Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
SAF-T
View on WikipediaSAF-T (Standard Audit File for Tax) is an international standard for electronic exchange of reliable accounting data from organizations to a national tax authority or external auditors. The standard is defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The file requirements are expressed using XML, but the OECD does not impose any particular file format, recommending that (para 6.28) "It is entirely a matter for revenue bodies to develop their policies for implementation of SAF-T, including its representation in XML. However, revenue bodies should consider data formats that permit audit automation today while minimising potential costs to all stakeholders when moving to new global open standards for business and financial data such as XBRL, and XBRL_GL in particular."
The standard is now increasingly adopted within European countries as a means to file tax returns electronically[citation needed].
The standard was adopted in 2008 by Portugal[1] and has since spread to other European countries, e.g. Luxembourg,[2] Austria, Germany and France. From 1 January 2022 SAF-T is also rolled out in Romania, where large Romanian-resident companies and certain foreign companies.
Although SAF-T is formally standardized, both with respect to syntax (format) and semantics (meaning) to allow for and fulfill automatic data interchange and tools support, e.g. across country borders or common computerized systems, it does include some room for revenue bodies (tax administrations) to add individual elements, e.g. to cover special needs in a taxation or audit system. For example, in Portugal the SAF-T (PT) v1.04_01 standard[3] – based on SAF-T v1.0 – includes some special elements and types relevant to the standard in Portugal.
Standards
[edit]In May 2005, the OECD Committee on Fiscal Affairs (CFA) published the first version of the SAF-T guidance. Version 1.0 was based on entries as found in a General Ledger Chart of Accounts, together with master file data for customers and suppliers and details of invoices, orders, payments, and adjustments. The standard describes a set of messages for data exchange between accounting software and national tax authorities or auditors. The syntax is proprietary and based on XML. There are multiple localized versions available which are compatible with the general v1.0 standard. Schema was originally defined in old DTD format – a precursor to today's XML Schema.
The revised version (2.0) extended the standard to include information on Inventory and Fixed Assets. The opportunity was also taken to enhance the original SAF-T specification to take account of suggestions from OECD member countries and others. Schema is changed to XML Schema format and new information covering Inventory and Fixed Assets added. The schema is not fully backward compatible with v1.0.[4]
| Version | Introduced | XML Schema | Annotated | File Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| v1.0 | May 2005 | SAF-T.xsd | SAF-T-map.html | SAF-T v1.0 package |
| v2.0 | April 2010 | SAF-T_Schema_v_2.00.xsd | Annotated SAF-T Schema v2.pdf[5] |
Country adoptions
[edit]The following countries/organizations have laws adopting SAF-T:
| Country | Name | Latest XML Schema version | Date | Based on SAF-T version | Organization | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | SAF-T AT | 1.01[6] | January 31, 2009 | SAF-T v1.0 | Bundesministerium für Finanzen | Decree of March 20, 2009 BMF-010102/0002-IV/2/2009.[6][7] |
| Denmark | SAF-T (DK) | 1.0 | November 26, 2022 | SAF-T v2.00 | Danish Business Authority (Erhvervsstyrelsen) | Information in Danish [8] |
| France | FEC | ? | January 1, 2014 | N/A | French Ministry of Finance | FEC FR adopted December 5, 2012 making it obligatory pr. January 1, 2014 for companies to supply file covering years 2011, 2012 and 2013.[9][10] However, France's usage of the term "Standard Audit File for Taxation" has been adapted for a file format not based on the OECD SAF-T; their écriture compatible is proprietary. |
| Lithuania | SAF-T | 2.01 | March 6, 2019[11] | SAF-T v2.0 | State Tax Inspectorate / Valstybinė mokesčių inspekcija |
Article 16 of the Law on Accounting. Resolution No 699 of 1 July 2015 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. Order No VA-49 of 21 July 2015 of the Head of the State Tax Inspectorate under the Ministry of Finance. [12] |
| Luxembourg | FAIA | 2.01[2] | March 13, 2013 | SAF-T v2.0 | Luxembourg Tax Administration / Administration de l'enregistrement et des domaines | Law rule (memo) A-206 of December 24, 2008.[13] |
| Norway | Norwegian SAF-T Financial | 1.00 | January 1, 2020[14] | SAF-T v2.0 | Skatteetaten |
The Ministry of Finance has amended the Bookkeeping Regulation so the requirement to provide accounting data for bookkeepers who have the bookkeeping available electronically must disclose accounting data in a given standard format. The new section 7-8 comes into force the first period with financial reporting starting 1 January 2020 or later.[15][14] |
| Poland | JPK[16] | 2.3[17] | July 1, 2016 | SAF-T v2.0 | Ministerstwo Finansów | The new requirement came into place on 1 July 2016 for large companies. Small and medium-sized businesses (less than 250 employees) were required to implement the requirement by 1 July 2018.[18] |
| Portugal | SAF-T (PT) | 1.04_01[3] | December 2, 2016 | SAF-T v1.0 | Portuguese Tax Authority / Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira | |
| Romania | SAF-T | 2.4.6 | January 1, 2022[19] | SAF-T v2.0 | National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF) | Article 591 of the Law 207/2015 on the Fiscal Procedural Code; Order 1783/2021 of the President of National Agency for Fiscal Administration.[20] D406 (Saf-t for Romania variant) started officially at 1 January 2022 with large tax payers as a first stage. D406 will be mandatory for medium tax-payers after 1 January 2023 as a next stage.
D406.XML contains all important accounting and VAT journals (TVA in Romania) like General accounting registry entries, Purchasing and Sales journal, Cash and Bank registers, Accounting statements (balance sheet). In subsidiary by request ANAF may ask by request a monthly Inventory Statements (similar with ERp Stock value as of date both QTY+values)+ all inventory movement transactions (QTY+values) and only once per year Fixed Asset journals. The declaration D406 core is based on XML type transporting file (D406.XML) between financial/accounting application or Erp and ANAF servers. The first level of validation for D406.XML is made locally on the accountant's windows PC via JAVA application called [DUKIntegrator.jar] using special validation class [D406Validator.jar][21] |
| Ukraine | SAF-T UA | ? | ? | ? | ? |
See also
[edit]External links
[edit]- SAF-T v2.0 XML schema CTP
- OECD Better policies for better lives
- XBRL
- UN/CEFACT
- SIE Archived 2011-07-19 at the Wayback Machine
References
[edit]- ^ "SAF-T (PT) news from Portuguese Tax Authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira)" (in Portuguese). 2013-10-01. Archived from the original on 2017-10-21. Retrieved 2014-02-19.
- ^ a b "Computerized File Audit AED - FAIA v2.01 March 2013 (based on SAF-T v2.0)". Luxembourg Tax Administration (Administration de l’Enregistrement et des Domaines (AED)). 2013-03-13. Retrieved 2014-02-19.
- ^ a b "SAF-T (PT) v1.04_01 XML Schema .xsd file (download from Portuguese Tax Authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira) as adopted 2016-12-02". Portuguese Tax Authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira). 2013-10-01. Retrieved 2017-09-27.
- ^ "Guidance for the Standard Audit File – Tax Version 2.0" (PDF). OECD. Retrieved 2025-09-04.
- ^ "Guidance for the Standard Audit File - Tax, Version 2.0: Appendix B: SAF-T Schema version 2.00" (PDF). OECD. Retrieved 2025-09-04.
- ^ a b "Provision of data on data carriers - Standard Audit File-Tax (SAF-T)" (in German). Austrian Ministry of Finance / Bundesministerium für Finanzen. Retrieved 2014-02-20.
- ^ "Decree of March 20, 2009 BMF-010102/0002-IV/2/2009" (in German). Austrian Ministry of Finance / Bundesministerium für Finanzen. Retrieved 2014-02-20.
- ^ "Guide: Sådan opfylder du 5 krav til dit bogføringssystem | erhvervsstyrelsen.dk". Archived from the original on 2024-02-21. Retrieved 2025-02-01.
- ^ "FEC FR 2013 - File bookkeeping" (in French). TJC. Archived from the original on 2017-02-24. Retrieved 2014-02-19.
- ^ "Software to comply with FEC FR" (in French). Doplhin Solutions. Retrieved 2014-02-19.
- ^ "SAF-T XML Schema, Lithuania". Retrieved 2021-03-05.
- ^ "SAF-T legislation in Lithuania". Retrieved 2016-03-16.
- ^ "Law rule (memo) A-206 of December 24, 2008" (PDF) (in French). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-10-12. Retrieved 2014-02-20.
- ^ a b "Standard Audit File - Tax (SAF-T) Financial". Retrieved 2017-03-17.
- ^ "Endring i bokføringsforskriften - Standard Audit File Tax – SAF-T" [Change in accounting regulations - Standard Audit File Tax – SAF-T] (in Norwegian).
- ^ "Poland to introduce Standard Audit File for Tax (SAF-T) as from 1 July 2016 PwC | Schweiz". Archived from the original on 2016-04-07. Retrieved 2025-02-01.
- ^ "Polish Ministry of Finance JPK site". Retrieved 2018-02-01.
- ^ "Poland SAF-T VAT reporting July 2016". Retrieved 2015-12-02.
- ^ "Documentation for Romanian SAF-T Project". anaf.ro. Retrieved 2022-11-06.
- ^ "Standard audit file for tax (SAF-T) submission obligations – taxpayer categories, reference data, grace periods and reporting deadlines: OPANAF 1783/2021". PwC. 2021-11-10.
- ^ The official Romanian D406/saf-t project page here including last ANAF documentation
- ^ "The SIE format". Archived from the original on 31 March 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
Saf-t para faturação Portuguese Edition, Edited 7 July 2019.
SAF-T
View on GrokipediaBackground
Definition and Purpose
SAF-T, or Standard Audit File for Tax, is an international XML-based standard designed for the electronic exchange of reliable accounting data between businesses and tax authorities or external auditors. This format ensures that transactional records are structured and machine-readable, facilitating seamless integration into tax administration systems. Developed as a model by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), SAF-T promotes uniformity in data reporting across jurisdictions.[1] The primary purpose of SAF-T is to standardize and automate the submission of accounting records, thereby reducing reliance on manual audits and improving the overall efficiency of tax compliance processes. By enabling direct electronic delivery of verified data upon request, it minimizes administrative burdens for both taxpayers and authorities while enhancing the accuracy and speed of fiscal oversight.[8] Key objectives of SAF-T include safeguarding data integrity through standardized validation mechanisms, supporting advanced analytical tools via machine-readable formats, and fostering harmonization in cross-border tax reporting to address international compliance challenges. Its scope primarily covers core transactional elements such as general ledgers, accounts receivable and payable, invoices, and tax-related payments, excluding comprehensive financial statements to focus on audit-essential information.[1]Historical Development
The Standard Audit File for Tax (SAF-T) was initiated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2005 as part of broader efforts to modernize tax administration amid the growing digitalization of accounting systems and processes. This initiative aimed to standardize the electronic exchange of reliable accounting data to streamline audits and enhance tax compliance efficiency across jurisdictions. Early development involved collaboration with Portugal's tax authority, the Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira, to create a prototype addressing inefficiencies in traditional audit methods, such as manual data extraction from disparate systems.[9] A major milestone came with the release of SAF-T version 1.0 in May 2005 by the OECD's Committee on Fiscal Affairs, which focused on basic audit files including general ledger entries, chart of accounts, master file data, and invoice details to support initial tax verification needs. This version established a foundational framework for exporting structured accounting information in a machine-readable format, reducing the time and resources required for tax authorities to analyze taxpayer records. Portugal became one of the first countries to adopt SAF-T in 2008, implementing it as a mandatory XML-based standard tailored to national requirements, which further validated the prototype's practical utility.[9][10] Subsequent developments included the release of SAF-T version 2.0 in April 2010, which incorporated XML Schema Definition (XSD) for improved data validation and interoperability, while expanding coverage to include inventory and fixed asset records. Ongoing refinements have been driven by the OECD's Forum on Tax Administration, where an informal working group—including representatives from Portugal and other nations—addresses implementation challenges and updates the standard to align with evolving digital tax environments. The XML-based structure facilitates standardized data exchange without delving into proprietary formats.[9] The adoption and evolution of SAF-T were accelerated following the 2008 global financial crisis, as governments sought enhanced transparency and risk-based auditing to safeguard revenues amid economic uncertainty. By 2025, SAF-T had become integrated into the European Union's digital tax strategies, such as the VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) initiative, supporting real-time reporting and anti-fraud measures through compatible structured data frameworks.[9]Technical Framework
Standards and Versions
The Standard Audit File for Tax (SAF-T) was initially developed by the OECD Forum on Tax Administration and published in 2005 as version 1.0, establishing a basic XML-based structure for exporting reliable accounting data, including the General Ledger, Master Files (such as customer and supplier details), and Source Documents like invoices and payments, without mandatory strict schema enforcement to allow flexibility in early implementations.[9] This version focused on enabling tax authorities to receive standardized, machine-readable files for audit purposes, promoting consistency in data exchange while accommodating varying national accounting practices.[11] In 2010, the OECD released SAF-T version 2.0, which enhanced the standard by introducing XML Schema Definition (XSD) files for validation, ensuring structural integrity and data completeness. This iteration expanded the scope with additional modules, such as Inventory and Fixed Assets, to cover more comprehensive financial reporting needs, and defined a clear file organization into Header, MasterFiles, SourceDocuments, and GeneralLedgerEntries sections.[1] Version 2.0 has since served as the basis for many national adaptations.[4] Country-specific variants build on these core versions while incorporating local requirements; for instance, Portugal's SAF-T PT, approved under Portaria n.º 321-A/2007 and updated through subsequent regulations like Portaria 302/2016 to version 1.04_01, adapts the 2005 framework for VAT and corporate tax compliance, retaining XML compatibility but adding Portuguese-specific elements for invoicing and accounting.[12] The OECD provides ongoing guidance, including documents on conformance testing, to support harmonized implementation across jurisdictions.[1] SAF-T files adhere to uniform format rules across versions: they must be encoded in UTF-8 XML to support international characters, digitally signed using standards like XML Digital Signature (XMLDSig) to verify authenticity and prevent tampering, and include essential metadata such as the file creation date, reporting period, and taxpayer identification number for traceability. These requirements ensure files are tamper-evident and suitable for automated processing by tax authorities. Validation of SAF-T files relies on XSD schemas provided in the standard, which enforce data completeness, correct sequencing of records, and adherence to defined taxonomies, allowing software to check for errors before submission.[1] The OECD's conformance checklists further guide testing by outlining criteria for file generation, such as balanced totals between ledgers and source documents, to confirm accuracy without manual intervention.[1] This process minimizes rejection rates and supports efficient digital audits.Key Components and Modules
The Standard Audit File for Tax (SAF-T) employs a modular XML-based structure designed to standardize the exchange of accounting and tax data between businesses and tax authorities. At its core, the file is organized into four primary sections: the Header, Master Files, Source Documents, and General Ledger. The Header provides essential audit and metadata information, including the file creation date, the software used for generation, and details about the reporting entity and tax jurisdiction. Master Files contain static reference data, such as customer and supplier details, tax entity information, chart of accounts, and product catalogs, enabling consistent identification of parties and items across transactions.[1] Source Documents capture transactional records from business operations, including invoices, credit notes, payment receipts, and goods movements, ensuring a traceable link to underlying economic events. The General Ledger section records financial postings, including journal entries, balances, and opening/closing figures, to reflect the complete accounting trail. Core modules within this framework include General Ledger Entries, which log individual transactions with details like dates, amounts, account codes, and descriptions, and Tax Reporting, which summarizes VAT calculations, rates, and payable amounts for compliance verification. Optional modules, such as Payments (detailing inflows and outflows) and Inventory (tracking stock movements and valuations), can be included based on jurisdictional requirements to extend coverage without altering the base structure.[1] Key data elements are defined with mandatory fields to ensure completeness and auditability, including Document Number for unique identification, Tax Period for temporal context, VAT Code for tax categorization, and Debit/Credit Amounts for financial quantification. These elements support hierarchical XML tagging, allowing nested representations such as an<Invoice> parent element containing child <Line> items for line-level details like quantities and rates. This design promotes interoperability with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems by facilitating direct export from accounting software, while preventing data duplication through reconciled mappings from source documents to ledger postings.[1]
For illustration, a basic SAF-T XML structure begins with the root element:
<SAFT xmlns="urn:OECD:StandardAuditFile-Tax:SAF_T_2.0">
<Header>...</Header>
<MasterFiles>...</MasterFiles>
<SourceDocuments>...</SourceDocuments>
<GeneralLedgerEntries>...</GeneralLedgerEntries>
</SAFT>
<SAFT xmlns="urn:OECD:StandardAuditFile-Tax:SAF_T_2.0">
<Header>...</Header>
<MasterFiles>...</MasterFiles>
<SourceDocuments>...</SourceDocuments>
<GeneralLedgerEntries>...</GeneralLedgerEntries>
</SAFT>
