A Guide To Invoicing In Malta: Understanding Requirements and Distinctions

To ensure compliance with Malta’s invoicing regulations, a tax invoice should include the following details:

• Name, address, and VAT number of your business (supplier)

• Name, address, and VAT number of your customer (validating your customer’s VAT number can be done via this link: https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/#/vat-validation )

• Invoice date

• Invoice sequencing number

• Quantity, description, and supply/completion date of goods or services

• Applicable VAT rate or exemption for each item

• Total amount excluding VAT, VAT amount, and total amount including VAT

• If no VAT is chargeable, reference the relevant provision within the VAT Act – https://cfr.gov.mt/en/vat/legislation-and-LNs/Documents/01.%20VAT%20act.pdf 

If no VAT is chargeable, reference the relevant provision within the VAT Act – https://cfr.gov.mt/en/vat/legislation-and-LNs/Documents/01.%20VAT%20act.pdf. 

Timing of Tax Invoice Issuance:

A tax invoice must be issued no later than the fifteenth day of the month following the occurrence of the chargeable event or the date of payment received, whichever is earlier. Adhering to this timeframe ensures timely and accurate documentation of transactions.

Types of Fiscal Receipts: 

Different types of fiscal receipts are required based on the nature of your business:

• Retailers and food suppliers, such as restaurants, must issue fiscal receipts using fiscal cash registers.

Service providers are required to issue manual fiscal receipts using fiscal receipt books obtained from the VAT Department upon application. You can re-order fiscal receipt books (VAT books) via this link https://cfr.gov.mt/en/eServices/Pages/Order-Fiscal-Receipt-Books.aspx

Record-Keeping Obligations: 

To comply with Malta’s tax regulations, it is essential to retain copies of tax invoices and fiscal receipts for a minimum of six years. These records should be readily available for verification by relevant authorities, if required.

Understanding the requirements for invoicing in Malta is crucial for businesses operating in the country. By distinguishing between tax invoices and fiscal receipts, familiarizing yourself with the components of a tax invoice, adhering to the prescribed timing of issuance, and complying with record-keeping obligations, you can ensure your business remains in line with the necessary invoicing regulations. Do not hesitate to contact us in order to provide you with professional guidance to navigate the complexities of invoicing in Malta successfully.

Please contact us for a free tax invoice template, as well as any further assistance we might be able to provide.

Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, ThriveX Consult cannot be held liable for any claims or losses resulting from the use of this information. We recommend consulting professionals or regulatory authorities for personalized advice.