What is the SAF-T system?
SAF-T (Standard Audit File for Tax) is a file type based on the XML standard that is used internationally for the electronic exchange of tax information.
What is the SAF-T system?
SAF-T (Standard Audit File for Tax) is a file type based on the XML standard that is used internationally for the electronic exchange of tax information.
It is a file generated in a common, readable format, regardless of the software used, from a predefined set of accounting records, which is easily exported.
This file provides information that allows the tax authority or an external auditor to detect any anomaly in a company's accounting quickly.
Benefits of using the SAF-T system
It is a secure file.
It simplifies tax data collection procedures in electronic format because it reduces the number of documents to be issued.
The standard format ensures the readability of the data regardless of the system from which it originates.
The use of SAF-T as an archiving source improves the quality and availability of archival data for companies.
It makes tax audits by tax administrations more efficient and faster.
It favors tax compliance by being a facilitating tool for the fulfillment of the requirements for obtaining information from the inspection services and their processing.
The uniqueness of the format also helps taxpayers to comply with their tax obligations, even when operating in different countries with different tax requirements.
Easy access to the required information reduces administrative costs for tax administrations.
It also reduces costs for companies that without the SAF-T system would have to devote more resources or rely on specialized personnel to adapt the data to a readable format.
SAF-T in Europe
In Europe SAF-T is widely used in VAT compliance, but also in other electronic accounting data. Countries currently using the SAF-T system:
Hungary
In Hungary companies must have their systems ready to send SAF-T files when required by the tax authority. This information must include:
- General accounting, customers, suppliers and VAT
- Accounts receivable
- Accounts payable
Lithuania
All companies subject to VAT in Lithuania are obliged to generate the registration, sending and analysis of tax and accounting information returns in the SAF-T format. This report forms the i.MAS electronic system of tax and accounting information reporting, together with the subsystems of invoice reporting and goods movement reporting.
Portugal
Portugal implemented the SAF-T system in 2008. The adoption started in 2013 with a legislative change for companies to migrate to the electronic SAFT-PT system. A new adaptation in 2018 obliges companies to have the new SAF-T accounting file include the following control fields: lists of items, customers, and suppliers; VAT regimes, accounting movements, and chart of accounts.
Poland
Poland uses the SAF-T JPK_VAT system for electronic VAT returns, which is mandatory for both Polish companies and companies operating commercially in the country. This electronic file consists of two parts. On the one hand, it must contain the fields for the inclusion of VAT records (information on purchases and sales), and on the other hand, the fields with the tax data for the VAT return of companies and taxpayers.
Norway
Norway requires companies with a turnover of more than €500,000 to submit accounting data in SAF-T format. The information is sent to the government's Altinn portal in SAF-T Financial format.
Romania
The National Tax Administration Agency (ANAF) requires the submission of tax and accounting information through the SAF-T D406 Standard Tax Control File system embedded in a PDF. It is mandatory for large taxpayers as of January 2022; in 2023 for medium-sized companies and in 2025 for small companies.
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