\t\t\tGovernment update on ViDA plans<\/p>\n
During a recent parliamentary session, Secretary of State for Tax Affairs, Cl\u00e1udia Reis Duarte, confirmed that the government has already started adapting the national e-invoice system to meet the upcoming requirements. She noted that while the deadline may seem distant, \u201c2030 isn\u2019t that far away either,\u201d and early preparations are underway.<\/p>\n
The reform will primarily affect cross-border B2B transactions<\/b>, ensuring that tax authorities receive invoice data quickly enough to detect VAT fraud, close reporting gaps, and harmonise compliance obligations across the Single Market.<\/p>\n
Portugal\u2019s existing e-invoicing & reporting<\/p>\n
Long before the EU\u2019s VIDA project, the Portugal implemented one of the most digitally advanced VAT compliance systems in Europe, including:<\/p>\n
All businesses issuing invoices must use invoicing systems certified<\/a> <\/strong>by the Portuguese Tax Authority (Autoridade Tribut\u00e1ria e Aduaneira \u2013 AT). These solutions guarantee that invoices are tamper-proof, sequentially numbered, and compliant with national VAT requirements.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Since 2013, companies have been required to generate SAF-T files \u2013 a standardized electronic file format containing detailed transaction and accounting data. These files must be submitted periodically to the AT, enabling tax inspectors to verify VAT compliance efficiently. SAF-T (PT)<\/a><\/strong> is also mandatory for annual accounting data submissions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Portugal already mandates electronic invoicing for B2G (business-to-government) transactions, aligning with EU directives on public procurement.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Together, these measures mean Portuguese businesses already operate under one of Europe\u2019s most controlled invoicing environments.<\/p>\n