Setting up electronic invoicing in Italy
When managing your invoices in Italy, you no longer need paper, envelopes, or filing cabinets. Since January 1, 2019, electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) is mandatory. This digital system simplifies the process, reduces errors, and saves you printing, mailing, and storage costs. Plus, it gives you peace of mind by automatically complying with current regulations.
What is electronic invoicing and how does it work
Electronic invoicing replaces paper with a digital file in FatturaPA (XML) format. This format contains the same information as a traditional invoice but is structured so that the Agenzia delle Entrate can easily validate it.
In short:
Issuing, sending, and storing are done 100% digitally.
The XML file allows for automatic validity checks.
It is mandatory in Italy for all companies and freelancers.
Main advantages
Reduces printing, mailing, and filing costs.
You have a digital history accessible at any time.
Comply with regulations without hassle.
Avoid common errors in manual invoicing.
Initial setup in Avantio
Before exporting electronic invoices, make sure to set up these fields:
In the company configuration: select the corresponding tax regime code.
In customers and owners: define if it is a general customer, freelancer, or company.
If you choose freelancer or company, you must complete:
Business name.
E-invoice recipient code.
If the business name is not filled in, the customer's first and last name will be used.
In the Reports → Electronic Invoicing menu, you will find three sections:
New export
Completed exports
Configuration
How to generate the export file
Go to Reports → Electronic Invoicing → New export.
Select the date range and the company name.
Click on "Next".
The system will check for errors before proceeding:
For Italian customers: the tax code and address with postal code are mandatory.
For foreign customers: an identity document is required.
If the postal code is missing, the system will insert "00000".
⚠️ Attention: Avantio is not an SDI intermediary. It prepares the file but does not digitally sign it. Before uploading it to the Agenzia delle Entrate, you must electronically sign it with a valid certificate.
Automatic electronic invoicing
To further simplify the process, you can activate automatic export.
Where to find it
Path: Accounting → Export data → Automatic electronic invoicing.
How it works
All accounting documents are automatically sent to the Agenzia delle Entrate (except receipts).
Each invoice is exported individually.
It is not possible to group or modify documents once sent.
Export statuses
Pending
Sent
With errors
Failed
Error verification
VRMS: blocks invoices with errors before creation.
Invoice creation: if it passes validation, the file is generated.
Integration: if errors are detected, they are shown in the export list and in the invoice details.
Important things to keep in mind
Receipts are not exported.
When activating automatic export, you cannot use the old XML.
It is not possible to modify already issued invoices: you must create a corrective invoice (credit note).
Quick checklist
Before exporting:
Select your company's tax regime.
Complete the tax details of Italian customers.
Add identity document for foreign customers.
Make sure you have a valid electronic signature certificate.
Frequently asked questions
Does Avantio send the invoices directly to the Agenzia delle Entrate?
No. Avantio generates the XML file, but you must digitally sign it before uploading.
Can I still use the old XML system?
No. Once connected to automatic export, you can only use that system.
What if I make a mistake on a sent invoice?
You cannot modify it. You will need to issue a credit note to correct it.
Can I group invoices into a single file?
No. Each invoice is exported individually.
Are receipts also exported?
No. Receipts are not included in electronic invoicing.
✅ Now you know how to set up and use electronic invoicing in Italy with Avantio. The next step is to activate automatic export to save time and ensure compliance without hassle.