E-invoicing, or electronic invoicing, means that invoices are exchanged entirely digitally, without the need for manual processing. Unlike traditional PDFs or paper invoices, which still require manual input by an employee, e-invoices are sent in a standardised format directly to the recipient’s accounting system. This process happens via the Peppol network, a secure and uniform platform for exchanging invoices.
This digital transformation reduces errors, speeds up payments, and lowers administrative costs. And with ING Invoice Manager, e-invoicing offers even more advantages, including a more efficient invoicing process and greater financial control. You can also easily share invoices and receipts with your accountant, ensuring your bookkeeping remains up to date. Curious about all the benefits of e-invoicing? Discover them here.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Why is e-invoicing becoming mandatory?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"The mandatory introduction of e-invoicing in Belgium is part of a broader European strategy to combat fraud, reduce administrative burdens, and improve digital efficiency. By sending invoices electronically via a standardised network, businesses can invoice faster, more securely, and with fewer errors. This shift improves VAT transparency and accelerates invoice processing and payments. Want to know more about the new Peppol regulations? Find everything you need to know here.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Preparing your business for e-invoicing: 6 essential steps"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"The mandatory transition to e-invoicing requires a structured approach. Acting now will help you avoid issues and ensure a smooth transition. This step-by-step guide will help you.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"1. Check if your current invoicing software is Peppol-ready","richBody":{"value":"Not all invoicing software supports e-invoicing via Peppol. Even if you already use a digital tool, it is essential to verify whether it complies with the new regulations.
You can check the official list of approved Peppol solutions on the Belgian government’s website at e-factuur.belgium.be. This provides a useful overview of recognised invoicing software that meets the legal requirements, including ING Invoice Manager.
If your current software isn’t Peppol-ready, you will need to switch to a tool that can automatically process and send Peppol invoices in compliance with legal standards.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"2. Invest in the right e-invoicing solution","richBody":{"value":"Whether you already use digital invoicing or still rely on paper-based accounting, switching to e-invoicing requires the right solution. Your invoicing software should be Peppol-compatible, user-friendly, and seamlessly integrate with your existing tools. Look for key features such as automatic processing, error detection, and ease of use.
With ING Invoice Manager, you get a simple and efficient solution that ensures you comply with the new B2B invoicing legislation. The standard version, which meets all legal requirements, is even free to activate with an ING business account. The tool is fully integrated into Business’Bank, your online banking environment, and also allows you to easily manage invoices for private customers using traditional methods such as email or post. This means you have one central platform for creating, sending, and tracking invoices, with automatic reconciliation for a smoother administration process.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"3. Get comfortable with e-invoicing","richBody":{"value":"E-invoicing introduces new workflows. Make sure that you and, if applicable, your employees understand how the system works and what steps are needed to remain compliant.
A tool like ING Invoice Manager is intuitive and user-friendly, but it’s still important to familiarise yourself with its features and benefits. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to send and pay Peppol invoices—perfect to share with your team.
Do you work with an accountant? It’s a good idea to involve them in the transition to e-invoicing. Accountants play a key role in financial administration and can help ensure that your invoicing is efficient and compliant with the new regulations. With ING Invoice Manager, invoices can be shared directly with your accountant, saving time and ensuring smooth collaboration.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"4. Practice with draft invoices","richBody":{"value":"To ensure a smooth transition to e-invoicing, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the system before sending your first invoices. Since every Peppol invoice is final once sent, you can’t create test invoices.
What you can do is start preparing draft invoices early. In ING Invoice Manager, you can create and review invoices without actually sending them. This allows you to understand the system, get used to the interface, and avoid mistakes when you fully switch over.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"5. Inform your customers and suppliers","richBody":{"value":"E-invoicing doesn’t just affect your business—it also impacts your customers and suppliers. Many companies didn’t do the transition yet, so you may need to guide them through it. A smooth switch starts with clear communication. Explain what e-invoicing means for them and what steps they need to take to align with Peppol. Offer support to customers or suppliers who have questions or difficulties. The sooner you communicate, the lower the risk of payment delays or misunderstandings.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"6. Creation an action plan","richBody":{"value":"Many businesses delay the transition until the last moment, leading to chaos and mistakes. To ensure a smooth switch, create a detailed action plan with deadlines, and, if possible, assign a responsible person to oversee the implementation. Start now and avoid problems to transition to 100% digital invoicing stress-free.
Example action plan:
With an ING business account, you can activate ING Invoice Manager for free. This smart invoicing tool lets you send and receive Peppol e-invoices effortlessly. The standard version is fully compliant with the new regulations, ensuring you meet the invoicing standards while saving valuable time.
Thanks to its seamless integration with ING Business’Bank, you can get started immediately, with no extra hassle. Plus, ING Invoice Manager doesn’t just help you manage e-invoices—it also allows you to store all your receipts in one place and easily share them with your accountant. This makes the invoicing process clearer and saves you time on administration. Efficient, hassle-free, and fully up to date!
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":""},"video":{"type":"video","originalUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/m/27b3f94286867dc8/original/Video-Invoice-Manager-ENG.mp4","videoPreviewURLs":["https://assets.ing.com/asset/1a5608bf-1500-45e1-8d99-5e7e10c2e02b/mp4/Video-Invoice-Manager-ENG.mp4","https://assets.ing.com/asset/1a5608bf-1500-45e1-8d99-5e7e10c2e02b/1080p/Video-Invoice-Manager-ENG.mp4","https://assets.ing.com/asset/1a5608bf-1500-45e1-8d99-5e7e10c2e02b/720p/Video-Invoice-Manager-ENG.mp4","https://assets.ing.com/asset/1a5608bf-1500-45e1-8d99-5e7e10c2e02b/480p/Video-Invoice-Manager-ENG.mp4"],"thumbnails":{"mini":"https://assets.ing.com/m/27b3f94286867dc8/mini-Video-Invoice-Manager-ENG.jpg","webimage":"https://assets.ing.com/m/27b3f94286867dc8/webimage-Video-Invoice-Manager-ENG.jpg","thul":"https://assets.ing.com/m/27b3f94286867dc8/thul-Video-Invoice-Manager-ENG.jpg"},"extension":["mp4"]}}]},"complementaryZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"cards","cards":[{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"medium","title":"Peppol mandatory since 2026: everything you need to know","body":"What is Peppol? And who is required to use it?","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/f63a9a38-549f-461e-ace9-aa6b63b761ea/Seamlessly-integrate-your-payments-and-collections_Smiling-business-colleagues-at-around-a-table-for-a-meeting_584-x-344px","type":"image","width":537,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/e7631aa6aa6493a1/original/Seamlessly-integrate-your-payments-and-collections_Smiling-business-colleagues-at-around-a-table-for-a-meeting_584-x-344px.png","extension":"png"},"date":"2026-01-05","link":{"url":"/en/business/payments/peppol-mandatory"}},{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"medium","title":"7 benefits of e-invoicing","body":"And why switching now is a must-have for entrepreneurs.","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/8950e8f0-5631-4944-8008-fc2ef77faa69/MAN-AND-WOMAN-USING-PHONE-WHILE-SITTING-IN-MIRROR","type":"image","width":1700,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/29477a934c11c08b/original/MAN-AND-WOMAN-USING-PHONE-WHILE-SITTING-IN-MIRROR.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2026-01-05","link":{"url":"/en/business/payments/e-invoicing-benefits"}}]}]},"legalZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Disclaimer","richBody":{"value":"This article is for informative purposes only and the information set out herein may change with time. We therefore recommend that you always reference specific regulations and requirements with the competent authorities for the latest information. Additionally, we advise that you seek professional advice on a case-by-case basis before making any decisions. Please note that ING Belgium SA/NV cannot be held liable for any decision taken on the basis of the information provided.
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