Mandatory e-invoicing: only half of Belgian SMEs are aware

Three-quarters of Belgian entrepreneurs have yet to receive government information about mandatory e-invoicing

More than a year has passed since the mandatory implementation of e-invoicing between businesses was approved, yet 75% of Belgian entrepreneurs report that they still haven’t received any communication from the government. Even more concerning, only just over half (57%) of SMEs are aware of the 2026 deadline. Additionally, only 37% of business leaders are familiar with the Peppol network, the secure platform chosen by the government for invoice exchanges.

These startling findings come from a recent survey conducted by Horus Software, a Belgian scale-up that has developed an AI-powered accounting software and app. The survey polled SME business leaders in Belgium about their accounting practices.

Time-saving potential

Despite the lack of information, many business owners are optimistic about the new regulation. In fact, 60% of respondents expect it to save their company valuable time. Only a small minority (8%) sees the requirement as a bad idea, while 10% find it unnecessary.

“Belgian business leaders have just one year left to prepare for mandatory e-invoicing. That’s not much time, especially when our previous research showed that one in three SMEs in Belgium still send invoices by mail, sometimes combined with email or an accounting program,” said Benjamin Tailleur, COO of Horus Software.

Timely payers

The survey also explored the payment habits of Belgian entrepreneurs. The results? Most business leaders see themselves as prompt payers. Half (51%) pay their invoices within 1 to 15 days of receipt, with 14% even settling their bills on the day they arrive. Only 5% admit to consistently paying late. On average, an SME sends out 32 invoices and receives 49 per month.

“The market is evolving rapidly. SME business leaders often need to make swift financial decisions. It’s no surprise that many entrepreneurs (40%) check their company’s bank account daily. They want constant insight into their company’s financial health and expect their accounting app to be up-to-date. In this context, mandatory digital invoicing is a major step forward,” concluded Benjamin.

About the Survey

The survey was conducted by Horus Software among 210 SME business leaders in Belgium in July 2024.

About Horus Software

Founded in 2018, Horus Software is a Belgian scaleup that is revolutionising IT accounting. The fast-growing scaleup has developed two solutions for the Belgian and Luxembourg market: Horus Office, an accounting software for fiduciaries and accountants, and Falco, a financial application for entrepreneurs and business managers.

Based on Artificial Intelligence and behavioural analysis, its software allows to follow the accounting in real time. This saves up to 40% of time for accountants and fiduciaries. Thanks to AI, Horus has saved more than 7 million minutes, or more than 15,000 working days.

Horus is managed by Philippe Tailleur (CEO) and his two sons, Benjamin and Jérôme Tailleur (COO and Sales Director) and currently has a staff of 15 and a recurring turnover of 2 million euros.

For more information: https://horussoftware.be

Published on La Libre Belgique and FD Magazine.