If you’re running a business in Ireland – especially one that sells across the EU – there’s a significant shift on the horizon that’s worth paying attention to.

The EU is planning new rules that will change the way you send invoices and report VAT, and almost every SME will feel the effects over the next few years.

But this isn’t just about ticking another compliance box. It’s actually a chance to make your finance systems work better, avoid headaches down the line, and put your business in a stronger position to grow.

Let’s break down what’s coming and what you can do now to get ahead.

What’s Changing?

Starting in 2028, EU countries will roll out new rules that require:

  • Digital-only invoices – No more PDFs or paper. Instead, businesses will need to use e-invoicing formats that can be read by software (like XML or PEPPOL formats).
  • Real-time VAT reporting – When you issue an invoice, key details will need to be sent to Revenue almost immediately, rather than waiting for a VAT return weeks later.

Ireland hasn’t confirmed its exact timeline yet, but it’s expected to follow suit in the next 3–4 years.

Why This Matters to Irish SMEs

If you’re like many businesses, your invoicing might still involve a mix of manual steps, emailed PDFs, or software that doesn’t link up well. That can work… for now.

But once these new rules come in, you’ll need to:

  • Send and receive invoices in structured digital formats
  • Connect your invoicing system with Revenue (or your accounting software)
  • Ensure all your VAT information is accurate and available quickly

If that sounds like a big leap, you’re not alone but it’s very doable, and the businesses that start preparing now will avoid a scramble later.

The Upside: A Chance to Modernise and Save Time

es, this change is being driven by the EU. But it’s not all red tape. It’s a great excuse to take a fresh look at how your finance systems work.

By getting ahead of this shift, you can:

  • Cut down on manual data entry
  • Reduce invoicing errors and delays
  • Improve cash flow visibility
  • Make tax reporting faster and less stressful
  • Free up your team to focus on bigger things

We’ve seen this first-hand: when businesses switch to better systems, they spend less time in spreadsheets and more time making confident decisions.

What You Can Do Now

Even though 2028 sounds like it’s a way off, now’s a smart time to get your house in order, especially if you’re already planning to upgrade your finance software, or if things are starting to feel a bit messy.

 

Here are a few practical steps:

  • Check how you issue invoices – Are you still using PDFs or Word docs?  Look at your accounting software – Will it support e-invoicing or connect easily with Revenue when the time comes?
  • Talk to your bookkeeper or finance team – What would make their jobs easier today, and what changes are already on the horizon?
  • Start planning, not panicking – Getting ready gradually is far easier than a last-minute rush.

We’re Here to Help

At Kinore, we help Irish SMEs like yours stay ahead of changes like these, not just to remain compliant, but to build smarter, more efficient finance operations.

Whether you:

  • Need advice on which finance tools to use
  • Want help streamlining your VAT and invoicing
  • Or want to know where your business stands

Our Client Services Team is ready to support you with straightforward guidance that makes sense for your stage of business. If you’re curious about what it means for your business, let’s have a quick, no-obligation chat. We’ll help you understand what’s changing, where you stand, and what to do next.