Starting January 1, 2026, Serbia will implement pre-completed Value Added Tax (VAT) returns as part of the 2025 mandate for e-invoicing through the Sistem E-Fakturae platform.
While the use of these pre-filled VAT returns will be mandatory, taxpayers will still have the option to submit their own returns in the prescribed format, which will also be accepted by the authorities.
The introduction of the pre-filled VAT return will result in the discontinuation of the POPDV VAT rulebook, which previously required the reporting of specific details regarding the characteristics of goods or services, such as their name, type, model, and quantity.
Serbia: New Rules for B2B E-Invoicing via Sistem E-Faktura Effective January 2025
Since January 1, 2023, businesses in Serbia have been required to issue B2B e-invoices through the Sistem E-Faktura. Amendments to the Law on Electronic Invoicing will take effect on January 1, 2025, which will introduce several updates to the Sistem E-Faktura (SEF) framework, including:
- The deadline for submitting declarations of input VAT on e-invoices will be extended from 10 days to 12 days from the invoice date.
- Introduction of new reporting requirements for import VAT information.
- Relaxation of reporting obligations for retail invoices.
- Updates to the penalty regime for non-compliance.
- Enhanced information requirements for new taxpayers and their VAT status within SEF.
- Plans for the introduction of pre-filled VAT returns.
2024 Updates to SEF
Effective September 1, 2024, the Ministry of Finance will implement a new set of rules published in the official gazette on August 2 for calculating and reporting electronic invoices. Key aspects of the new requirements include:
- Establishing reporting periods based on taxpayer status and clearly defining that status.
- Requirements for recording input VAT.
- Automated data entry specifications.
- Guidelines for correcting and deleting e-invoices, including recording reductions.
- Requirements for adding delivery notes.
- Timelines for recording VAT will be standardized to the 10th day of the month following the transaction.
January 2024 SEF Reporting Timeline Adjustment
As of January 1, 2024, the deadline for electronic recording of VAT calculations will be reduced from 15 days to 10 days, as stipulated in a new legislative bill. There will also be modifications to the adjustments related to customs-related e-invoicing, effective August 2024.
