How to monetise ViDA? A guide for software vendors
The European Union is undergoing a significant digital transformation with its VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) initiative. Whether it's your first time hearing of it or not, keep on reading to understand the possibilities - yes, possibilities! - ViDA brings to software vendors.
This reform package is set to modernise the VAT system, and a core component is the introduction of mandatory e-invoicing. For software vendors, this isn't a distant change. It's a near-term opportunity as your clients will soon require compliant solutions to navigate this new landscape, and they will look to you for help. Preparing your software now is not just about compliance; it's about gaining a competitive edge.
This guide will explain what ViDA means for your business. We will cover the key changes, the timeline for implementation, and how you can prepare your software to meet the new requirements with ease.
What is ViDA?
ViDA, which stands for VAT in the Digital Age, is a recently approved legislative package from the European Commission. Its main purpose is to modernise the EU's Value Added Tax system to fit the modern digital economy. The initiative aims to achieve three primary goals: combat VAT fraud, reduce administrative burdens for businesses, and simplify cross-border trade.
A central pillar of ViDA is the move towards mandatory cross-border electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) and near real-time digital reporting for business-to-business (B2B) transactions across the EU. This means traditional paper or PDF invoices will no longer suffice for cross-border trade. ViDA also gives member states the option to mandate e-invoicing for domestic transactions, a path many are already taking.
Know at least this...
The ViDA reform introduces several changes that directly impact software providers and their customers. Understanding these is the first step toward building a compliant and valuable offering.
The shift to mandatory e-invoicing is happening
By July 1st, 2030, e-invoicing will become the standard for all B2B transactions that cross EU borders. This change creates a substantial market demand for software that can generate, send, and receive structured electronic invoices that comply with the European standard on e-invoicing (EN 16931).
That directly translate to your customers needing their accounting, ERP, and billing systems to be equipped for this change. That's you.
The introduction of real-time reporting
ViDA will also establish a requirement for near real-time digital reporting on cross-border B2B sales. Businesses will need to transmit transactional data to tax authorities almost instantly. This obligation makes older, manual reporting methods obsolete.
Your software must be able to support this continuous flow of data to ensure your clients remain compliant and avoid penalties.
An accelerating timeline
While 2030 is the deadline for EU-wide implementation, the clock is ticking much faster.
Individual member states are rolling out their own e-invoicing mandates ahead of schedule. For example, Belgium is set to begin in 2026 and Germany in 2027. This growing list of early adopters means the time to act is now. Waiting until the final deadline will leave you playing catch-up while your competitors serve a market in immediate need of a solution.
Turn ViDA into your advantage with a trusted partner
Navigating the complexities of ViDA, with its various formats and evolving regulations, can be a real undertaking. It requires dedicated resources and specialised expertise. Partnering with an experienced e-invoicing provider like Maventa allows you to focus on your core product while we handle the intricacies of compliance.
Here are four key benefits of partnering with Maventa to make your software ViDA-ready.
1. One integration for complete compliance
Instead of building and maintaining multiple connections and compliance checks, you can rely on a single integration.
The Maventa API provides a gateway to a fully ViDA-ready solution. It covers both e-invoicing and real-time reporting requirements, ensuring your software stays current with legislative changes now and in the future.
2. Support for all major e-invoicing formats
The e-invoicing landscape includes various standards and networks, from the Peppol network to specific local formats.
Our API ensures your clients can send and receive invoices compliantly, regardless of the system or standard their trading partners use. This removes a major technical hurdle and provides seamless interoperability.
3. Free up your development resources
Developing and maintaining a compliant e-invoicing solution in-house is a heavy lift.
It diverts your development team from working on the other unique features that make your product stand out. By outsourcing e-invoicing to us, you free up your team to concentrate on what they do best: building and improving your core software. We handle all things ViDA, so you don't have to.
4. Leverage nearly two decades of experience
E-invoicing is our expertise.
With almost 20 years of experience and a network serving hundreds of thousands of organisations, we have a deep understanding of the technical and regulatory landscape. Over 300 software vendors already trust Maventa to power their e-invoicing capabilities.
In conclusion, the time to act is now! ⏰
The transition to mandatory e-invoicing across Europe is not a question of if, but when.
Your customers will soon be looking for compliant, easy-to-use solutions to manage their invoicing and tax reporting. By integrating ViDA-ready capabilities into your software today, you can turn a regulatory requirement into a powerful business advantage. You will be able to meet market demand head-on and offer a more complete and valuable product.
Don't wait for your customers to start asking. Prepare for the future of invoicing and position your software as a forward-thinking solution.
