Current changes in Bulgarian accounting in 2025: what businesses need to know

According to the latest amendments and additions, the monthly
SAF-T file with accounting information on purchases, sales,
payments and other transactions will have to be submitted by the 14th day of the month
following the reporting one. The annual file will be submitted together with
the annual tax return.
Preparing and adapting systems should begin in advance, since substantial changes are required. In particular, it will be necessary to
record primary accounting documents, since, under the new rules, all data from invoices received and issued by the company must be entered into accounting software in order to generate the SAF-T file.

In this article we look specifically at the changes related to the recording of invoices, but it is worth noting that the other SAF-T accounting requirements are no less extensive.
Based on the documents already published and under discussion, let us look at how purchase invoices must be presented in the SAF-T file.
Sales invoices will be reflected in a similar way, but they will be easier to handle, since such documentation is usually prepared using software.
Purchase invoices will be entered into the system in more detail than at present. The main principle of the changes is an accurate and detailed reflection of the content of the original primary document. Each line with different components of goods and services must be entered as a separate InvoiceLine element in the SAF-T file. In addition to general information, it will be necessary to enter a detailed description of the goods and services purchased at line level, supplier data and the link between the line and the accounting
accounts and entries.

For each invoice line (InvoiceLine) codes from the official nomenclatures must be used:

AccountID – the account identifier from the state chart of accounts,
provided by the National Revenue Agency (NAP) (the NRA_Nom_Accounts nomenclature).
Enterprises must map their individual chart of accounts to the NAP chart.
InvoiceUOM – unit of measurement: for each line where applicable, the unit of measurement must be indicated using a code from
the official nomenclature.
Other codes: similar requirements for the use of nomenclature codes apply to other fields as well, such as
InvoiceType (invoice type), GoodsServicesID (goods/services indicator), TaxType and TaxCode (for VAT information).

Stages of SAF-T implementation in Bulgaria

The project is being implemented on the following schedule:

• 2025 — test submission of reports by large enterprises;
• 2026 — medium-sized businesses join;
• 2027 — mandatory application of the standard by all taxpayers.

Examples of reporting for different types of purchase invoices

Invoice for the purchase of goods for a warehouse: each invoice line with a different item will be described as a separate InvoiceLine in SAF-T. The line’s AccountID will be the corresponding inventory account. ProductCode will be required if you manage goods using codes.

Invoice for office supplies (direct costs): if the supplier’s invoice lists “pens — 11 pcs.”, “paper — 8 packs”, etc., then SAF-T shows separate lines with the quantity, unit price, unit of measurement and value in the InvoiceLine element, with each line’s AccountID being an expense account.

This is how invoices with several components are recorded, even if the business transaction is a direct expense (for example, a heating bill). As is known, such a bill lists “Thermal energy for water heating”, “Thermal energy for heating” and “Common distribution service” and other separate lines with quantities, prices and amounts; they must be separate InvoiceLine elements in SAF-T, with each line pointing to the corresponding expense account.

Implications for accounting software

The new level of detail requires a serious review and update of the accounting programs in use. The software must be able not only to store but also to export this information for each line of each invoice. Accounting software vendors and the enterprises themselves will have to invest time and resources to ensure compatibility. It is recommended to start testing these functions as early as possible, even for small enterprises that will have to file the report in the new format later than large firms.

The introduction of SAF-T will require fundamental changes in the processing and recording of invoice data. The main thing is to understand that the SourceDocuments section must reflect the content of the original document line by line, if it is itemised. While an entry in GeneralLedgerEntries may be more aggregated (for example, one line for office supply expenses), the invoice itself in SAF-T requires greater detail if it is issued in that form by the supplier. There are many mandatory fields, and they require accuracy as well as the correct use of the nomenclatures defined by NAP. Despite the presence of optional fields, it is recommended to complete the report as fully and correctly as possible. All this requires not only rewriting and adapting accounting software, but also allocating significantly more time to processing documents in accounting firms. Given the short filing deadlines, especially for the monthly SAF-T file (by the 14th), it is extremely important that companies and software developers begin preparing in good time. Careful planning and testing of systems will be key to a successful transition to the new reporting regime.

Conclusion

Amid the introduction of SAF-T and rapid changes in the regulatory environment, having a reliable and competent accountant in Bulgaria is critically important. Proper adaptation to the new standards and timely filing of reports will help you avoid penalties and simplify dealings with the tax authorities.

Our company Bulgarian Expert is ready to become your partner and support your business at every stage of these changes — from implementing SAF-T to day-to-day accounting services.

Contact us for professional advice and confidence in the future!