eInvoicing

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What is eInvoicing?

eInvoicing (or electronic invoicing) is the new standardised way to exchange invoices through software through the Peppol eDelivery network. With eInvoicing invoices are able to be sent directly between suppliers and buyers software removing the need to manually key data or for suppliers and buyers to log into multiple bespoke networks.

eInvoicing is different from other invoicing methods because it:

  • operates on an open network which breaks down barriers for business trading domestically and overseas
  • relies on a common data standard
  • supported by network governance and security controls

eInvoicing does not apply to business to consumer transactions.

The primary driver for adopting the Peppol framework and eInvoicing are whole of economy benefits to business, further information on benefits visit Benefits of eInvoicing.

For more information visit eInvoicing.

What is Peppol?

Peppol is an international eProcurement framework developed and maintained by OpenPeppol, an international not-for profit organisation. It is the Peppol framework and infrastructure that enables interoperability between suppliers and buyers’ software using a common data standard to exchange eInvoices and other eProcurement documents.

The Peppol framework consists of:

  • the Peppol eDelivery network
  • eProcurement business interoperability specifications i.e., invoice and purchase order
  • legal framework that defines governance and security requirements of network participants

Peppol is a global, decentralised, and open eDelivery network in operation since 2008 and in use in over 40 countries.

For more information visit Peppol.

The ATO as Peppol Authority

Peppol gives authority to countries to manage the Peppol framework within their jurisdiction. In Australia, the ATO performs the role of  the Peppol Authority on behalf of government.

In this role we:

  • define Australian requirements for use of the Peppol standards. For example, invoice specifications to support GST tax invoices
  • administer network governance which includes accreditation of Peppol Service Providers in Australia
  • educate, promote, and support the adoption of Peppol standards across government and the business community
  • work with the digital service providers and the business community to ensure the Peppol framework is suitable and implemented consistently across Australia.

We do not receive a copy of the eInvoice, and we are not able to view the contents of any eInvoices being transmitted between businesses.

For further information visit Australian Peppol Authority.

eInvoicing for Digital Service Providers

To offer eInvoicing services or products you, as a Digital Service Provider (DSP), can either become an accredited Peppol Service Provider or partner with an accredited Peppol Service Provider to become eInvoicing Ready.

These pathways are further explained below.

In May 2023 the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) in its role as the Australian Peppol Authority, with Digital Service Providers Australia and New Zealand (DSPANZ) and the Ministry of Business, Employment and Industry (MBIE) in its role as New Zealands Peppol Authority held a webinar.  The webinar was tailored for DSPs not yet eInvoicing enabled and a recording is now available for viewing.

Become an accredited Peppol Service Provider

For a DSP to become an accredited Peppol Service Provider in Australia you will need to complete the steps of accreditation which includes:

  • OpenPeppol membership
  • Sign legal agreement
  • Due diligence checks
  • Meet security requirements
  • Test your solution

Successful Peppol service providers are listed on the accreditation Peppol service provider register. For further information on the process and how to become accredited go to the Australian accreditation process for Peppol Service Providers.

Become an eInvoicing Ready product

For DSP products that partner with an Australian or New Zealand accredited Peppol Service Provider to connect to the Peppol network, you can apply to become eInvoicing Ready.

Your product may also meet additional optional criteria by demonstrating capability to support sending data rated as best practice as per A-NZ Invoice Content Industry Practice Statements (DOCX, 262KB).

Successful products will be listed on the eInvoicing Ready product register. For further information on the process to become eInvoicing Ready go to the eInvoicing Ready assessment process.

A-NZ invoice specification

We recommend providers familiarise themselves with the A-NZ invoice specification and validation rules.

The specifications and validation rules for an invoice and recipient created tax invoice can be found via below links:

There are bi-annual releases and updates to the A-NZ invoice specification.

For end user software which generates invoices for suppliers we recommend reviewing the A-NZ Invoice Content Industry Practice Statements (DOCX, 262KB). This document outlines common data requirements that are optional according to the specification but vital to support processing of invoices by large buyers.

Procure to Pay documents supported by Peppol

Peppol supports more than the invoice and includes a suite of eProcurement business documents that can be used in Australia and New Zealand which includes the below:

  • Catalogue (and Catalogue Response): enables the automated exchange of catalogue information including the seller providing a new, updated, or deleted catalogue, and the buyer advising whether the information (new or updates) is accepted in the buyers’ ERP system.
  • Punch Out: enables integration between the seller’s web catalogue and buyer’s procurement system to create a product or service list for the buyer, which can later be used as the basis for an order or item comparison list.
  • Order (and Order Response): enables order automation in line with catalogue and invoice. A buyer creates an order and the seller either accepts the order, accepts the order with changes or rejects the order and responds with the required information. Invoices containing an order reference can be matched automatically.
  • Despatch Advice: enables communication between Seller and Consignee regarding transport details including packing and delivery, ordering details including what was sent, quantity of goods sent and items outstanding, and receiving goods including delivery time and address details.
  • Invoice or credit note: enables the supplier to send an invoice or credit note to the buyer or for the buyer to issue a recipient created tax invoice.
  • Invoice Response: enables status messages to be communicated between a supplier and buyer for an invoice or credit note. For example, an invoice is accepted, being processed, rejected, under query or paid.
  • Message level response: The outcome of message validation against the specification sent between the access points.

For further information refer to procure to pay overview (PDF, 98KB) and the specifications for the eProcurement documents.

Consultation working group

The DSPANZ A-NZ Peppol All Stakeholders Working Group was established in late 2021 and is co-chaired with DSPANZ the ATO and MBIE. The group includes end users and software who meet to discuss emerging implementation challenges and provide guidance on how to address issues to support enhanced interoperability and improve the end user experience.

The working group has published outcomes on the below:

For further information including the terms of reference go to DSPANZ All stakeholder working group or to register your interest to participate in consultation contact eInvoicing@ato.gov.au

Register to participate in an eInvoicing Pilot

The purpose of pilots is to:

  • demonstrate Peppol implementations across a variety of scenarios and industries
  • gain insights on how to maximise the value of eInvoicing and Peppol to share with the broader Peppol community
  • drive business adoption across supply chains.

For products that are able to send or receive eInvoices or other eProcurement documents i.e., Purchase order through Peppol you can register your interest to participate in a pilot through eInvoicing@ato.gov.au

For further information see the Supply Chain Pilot Factsheet (DOCX, 222KB)

Questions

Contact eInvoicing@ato.gov.au if you have any questions.

Latest news

16 November 2023

Recording of the ATO, DSPANZ and MBIE webinar for DSPs interested in becoming a Peppol service provider and / or eInvoicing Ready / Ready + is now available for viewing.  

19 July 2023 – New eInvoicing Hub for Hunter businesses

Joint media release with Stephen Jones MP, Assistant Treasurer and Sharon Claydon MP, Member for Newcastle.

For further information refer to eInvoicing Hunter Hub for business.

15 August 2022 – Albanese government supports eInvoicing

Joint media release with Stephen Jones MP, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services and Julie Collins MP, Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Small Business.

3 May 2022 – Federal government supplier pay on time policy update

From 1 July 2022, Commonwealth government agencies who receive eInvoices will need to pay them within 5 days*, regardless of value. This removes the current payment threshold of $1 million.

For further information refer to Supplier pay on time policy update

15 December 2021 – Treasury consultation to support adoption of eInvoicing

Government sought consultation on further ways to support business adoption of eInvoicing, including by consulting on the idea of a Business eInvoicing Right (BER). A BER could support business adoption by giving businesses the certainty that when they invest in eInvoicing, they would be able to make use of it with their trading partners.

This consultation is closed and it should be noted that findings from this consultation have not been enacted by government.

For further information refer to Treasury consultation - Supporting business adoption of eInvoicing

11 May 2021 – 2021/22 Budget measures

As part of the governments ongoing commitment to eInvoicing, the Government announced further investment to increase business awareness of eInvoicing as part of the 2021-22 budget and its Digital Economy Strategy

For further information refer to 2021-22 Budget Measures

November 2020 – Treasury consultation on options for mandatory adoption of eInvoicing

Treasury consultation on Options for mandatory e-Invoicing adoption by businesses
The Government seeking consultation to accelerate the adoption of Peppol e-Invoicing in the private sector, including options for mandatory adoption by businesses. Such a mandate could be effective at increasing adoption by businesses, but it could also impose a significant regulatory burden on some businesses. Moreover, as e-Invoicing can deliver enhanced invoice processing efficiency and accuracy, this paper also seeks to consult on how a Peppol e-Invoicing mandate for businesses can reduce payment times from large to small businesses.

This consultation is closed and it should be noted that findings from this consultation have not been enacted by government.

For further information refer to Treasury consultation on Options for mandatory e-Invoicing adoption by businesses

29 September 2020 – Digital Business Plan

As part of the Digital Business Plan, the Government announced that:

  • the Commonwealth will mandate eInvoicing for all agencies by 1 July 2022, with over 80% of invoices being able to be received electronically by 1 July 2021
  • it will also consult on options for mandatory adoption of eInvoicing across all levels of government and by businesses.

For further information refer to Digital Business Plan

7 November 2019 – Federal government supplier Pay On-Time or Pay interest policy

From 1 January 2020, Commonwealth Government agencies will start paying e-Invoices within five days or pay interest on any late payments.

The five-day e-Invoicing payment policy will apply to contracts valued up to $1 million, where a supplier and a Commonwealth agency both use the internationally established framework for delivering and receiving invoices in an electronic form

For further information refer to Supplier Pay On-Time or Pay Interest Policy

31 October 2019 – ATO becomes the Australian Peppol Authority

For further information refer to ATO becomes Australian Peppol Authority

6 September 2019 - Australian Data and Digital Council Communique

The Australian Data and Digital Council met in Brisbane on Friday 6 September 2019, where the Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers considered a range of data collaboration projects and digital transformation priorities underway nationally to improve services to the Australian public.

For further information refer to Australian Data and Digital Council Communique

25 October 2018 – Trans-Tasman Electronic Invoicing Arrangement

On 25 October 2018, the Australian Assistant Treasurer and the New Zealand Minister for Small Business signed the Trans-Tasman Electronic Invoicing Arrangement.

The objective of the Arrangement is to create and maintain a common Australia and New Zealand e‑Invoicing approach in order to improve productivity and reduce the costs of doing business for both government and industry through an interoperable single digital economic market.

The Australia and New Zealand Electronic Invoicing Board will administer this arrangement.

For further information refer to Trans-Tasman Electronic Invoicing Arrangement
 

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