Verifactu was about to fall. The Government has just postponed it, and for a political reason

The Spanish government has postponed the mandatory implementation of Verifactu, its electronic invoicing system, until 2027. This delay, initially scheduled for January 2026, impacts businesses and self-employed individuals, highlighting the intersection of digital policy with political considerations within the country. The move underscores the challenges of introducing digital transformation initiatives within the European Union. The new deadlines stipulate that companies subject to corporate tax have until January 2027 to adopt Verifactu, while self-employed individuals and small businesses have until July 2027. The system mandates that invoices are certified through approved software, ensuring authenticity and providing the Spanish tax agency with immediate control over transactions. Penalties for non-compliance could reach up to €50,000. The postponement of Verifactu's implementation underscores the political dimensions of digital policy, revealing challenges in the government's ability to implement its own systems. The delay reflects the influence of political negotiations and highlights the slow uptake of the new system, with only 8% of self-employed individuals and small businesses implementing the system by mid-November. The move impacts small businesses and the self-employed, who must adapt to the new timeline.