The Verifactu course is being launched at a crucial time for the tax sector in Spain, where the the fight against tax fraud is a growing priority. With the rise of digitalisation and increasingly stringent regulations, be fully familiar with how the Verifactu system works It is essential for the self-employed, SMEs and legal professionals. This course offers you a a thorough understanding of the principles of integrity and traceability, as well as the knowledge required to adapt to the new tax obligations. On completion of the course, you will be able to navigate the complexities of Verifactu, to understand the role of the Tax Authority and to be able to deal with the technical requirements of the invoicing software.
Verifactu
Introduction
Objectives
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Understanding the context of the fight against tax fraud in Spain and assess the obligations of the parties involved.
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Identify formal tax obligations under Verifactu and the responsibilities of the parties involved.
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To analyse the legal framework and technical architecture of the Verifactu system.
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Find out about the technical requirements for the Verifactu invoicing software.
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Plan the implementation of Verifactu and the organisation’s adaptation to it.
Table of Contents
TEACHING UNIT 1. LEGAL BASIS AND PURPOSE OF THE VERIFACTU SYSTEM
The context of the fight against tax fraud in Spain
An Introduction to Formal Tax Obligations
The system’s guiding principles: integrity, traceability and transparency
Verifactu’s objectives compared with the traditional invoicing model
The role of the Tax Agency in the verification and retention of records
Implications for regulated entities: the self-employed, SMEs and legal professionals
TEACHING UNIT 2. LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Legal analysis of the Verifactu Draft Royal Decree
Alignment with the Invoicing Regulations
Relationship with the Anti-Fraud Act
Compatibility with regional and European systems
Obligations of the manufacturer and distributor of invoicing software
Penalty system: offences and fines for non-compliance
TEACHING UNIT 3. ARCHITECTURE AND OPERATION OF THE VERIFACTU SYSTEM
Technical structure of the system: generation, recording and dispatch of invoices
How automatic submission to the Tax Authority works
Concept of billing records and associated metadata
Identification code and tamper-proof mechanisms
The role of the QR code and customer verification
Communication between the invoicing software and the AEAT’s electronic portal
TEACHING UNIT 4. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR INVOICING SOFTWARE
Requirements that a Verifactu programme must meet
Data formats, XML/JSON structure and communication protocols
Digital signatures, time-stamping and integrity checking
Systems for the retention and safekeeping of records by the issuer
Integrity validation by the Tax Authority
Verifactu software approval and certification procedure
TEACHING UNIT 5. OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARTIES INVOLVED
Obligations of invoice issuers under the Verifactu system
Responsibilities of software developers and distributors
Taxpayers’ obligations regarding record-keeping and access to information
Relationship with the tax adviser and the duty of professional diligence
Tax audit and inspection procedures in the Verifactu environment
TEACHING UNIT 6. IMPLEMENTATION AND BUSINESS ADAPTATION TO THE SYSTEM
Timetable for entry into force and transition periods
Planning the migration from previous billing systems
Compliance and internal audit strategies
Assessment of risks and internal controls in tax matters
Recommendations for the digital transformation of SMEs and the self-employed
TEACHING UNIT 7. VERIFACTU AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER TAX INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Differences and similarities between Verifactu and the Immediate Provision of Information scheme
Coordination with TicketBAI and other regional schemes
Interoperability with European e-invoicing platforms
Integration with accounting and enterprise ERP systems
Relationship with mandatory electronic invoicing and the ‘Crea y Crece’ Act
Impact on traceability and real-time VAT monitoring
TEACHING UNIT 8. FUTURE OUTLOOK AND LEGAL AND TAX IMPLICATIONS
The impact of the Verifactu system on the self-employed, SMEs and large companies
Tax and evidential implications of verified invoices
Impact on inspection, appeal and documentary evidence procedures
Adapting tax compliance to the new digital environment
Technological innovation and anticipated regulatory developments from 2026 onwards
Final conclusions and challenges for legal professionals and tax advisers