‘Crea y Crece’ Law: The Latest on E-invoicing in Spain

Jul 10, 2023 | Uncategorized

The Crea y Crece Law has generated considerable stir in Spain since its approval last year. Since then, its objective has been to boost the creation and growth of companies in the country. However, it has been the subject of discussion in the media in recent months, as a draft Royal Decree with certain changes has been released. Consequently, much anticipation has been generated, and debates continue in the business sector. Likewise, we take this opportunity to address these latest developments regarding the Crea y Crece Law. 

The draft Royal Decree and its approval 

This is not the first article in which we discuss this regulation. Surely, given its importance and the changes surrounding it, it will not be the last either. Nevertheless, we want to address the latest news on the Crea y Crece Law that have been announced recently. 

In relation to this legislation, a draft Royal Decree has recently been prepared. This aims to develop aspects related to e-invoicing and specifies the technical requirements for solutions that issue or receive digital invoices. Currently, the draft is in the “submission of allegations to the text” phase, which is the final stage before its definitive approval. 

According to government sources, the draft Royal Decree is expected to pass to the Council of Ministers for its definitive approval in the short term. The possibility is even mentioned that the definitive text will be approved before August, which would indicate that the new regulations would come into force in the near future. Even so, with the early election, uncertainty is total.

Technical specifications for e-invoicing 

The fact is that the draft Royal Decree sets technical specifications that invoicing solutions for businesses and professionals in Spain must comply with. These aim to ensure interoperability and security in the exchange of electronic invoices, as well as to promote the widespread adoption of this type of invoicing. 

According to the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, the main technical specifications key include the aspects we detail below.

Electronic format 

The draft Royal Decree project establishes that electronic invoices must be issued in a structured format. Éste must comply with recognized international standards, such as the XML (Extensible Markup Language) format. In this regard, we highlight that at easyap we work with all formats, including especially Facturae and UBL.

The use of a structured format allows invoice data to be automatically interpreted and processed by systems. This facilitates its management and verification. Furthermore, it helps to streamline invoicing processes and reduces the possibility of manual errors.

Electronic signature 

The electronic signature is a fundamental element to guarantee the authenticity and integrity of electronic invoices. The draft stipulates that electronic invoices must be digitally signed using a recognized certificate. 

At easyap we have already explained in detail what the electronic signature is for. But, broadly speaking, it ensures that the invoice has not been modified after its issuance and allows verifying the identity of the issuer. Furthermore, it provides legal backing for the electronic invoice, equating it to a paper invoice in terms of legal validity.

Mandatory content 

This draft of updates to the ‘Crea y Crece’ Law also indicates the mandatory elements that must be included in all electronic invoicesissued in Spain. These are necessary to comply with tax and administrative requirements. 

Some of these mandatory elements are: 

  Detailed information about the invoice issuer and recipient (name, address, and tax identification).
  Invoiced items.
  Amounts (taxable base, taxes, and total).
  Invoice number.
  Date of issue.

However, you can find out exactly the mandatory data for an electronic invoice here. With these, you will be ensuring the traceability of the commercial operation and facilitating compliance with tax obligations.

Secure Storage 

The draft also establishes requirements for the secure storage of electronic invoices. Its objective is to preserve the integrity and availability of invoices over time, guaranteeing their validity and ensuring they can be consulted at any time in case of legal or tax requirements. 

In this regard, secure storage implies that invoices must be stored in electronic format and maintained in a protected environment from possible damage, loss, or alteration. Furthermore, minimum retention periods are also set for them to comply with legal and tax obligations.

Invoice Exchange 

Another aspect addressed by the draft is the exchange of electronic invoices between businesses and professionals. In this regard, it establishes the mechanisms and requirements for the transmission of electronic invoices. It even, offers options such as sending via email, the use of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) platforms, or the adoption of certified electronic invoicing solutions. 

This point promotes the adoption of open standards and interoperability between different systemsused by companies. Likewise, it facilitates the automation of the invoicing process and reduces the need for manual intervention. 

In general, these technical specifications aim to facilitate the implementation of e-invoicing in the business sector, improving efficiency and transparency in invoicing processes. Therefore, they contribute to reducing the administrative burden associated with this process, which is inherent to any company or business.

How easyap helps comply with the new developments of the ‘Crea y Crece’ Law 

Throughout this entire process, we want to remind you that at easyap, we are prepared for any changes that may occur. We adapt to the new developments that arise in the ‘Crea y Crece’ Law. 

For more than two decades, we have specialized in e-invoicing and administrative management solutions. This means that we offer the most valuable support to companies looking to comply with the ‘Crea y Crece’ Law, both now and in the future. 

A good example of this is that at easyap, we hold guarantee certifications. And not only that, but we also collaborate with relevant national, European, and global organizations and authorities: 

  ISO 27001 Certification. Easyap is an ISO 27001 certified company. This means we comply with international information security standards. Data confidentiality is fundamental in the implementation of e-invoicing, as it provides vital peace of mind.
  Members of the European Electronic Certification network. We are part of the European Electronic Certification network, demonstrating our commitment to European standards and requirements for electronic invoicing. This membership keeps us updated on the latest regulations and allows us to offer solutions adapted to the most recent norms.
  We are part of the Peppol network.We are also members of the Peppol network (Pan-European Public Procurement Online), which facilitates the electronic exchange of commercial documents between companies and government entities in Europe. Our inclusion in Peppol offers the possibility of establishing secure and standardized connections between companies and with Public Administration. Therefore, we simplify invoicing processes and compliance with the ‘Crea y Crece’ Law.
  We collaborate with the Tax Agency. We have established a collaboration with the Tax Agency which allows us to stay up-to-date with regulatory updates and specific tax requirements. In this way, our solutions remain aligned with the guidelines and demands of current tax legislation in Spain. Thus, our clients perfectly comply with the relevant tax obligations. 

To summarize, at easyap we have positioned ourselves as a strategic ally for companies that want to comply with the new requirements of the ‘Crea y Crece’ Law in Spain. These alliances, agreements, and partnerships make us a trustworthy and competent option for implementing effective e-invoicing solutions adapted to changes. 

In addition to all the above, we must add the technical benefits of the software at a business level. Our solutions stand out for multiple technical advantages: 

  Automation and process agility.
  Integration with other existing systems like ERP.
  Regulatory compliance, as we adapt to the tax requirements of different regions, markets, and/or administrations.
  Security and confidentiality in information issuance.
  Highly customizable and scalable solutions. 

As you can see, these advantages contribute to optimizing the management of electronic invoicing and other administrative processes. Therefore, they save time, reduce costs, and improve efficiency in your daily operations.

Conclusion on the possible changes to the ‘Crea y Crece’ Law 

In conclusion, the draft Royal Decree project that develops the ‘Crea y Crece’ Law promises changes upcoming and significant regarding e-invoicing. In fact, it has already generated great anticipation in the business sector in Spain and in the media. 

Likewise, the proposed technical specifications aim to establish requirements that guarantee interoperability and security in the exchange of electronic invoices. It is expected to be approved soon, marking a milestone in the digital transformation of invoicing processes. Companies and professionals will need to adapt to this new regulation and leverage its benefits. Contact us so we can help you with this new and exciting upcoming process.

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