What is an e-invoice?

An e-invoice, also known as electronic invoice or e-invoice, is a digital file formatted according to set standards. It is often mistakenly thought that e-invoicing is sending an invoice electronically in pdf format, for example. This is not the case: e-invoicing goes a step further.

The e-invoice is formatted in UBL (Universal Business Language) and is based on XML. The latter is the best known and most widely used standard for structuring documents. An e-invoice, for this reason also called UBL invoice, can be read directly by most financial software. This no longer requires manual input. An e-invoice must meet the same legal requirements as the 'normal' invoice.

You can easily send an e-invoice with eConnect, via our e-invoice portal or via your own software.

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Benefits of an e-invoice

Secure

By default, an e-invoice is checked on the e-invoicing network for a number of unique characteristics, including IBAN, VAT number and Chamber of Commerce number. Ghost invoices and duplicate invoices are thus intercepted.

Easy

E-invoices are formatted in UBL and can therefore easily be processed in accounting programmes. This also means fewer manual operations are required.

Real-time data

Data is exchanged quickly, giving both the receiver and sender real-time information regarding their payments. As no manual operations are required, this process is not slowed down.

Quick

E-invoices are almost immediately available in the accounting programme. As a result, they can also be approved faster by the recipient.

Accurate

Because a UBL invoice is read automatically, there is no chance of errors.

Cost-saving

No invoices need to be sent by regular mail, saving printing and postage costs. Moreover, fewer human actions are required.

How do I process an e-invoice?

To easily share e-invoices with each other, a connection to the Peppol network is required. This network consists of software and e-invoicing service providers that makes the direct exchange of e-invoices easy and accessible to everyone. By signing up to eConnect, you can use this network and easily process e-invoices.