In the Spanish tax landscape, digitalization is advancing by leaps and bounds, but with it comes confusion. Two terms that often puzzle freelancers and SMEs are B2B electronic invoicing and the VeriFactu system. Although both aim to modernize invoicing, they stem from different regulations, have different objectives, and follow different timelines. Clarifying their differences is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
What is B2B Electronic Invoicing (Crea y Crece Law)?
Mandatory electronic invoicing between businesses and professionals (B2B) originates from Law 18/2022, on the Creation and Growth of Companies, better known as the 'Crea y Crece' Law. Its main goal is to combat late payments and digitize business relationships.
- Objective: To standardize and streamline the exchange of invoices between businesses.
- Who it affects: Exclusively invoices issued in transactions between companies and/or freelancers (B2B). It does not affect invoices to final consumers (B2C).
- Technical requirement: It involves using a structured electronic format (like Facturae) and the interconnection between invoicing platforms for sending and receiving. To learn more, you can check our guide on Electronic Invoicing for Freelancers in Spain.
- Deadlines: The deadlines depend on regulatory development, which is already underway. Companies with a turnover exceeding 8 million euros are already required to comply, while other freelancers and SMEs have had a longer period that, as of today, has already expired or is about to for most.
What is the VeriFactu system (Anti-Fraud Law)?
On the other hand, VeriFactu is a system for issuing verifiable invoices that arises from Law 11/2021, on measures for the prevention and fight against tax fraud (the 'Anti-Fraud' Law). Its purpose is to ensure the integrity and immutability of billing records.
- Objective: To combat tax fraud and the underground economy by preventing the manipulation of accounting records.
- Who it affects: All invoices issued, both to other businesses (B2B) and to final consumers (B2C), with some very specific exceptions.
- Technical requirement: It requires the invoicing software used to generate each invoice with a QR code and a chained hash to ensure its traceability. It does not mandate sending the invoices to the Tax Agency (AEAT), although the system allows for it voluntarily. For more details, we recommend reading What is VeriFactu? Guide for Freelancers in Spain.
- Deadlines: The deadlines to adopt software compliant with VeriFactu are:
- January 1, 2027: For companies and other entities.
- July 1, 2027: For individual freelancers and micro-enterprises.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | B2B Electronic Invoicing (Crea y Crece Law) | VeriFactu System (Anti-Fraud Law) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Regulation | Law 18/2022 'Crea y Crece' | Law 11/2021 'Anti-Fraud' & RD 1007/2023 |
| Purpose | Combat late payments and digitize | Combat tax fraud |
| Scope | Only invoices between businesses/freelancers (B2B) | All invoices (B2B and B2C) |
| Requirement | Structured format and exchange system | Software ensuring integrity (QR, hash) |
| Key 2027 Deadline | Not applicable (earlier deadlines already in effect) | July 1, 2027 for freelancers |
In conclusion, this is not a matter of choosing one over the other. They are two complementary obligations. A freelancer or SME will need to issue invoices in a structured electronic format to their business clients and, at the same time, ensure their invoicing software meets VeriFactu requirements for all their invoices. The key is to have an invoicing solution that is prepared for both scenarios.