Many entrepreneurs are aware that e-invoicing is on its way. Few realise what it can really deliver.

Starting 1 January 2026, Belgian companies subject to VAT will switch to structured electronic invoicing for good. From then on, invoices will be exchanged digitally via the Peppol network. This makes Belgium a European pioneer. Meanwhile, our neighbours are staying quiet for now. Twenty countries have also opted for Peppol, though not on a mandatory basis. This is a missed opportunity, because cross-border e-invoicing is crucial for raising administrative efficiency within the EU to a higher level. Just think of the advantages this would bring, such as simplifying VAT reporting.

Nevertheless, I notice during customer meetings that there is often a lack of a sense of urgency. Time and technical barriers are cited as the main obstacles. But that is precisely where the problem lies: those who still see e-invoicing as a mandatory formality are missing the broader strategic value.

The switch to e-invoicing is not merely a technical adjustment. It is a lever for optimising the entire financial process. Invoicing and accounting are still among the most time-consuming processes in a company. Digitisation can mean unprecedented efficiency gains for SMEs. By automating these processes, entrepreneurs can focus more on their core business, shorten payment terms, improve their cash flow position and drastically reduce administrative errors. These advantages also apply to non-VAT-registered companies, who are free to jump on the digital bandwagon without any obligation.

At Van Havermaet, we have been committed to digitisation for many years. Not for the sake of technology itself, but from the perspective of our clients. Thanks to real-time data, our accountants can analyse faster and more thoroughly. This allows us to truly stand alongside entrepreneurs as their trusted advisor, proactively and multidisciplinarily.

For companies that are still unsure, there are additional tax incentives, such as the investment deduction for digital investments or the increased deduction of 120% for invoicing packages.
In short, e-invoicing is not an obligation that is being imposed on us, it is an opportunity that we should seize with both hands. Not just to comply with the rules, but to become more agile, efficient and future-proof as a company.

Written by Joeri Geerinck