending e-invoices. Ask your client which one is required.
How to send an e-invoice to decentralised government
There are two different methods for sending e-invoices to the Dutch central government. A quick and easy method is via administration software that supports e-invoicing (in Dutch). If your administration software does not support e-invoicing, a service provider (in Dutch) can often provide a solution. Do you not have suitable software? Then use the Supplier Portal (available in English by clicking the button in the upper righthand corner). This is a secure website where you can manually create an e-invoice. Note that this portal is only for e-invoicing the Dutch central government.