factuur

A factuur is a document issued by a seller to request payment for goods or services. It is used in many Dutch-speaking countries, notably the Netherlands and Belgium, and serves as a formal record of a transaction. A factuur itemizes the delivered goods or performed services and includes prices, taxes, and the total amount due.

Typical elements include a unique invoice number, issue date, and the names and addresses of the seller and buyer, along with VAT or tax identification numbers where applicable. The description of items, quantity and unit price, VAT rate and amount or exemption, subtotals, totals, and the currency are shown, together with payment terms and the due date and the bank account details for payment.

Legal and tax considerations: In the Netherlands and across the EU, a VAT invoice must contain specific information to allow VAT deduction, especially in business-to-business (B2B) transactions. Simplified invoices may be accepted under certain thresholds. For cross-border trade, the invoice should include VAT numbers and the applicable VAT rules. Invoices should be retained for accounting and tax purposes.

Formats and related documents: Invoices can be printed or electronic (e-invoices). Many businesses use invoicing software. A creditfactuur (credit invoice, or creditnota) adjusts amounts previously billed; a debetnota or debit note increases amounts due. Pro forma invoices are non-binding estimates issued before delivery.

In practice, the term factuur refers to the formal document for payment in the Dutch-speaking context; the term rekening is more generic or informal. The concept aligns with invoicing standards and tax rules in the European Union.