Peru has one of the most widely used electronic invoicing models in Latin America, which the country has been implementing since 2014 with the aim of reducing the use of paper, encouraging digitalization by companies, and streamlining the tax payment process. It is expected that by 2020 all Peruvian companies will issue their invoices electronically.

Before an in depth analysis of the country’s specifications, it is worth clarifying what electronic invoicing is. Electronic billing is used to issue payment vouchers: invoices, credit notes, or debit notes through electronic systems, either developed by the taxpayer (the company) or by the electronic platform SUNAT (the government tax administration).

Steps to certify the electronic invoicing system developed by my company

In the case of electronic invoicing systems developed by the company itself, it is necessary that SUNAT accepts the tool in advance. For that purpose, the system or the software must be configured according to the instructions included in the SUNAT operating manualspublished on the website (http://orientacion.sunat.gob.pe).

After that, the company must apply to the tax administration to certify their software. Once certified, the company can issue electronic payment vouchers, distribute them to its clients, and send a copy of these to SUNAT.

What should I know about the electronic payment receipt?

  • Since payments are issued through an electronic invoicing system certified by SUNAT, it is not necessary for the document to be issued or re-registered through the SUNAT portal.
  • It is a document that correctly supports costs, expenses, and tax credits for all tax purposes.
  • The serial number is four-digit and alphanumeric, starting with the letter F. It is sequential, beginning with the digit 1.
  • The beneficiary of this payment voucher must be a taxpayer that has a Unique Taxpayer Registry (RUC) or companies domiciled abroad.
  • Can be issued to support the transfer of goods.
  • Taxpayers can check the electronic receipts received and issued in the SUNAT portal by accessing their account with the assigned “Clave Sol” (“Sun Key”).

Who is required to use electronic invoicing?

In its effort to extend the mandatory nature of electronic invoicing to the largest number of taxpayers, since 2012 the Peruvian Tax Administration has been issuing resolutions (among others, Resolución de Superintendencia No. 300-2014 / SUNAT and the Resolución de Superintendencia N ° 374-2013 / SUNAT) compelling the issuance of electronic payment vouchers for certain taxpayers.

In addition, SUNAT has issued other resolutions that extend the obligation to adhere to this system to new taxpayers, in this case, according to the type of commercial activity they carry out, their level of income, or their incorporation into current tax regimes. It has also resolved to allow voluntary membership.

In this sense, companies that have the following characteristics, must issue electronic payment vouchers (in addition to the taxpayers that are already part of the current electronic senders):

  • Landlords of real estate
  • New enrollees to the general, special, or small and medium enterprise regime
  • Mortgage credit services
  • Export of services / export of goods
  • Banks and insurance companies
  • Restaurants, cafeterias, and catering

Definitively, electronic invoicing in Peru was born with the aim of ensuring that payment vouchers can serve as an optimal support for taxpayers’ costs, expenses, and income for tax purposes, as well as to improve efficiency in taxpayers’ activities and reduce administrative costs.

For years Auxadi has worked with international companies to simplify and streamline their billing systems through the implementation of electronic solutions. Ensuring correct functionality and regulatory compliance can indeed pose challenges, but by working with an experienced partner companies can guide their digital transition to success from day one.