In Argentina, electronic invoicing, or “e-factura”, has been mandatory for certain businesses since 2019. E-invoicing is a system that allows companies to issue, send, and receive invoices electronically, rather than using paper invoices.
Here is a brief overview of how e-invoicing works in Argentina:
- Obtain a digital certificate: To issue electronic invoices, companies must obtain a digital certificate from a certification authority. This certificate serves as proof of identity and allows the company to sign and encrypt its electronic invoices.
- Generate an electronic invoice: Once the digital certificate is obtained, the company can generate an electronic invoice using specialized software. The invoice must include specific information required by the AFIP (the Argentine tax authority), such as the tax identification number of the company and the customer, the date of the transaction, and the amount of the sale.
- Submit the invoice to the AFIP: The electronic invoice is submitted to the AFIP through a web-based platform called “Comprobante en Línea”. The AFIP verifies the invoice and assigns it a unique code.
- Send the invoice to the customer: Once the invoice is approved by the AFIP, the company can send it to the customer by email or through a web-based platform.
- Record the invoice: The company must keep a record of the electronic invoice for at least 10 years.
It is important to note that in Argentina, certain businesses are required to use specific types of electronic invoicing, depending on their activity and the type of tax regime they are registered in. Additionally, there are penalties for non-compliance with the e-invoicing regulations, so it is important for businesses to ensure that they are following the rules correctly.
