E-invoicing and fiscalization are often mentioned together because both aim to simplify tax compliance. But that doesn’t mean they’re the same.

E-invoicing handles how invoices are created and sent. Fiscalization makes sure those transactions are reported to the government—often in real time. Knowing the difference helps you automate smarter. Here is a breakdown:

Why Is E-invoicing and Fiscalization Put in the Same Bucket?

How Are Fiscalization and E-invoicing Different?

E-invoicing Explained

What is Fiscalization?

Automation in Fiscalization and E-Invoicing

Streamline E-invoicing In Less Than a Week

 

 

Why Is E-invoicing and Fiscalization Put in the Same Bucket?

Fiscalization and e-invoicing are increasingly becoming legal requirements, especially in B2B transactions. Both aim to promote digitalization, transparency, and tax compliance by regulating how invoices are created, processed, and reported.

To stay compliant, companies simply need to upgrade to a certified invoicing solution that replaces paper invoices with standardized digital formats.

E-invoicing handles the creation, issuance, and delivery of the e-invoice—ensuring the recipient receives it in a compliant format and can process or pay it.

Fiscalization ensures that the e-invoice is government-validated, time-stamped, digitally signed, and properly reported to tax authorities.

 

 

How Are Fiscalization and E-invoicing Different?

Although e-invoicing and fiscalization both deal with invoices, they are not always mandated together and can function independently of each other.

E-invoicing refers to the electronic exchange of invoices between businesses or institutions—whether B2B, B2G, or B2C. It involves creating and sending a structured e-invoice from the supplier’s system to the buyer’s, without necessarily involving government oversight.

Fiscalization, on the other hand, is primarily a B2G process. It involves reporting transactions, sales, and goods movement directly to the tax authority, following strict national fiscal laws. Unlike e-invoicing, fiscalization isn't limited to digital invoices. It can apply to paper, PDF, or electronic formats, as the process doesn't necessarily occur through an invoice itself—it can also happen via POS systems or certified fiscal devices and software.

 

 

E-invoicing Explained

E-invoicing is a completely streamlined invoicing process, from e-invoice creation, sending to receiving and sometimes even paying. Process is: e-invoice is created by software, checked for compliance and send into a mandated network, many times that’s Peppol. This allows fiscalization, and real time reporting, if mandated. The invoice is then received by receiver’s software, also checking it for compliance and after confirming, achieving it, sometimes even automatically paying it.

E-invoice doesn’t count as a PDF however, it is a piece of computer code, not readable to the average human. Even though the whole process is government regulated and mandated, it has a log of benefits for companies, even in countries with no regulations as of the moment:

Global Compliance: You can invoice cross-border and locally from one software.

Fewer errors: Automated validation reduces manual mistakes and fines.

Faster payments: No delays due to manual entry or email clutter.

Cost Reduction: No manual data entry, PDF or invoice sending and mistake fixing as well as regulations following.

 

 

What is Fiscalization?

Fiscalization is a government-controlled system designed to track and record sales transactions for tax purposes. Every transaction must be processed through a certified solution—typically a fiscal cash register, certified invoicing software, or an electronic device connected to the tax authority, such as a POS terminal.

Each invoice is validated with:

A timestamp

A digital signature

A unique invoice ID

In some countries, fiscalization also functions as a real-time reporting tool, requiring transaction data to be sent immediately or shortly after the sale to the tax authority’s system. This is often combined with periodic reporting (daily, weekly, or monthly) and full audit trail availability for inspections.

 

 

Trying To Automate Fiscalization and E-Invoicing?

A simple and efficient way to automate both invoicing and fiscalization is by integrating an API that handles everything for you. With the right provider, a single developer can complete the integration in under a week.

Depending on your needs, there are different options available:

If you only need basic invoicing, Stripe is a popular choice. It’s primarily a payment processor but also includes limited invoicing functionality.

If you’re using a business management platform, many already offer built-in invoicing tools—often at a lower cost, with basic features suitable for smaller operations.

If you need full fiscalization support and global e-invoicing in one API, Space Invoices is a leading option.

We’re built with SMBs and platforms in mind—supporting everything from simple e-commerce invoicing to advanced integrations for SaaS, fintech, and neobanks. Our solution helps you scale, strengthen your One-Stop Shop offering, and even unlock new revenue streams.

 

 

Streamline E-invoicing and Fiscalization In Less Than a Week

One way to comply with regulations globally is to use a provider like Space Invoices.

You will be able to:

Have one API for current and future global tax and invoicing compliance, in 70+ countries,

Save time and money with integration that takes less than a week

Support and upsell your clients worldwide, including EU

Ensure all documents are archived and successfully reported to responsible institutions

Become a one-stop shop for current and future clients

Streamline processes and eliminate manual errors, saving time and money

Do you have questions about achieving global compliance?

We are ready to help.

Additional reading:

• 2030 Intra Community E-invoicing Mandatory EU ViDA
• 3 Best White-Label Invoicing APIs for B2B SaaS, Fintech, and Neobank Platforms
• Bosnia and Herzegovina Implements VAT on Non-Resident Digital Service Providers