The e-invoice in Argentina is now mandatory, following the approval of General Resolution 4290/2018. This regulation encompasses both individuals and businesses, and it permits the issuance of electronic invoices without the use of fiscal controllers.
In 2020, General Resolution 4892/2020 required that all electronic invoices in Argentina contain a QR code, which was to include the following information:
- The date of issue.
- The CUIT of the issuer.
- The point of sale.
- The type of invoice.
- The voucher number.
- The total amount, invoicing currency, and quotation are also included.
- The document type and number of the recipient.
- The authorization type code and code must be provided.
On the other hand, MSMEs (micro, small, and medium-sized companies) will be able to collect credit in advance through the MSME Electronic Credit Invoice (FCEM) system, which was designed to enhance the security of credit collections for MSME suppliers of large companies.
History of the electronic invoice in Argentina
It was in 2002, with the publication of General Resolution 1361, when the AFIP introduced the electronic invoice in Argentina as a duplicate voucher. However, it was not until General Resolution 1956 of 2005 was approved that the electronic invoice issuance and storage system was established.
Although the new Argentine electronic invoicing model was initially voluntary, in 2006 General Resolution 2177 established the mandatory electronic invoicing gradually for some groups of taxpayers. These included telephone companies, Internet and cable TV operators, basic services and prepaid medicine companies, security services, and cleaning companies. In January 2009, the electronic tolling, IT, advertising, and professional services companies with a turnover over $600,000, as established in General Resolution 2485 of 2008, were required to implement electronic invoicing.
2015 marked a pivotal year for electronic invoicing in Argentina, with the mass implementation of the system as outlined in General Resolution 3749. As of July 1, 2015, electronic vouchers became mandatory for VAT-registered taxpayers, effectively phasing out the use of paper vouchers.
Essential information on electronic invoicing in Argentina
The electronic invoice in Argentina is defined as the functional and legal digital voucher equivalent to the invoice in paper format. The agency in charge of its management and validity is the Federal Administration of Public Revenues (AFIP).
The format is not yet defined, although it must be sent in XML by WebServices to the AFIP. Both the issuer and the receiver are required to store them for a period of 10 years.
Types of vouchers
- Invoices and receipts class "A"; with the legend "operation subject to withholding and/or M".
- Class "A" credit and debit notes; with the legend "operation subject to withholding and/or M".
- Class B credit and debit notes.
- Class C invoices and receipts.
- Class C credit and debit notes.
- Class E invoices and receipts.
- Credit and debit notes class E.
How to send electronic invoices in Argentina?
Regardless of the solution employed by taxpayers, it is necessary for them to be certified by the AFIP. The key steps for exchanging electronic invoices in Argentina are clearly outlined in the following points:
- In order to verify their identity, digitally sign, and guarantee the authenticity of electronic invoices, companies must obtain a digital tax certificate from the AFIP.
- It is advisable to utilise an authorised service provider, as they facilitate the exchange of data between the company and the AFIP, thereby ensuring that invoices comply with the relevant regulations.
- An electronic invoice in Argentina must include a number of essential pieces of information, including the company name, tax identification number, invoice number, date of issue, description of the goods or services provided, and the total amount.
- Prior to transmission of the electronic invoice, the document must be validated through the validation tool provided by AFIP. Upon successful validation, the invoice may be transmitted to the recipient.
Finally, companies are required to maintain records of all invoices sent and received for a period of ten years in digital format.
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