Electronic invoicing, explained simply (even if you hate computers)

You may have heard about « compulsory electronic invoicing » between two lessons, and it sounds like yet another complicated thing imposed from above. In practice it is simpler than it looks, and if your software does its job, you have almost nothing to do.

What is it, exactly ?

Today, when you buy feed or straw, your supplier sends you the invoice by post or by email, as a PDF. And when you invoice livery to another business, you do the same.

From 2026 the State changes the rules : between businesses, invoices will no longer travel by post or by email, but through an official, secure channel, a bit like a digital postman approved by the State. Every invoice is dropped into that channel, and arrives directly in the recipient's software.

Why is the State imposing this ?

Two simple reasons. First, to fight VAT fraud : with an official channel, no more fake invoices. Second, to make everyone's life simpler in the end : fewer keystrokes, fewer lost invoices, faster payment.

The two dates to know (and nothing else)

September 2026 : every business, including yours, must be able to receive invoices through this new channel. In practice, when your feed supplier invoices you, their invoice will arrive that way.

September 2027 : small and medium businesses will also have to send their invoices through that channel when they invoice other businesses.

And for your riders and their families ? Nothing changes for them : private individuals are not part of this channel. You will carry on sending them their invoices as you do today.

« And what do I have to do ? »

This is where it gets interesting : if your software handles it, you have nothing to do. Truly nothing. No paperwork, no form, no new password to remember.

With Equimondo, the official channel is already wired up for you : your invoices go out in the right format, and receiving your supplier invoices is included free on every plan, even the free one. On the day, you will not notice the difference : your invoices will simply arrive in the same place as the rest.

In summary, in three sentences

Invoices between businesses will travel by a single official road. You must be able to receive them from September 2026, and to send them that way in 2027. If your software handles it, you have nothing to do.

Want to go further ? Our complete guide to electronic invoicing for the equestrian industry sets out the special cases (sole traders, associations, VAT...).