UK e-invoicing: What’s next for policy and adoption?

The U.K. is considering its next move on e-invoicing. Speaking at the recent OpenPeppol Conference, HMRC’s Rachel Stirrat outlined what businesses can expect as the government evaluates feedback from its e-invoicing consultation and shapes future legislation. Here’s a snapshot of the likely next steps.

The consultation on U.K. e-invoicing closed earlier this year, and HMRC — alongside the Department for Business and Trade — is now reviewing responses. These insights will shape advice to ministers and help determine whether the U.K. pursues a voluntary or mandatory model.

A summary of responses will be published on GOV.UK once the analysis is complete.

Once ministers have reviewed the evidence, the government is expected to confirm its general direction of travel. This may include announcing a preferred model for U.K. e-invoicing and whether adoption will be optional or required by law.

Regardless of the path chosen, HMRC will continue to develop the policy and technical standards. This includes defining an implementation model, setting up support for digitally excluded users, and working with industry stakeholders throughout.

Should the U.K. move ahead, legislation will be the final stage — followed by rollout. A mandatory system would likely demand wide-reaching communications and onboarding support, while a voluntary model would rely on strong messaging to drive adoption.

The U.K. isn’t alone in this journey. Governments across Europe are making e-invoicing central to digital transformation and tax enforcement. Businesses trading in or with the U.K. should begin evaluating how a future e-invoicing mandate — or even a voluntary framework — might impact their operations. U.K. businesses with a global footprint should be considering the impact of global e-invoicing mandates.

Learn more about Avalara E-Invoicing and Live Reporting solutions or talk to our team about preparing for upcoming compliance changes.