Public sector invoicing (FACe) vs B2B invoice: the differences

Public sector invoicing (FACe) vs B2B invoice: the differences

There is some confusion between the e-invoice issued to public administrations and the one the Crea y Crece Law imposes between companies (B2B). They are distinct obligations, with their own history, platforms and formats.

E-invoicing to the public sector (B2G)

For years, anyone invoicing a public administration has been required to issue an electronic invoice and submit it through the FACe general entry point (or each administration's equivalent). The required format is Facturae, an electronically signed XML standard. It is a consolidated obligation well known to public sector suppliers.

B2B e-invoicing (Crea y Crece)

The novelty is the extension of mandatory e-invoicing to transactions between companies and freelancers, with status information (acceptance, payment). Its roll-out is phased and its implementing regulation defines the admitted formats and platforms.

The key differences

• Recipient: FACe is for invoicing the administration (B2G); Crea y Crece governs B2B between private parties.
• Age: public sector invoicing is a consolidated obligation; B2B is the major novelty being rolled out.
• Platform: FACe is the public entry point; B2B works through private exchange platforms and a public solution.

Conclusion

Invoicing the administration (FACe/Facturae) and invoicing other companies (B2B) are distinct worlds not to be confused. A company may be subject to both. Invoseal generates invoices in the formats each channel demands, so you comply with both the public sector and B2B.