South Korea

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Regulated by the National Tax Service (NTS) to ensure transparency, enhance tax compliance, and streamline business transactions. Mandatory for VAT-registered businesses, with phased implementation based on annual sales thresholds.

Implementation Timeline

Date Phase Details
January 1, 2011 Introduction of Mandatory E-Invoicing E-invoicing became mandatory for businesses with annual sales exceeding KRW 3 billion (approximately €2.1 million)
January 1, 2014 Expansion to SMEs Businesses with annual sales exceeding KRW 300 million (approximately €210,000) were required to adopt e-invoicing
January 1, 2022 Integration with Electronic Tax Invoice System All VAT-registered businesses, regardless of size, must issue e-invoices through the NTS platform

Who Needs E-Invoices?

  • Large Enterprises: Businesses with significant turnover, mandatory since 2011.
  • SMEs: Required based on turnover thresholds, phased in by 2014.
  • Exporters: Required for cross-border transactions to ensure accurate VAT reporting.
  • Non-Resident Businesses: Must issue e-invoices for transactions with South Korean entities if VAT-registered in South Korea.

E-Invoicing vs. E-Billing

Aspect E-Invoicing E-Billing
Purpose Compliance with Spanish and EU regulations Informal or internal transactions
Validation Real-time via FACe or SII platforms Not validated
Format Facturae XML Flexible, non-regulated formats
Archiving Mandatory for six years Optional

Key Features of South Korea's E-Invoicing System

  • Submission Platforms: Invoices must be submitted via FACe for public sector transactions or SII for VAT reporting.
  • Validation: The platform ensures compliance with mandatory fields, digital signatures, and VAT rules.
  • Archiving: E-invoices must be stored electronically for 6 years in compliance with Spanish tax laws.

E-Invoicing Dataset

  • Buyer/Seller IDs: NIF (Tax Identification Numbers).
  • Invoice Details: Invoice number, issue date, and payment terms.
  • Goods and Services: Line-item descriptions, quantities, unit prices, and subtotals.
  • Taxes: Applicable VAT rates and amounts.
  • Transaction Info: Total payable amount, currency, and payment method.
  • Delivery Details: Ensures authenticity and integrity of the invoice.

E-Invoicing Across Transaction Types

B2B Transactions
  • Mandatory for all VAT-registered businesses.
  • Real-time e-invoicing ensures compliance, reduces errors, and facilitates VAT refunds for cross-border transactions.
B2C Transactions
  • Not mandatory but encouraged for improved transparency and internal records.
B2G Transactions
  • Required for suppliers to public entities via the NTS platform.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Fines: Up to €10,000 per violation for failing to meet public sector requirements.
  • Operational Delays: Rejected invoices may lead to payment delays and strained client relationships.
  • Legal Risks: Audits and reputational damage for repeated noncompliance.
April 20, 2025 22
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