In our country, the introduction of electronic invoicing dates back to 2008, but it was a very gradual process that lasted for several years: initially, it was mandatory in the case of transactions with central Public Administrations. The obligation was then extended to local Public Administrations. Subsequently, it was extended to transactions between private individuals with the exclusion of a few categories. Finally, in 2022, the obligation was also extended to flat-rate regimes, which had been excluded until then.
Given its importance in the administrative and fiscal fields, today we try to understand some key concepts such as: electronic invoice what is it and what are transferor and transferee: two key figures when dealing with the topic of invoicing.
Electronic Invoice: What is it?
In a narrow sense, when we talk about electronic invoicing refers to the issuing of an invoice in digital format. In a broader sense, however, this expression refers to a rather complex process that includes not only the issuing, but also the sending, keeping and storage of this document in digital format.
Electronic invoicing: what is meant by “transferor”
If we consider entities issuing an electronic invoice, two very specific figures must be distinguished, the assignor and the lender. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they are not exactly the same thing. What distinguishes them is the type of transaction.
The term must be used assignor when referring to a transaction involving the transfer of a good, that is, the transfer of ownership of a material object. An example that can be given is that of a company that produces household linens that sells bedspreads and sheets to a linen and clothing store. The selling company is identified as the “transferor”.
The term must be used lender when referring to a transaction relating to a provision of services, or an intangible asset. A classic example is that of an accountant who provides tax and administrative advice to an e-commerce company.
In short, the seller and the lender are two figures who respectively sell a good or a service and, generically, can be classified as "sellers".
Electronic invoicing: what is meant by “transferee”?
If we take into consideration i subjects receiving an electronic invoice from a transferor or a lender, a distinction must be made between transferee e client. Here too the distinction depends on the nature of the operation that has been implemented.
It defines itself transferee the person who purchases a good in the case of a transfer of goods, while we are talking about client, in the case of someone who purchases a service in a service provision.
If an electronics store purchases 10 computers from a manufacturer, the store is the transferee, or buyer, while the manufacturer is the transferor, or seller.
If a bank enters into a contract with a cleaning company for the daily cleaning of offices, the cleaning company is the lender, while the bank is the client.
To sum up, the transferee and the client are the two figures who respectively purchase a good or a service and, in a generic way, can be defined as "buyers".
The distinction between the various figures is important for the correct compilation of the electronic invoice and for the fiscal management of the operations.
