ViDA (VAT in the Digital Age): Vad förändrar EU:s momsreform inom faktureringen?
ViDA är EU:s största momsreform på årtionden. Vi går igenom vad det innebär för fakturering och rapportering.
ViDA (VAT in the Digital Age) is the EU's largest VAT reform in decades. It changes the way companies report VAT and send invoices. In this article, we will go through what ViDA means for Finnish small businesses and how to prepare.
What is ViDA?
ViDA (VAT in the Digital Age) is the EU Commission's proposal for modernizing the VAT system. It consists of three pillars:
- Digital Reporting Requirements (DRR): real-time or near real-time VAT reports to authorities
- VAT obligations for platform companies: digital platforms (Airbnb, Uber-type) collect VAT
- Single VAT Registration model: one registration is sufficient throughout the EU
The most important change for Finnish small businesses is digital reporting.
Digital reporting – what changes?
With ViDA, companies will have to report VAT data to authorities in near real-time. The current model, where VAT declarations are made monthly or quarterly, will become more automated.
In practice, this means:
- Invoice data is automatically reported to authorities in a structured format (e-invoice)
- A separate VAT declaration may not be needed, as the data comes directly from invoices
- Reporting will change especially in intra-EU trade – current recapitulative statements may be abolished
Läs mer about e-invoicing legal requirements in our e-invoicing article.
Structured data is key
ViDA requires invoice data to be in a structured format – not as PDF files. In practice, this means e-invoicing.
Companies that already use e-invoicing (e.g., through Eemel Invoicing) are in a good position. Those that send invoices as PDFs or on paper will have to change their processes.
Preparation checklist
- Start using e-invoicing if you haven't already
- Ensure your invoicing software supports structured data (EN 16931)
- Follow the Finnish Tax Administration's announcements on the national implementation of ViDA
- Check the VAT treatment of your EU trade – recapitulative statements may change
- Be prepared for invoicing data to be reported automatically to the tax authority
Practical example: online store in EU trade
A Finnish online store sells its products to Finland, Sweden, and Germany. Currently, the company makes a monthly VAT declaration to Finland and a recapitulative statement for EU sales.
With ViDA:
- Invoice data is reported automatically in real-time – the separate monthly declaration may become lighter
- One VAT registration may be sufficient for the entire EU area (Single VAT Registration)
- Invoicing software must support structured invoicing
Try it in practice
Eemel Invoicing supports e-invoicing and structured data. Prepare for ViDA requirements now.
Try for 14 daysFrequently asked questions
When will ViDA come into force?
Different parts of ViDA will come into force in phases. The requirements for digital reporting are expected to come into force in 2028–2030, but the schedule may still be refined.
Does ViDA apply to small businesses?
Yes, at least regarding e-invoicing and structured data. There may be simplifications for small businesses, but the basic requirement applies to everyone.
Do I need to change my invoicing software?
If your current software supports e-invoicing and structured data, probably not. Eemel Invoicing is already ready for ViDA's requirements.
How does ViDA differ from the current VAT declaration?
Currently, VAT is declared cumulatively monthly or quarterly. With ViDA, reporting will be invoice-specific and in near real-time.
What does Single VAT Registration mean?
It means that one VAT registration is sufficient for the entire EU area. A company does not need to register in every country where it sells.
This article is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice.