faktureringspraxis

Faktureringspraxis, or invoicing practice, refers to the processes by which a business issues, sends, and manages invoices to customers and records the related financial transactions. It covers the creation of invoice documents, delivery to buyers, and procedures for payment collection, credits, and dispute resolution. Invoicing practices influence cash flow, tax reporting, and financial accuracy, and they vary by jurisdiction, industry, and contract terms.

A typical invoice includes a unique invoice number, issue date, seller and buyer identification, a description of goods or services, quantity, unit price, any discounts, the applicable tax rate and tax amount, the invoice total, currency, payment terms, and due date. It may also list payment instructions, references to purchase orders, and relevant tax or registration numbers such as VAT numbers where required.

Legal and regulatory framework: In many countries, invoices must meet statutory requirements for tax deduction and reporting. Electronic invoicing is increasingly common, with standards and networks such as EN 16931 and PEPPOL used to facilitate cross-border transmission in the EU. Public sector and supplier contracts may mandate electronic invoicing and specific file formats.

Operational processes: Issuing and delivering invoices, recording them in accounting systems, and tracking payments. Dunning (collection) processes, handling credit and debit notes, and resolving invoice disputes are integral parts. Invoicing practices also include data retention, audit trails, and compliance with privacy and anti-fraud controls, with retention periods that vary by jurisdiction.

Best practices: standardize invoice templates, validate data before dispatch, automate generation and delivery, integrate invoicing with accounting, maintain secure archiving, and monitor KPIs such as days sales outstanding to optimize cash flow. Clear terms and transparent communication reduce disputes and late payments.