Comparison

Free AEAT app: what it covers and what it doesn't

AEAT offers a free invoicing application that generates VeriFactu-compliant records. Here we honestly break down what it covers, its objective limitations, and who it's enough for.

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Direct answer

The free AEAT invoicing application does comply with VeriFactu: it generates records signed with a chained SHA-256 hash and a verifiable QR code. It's designed for very low-volume taxpayers who only need to invoice. Its objective limitations are significant: no accounting, no tax form filing, no POS, no multi-user, and no API.

If you issue 2-3 invoices a month and don't need anything else, it may be enough. Everyone else needs full software.

Comparison

AEAT app vs. Cofactu: what each one includes

Feature AEAT app (free) Cofactu
Generates VeriFactu-compliant invoices Yes Yes
Chained SHA-256 hash and electronic signature Yes Yes
Verification QR code on invoices Yes Yes
Real-time submission to AEAT (VeriFactu mode) Yes Yes
Accounting and general ledger No Yes
Filing tax forms (Modelo 303, 130, 111...) No Yes
POS (point of sale) No Yes
Expense and payment tracking No Yes
Multi-user (team or accounting firm) No Yes
API for integrations No Yes
Brand customization on invoices (logo, colors) Limited Yes
Client management and basic CRM No Yes
Automatic alerts for certificates and tax deadlines No Yes
Automated recurring invoicing No Yes
Price Free From €0 (10 invoices/month) · €15/month unlimited
User profile

Who is the AEAT app enough for?

It may be enough if...

  • You issue 2-3 invoices a month at most.
  • You don't need to keep accounting records (your accounting firm handles that).
  • You don't file tax forms directly (your advisor does it).
  • You work alone and don't need multi-user access.
  • You don't have a POS or sell at a physical point of sale.
  • You don't need to integrate with any other tool.

You need full software if...

  • You invoice more than 3-4 times a month or your volume is growing.
  • You want accounting integrated with invoicing.
  • You need to file or track quarterly tax forms.
  • You have employees or work with a team.
  • You manage expenses, payments, or payroll.
  • You need a POS or ecommerce integration.
  • You want to automate recurring invoices.
Editorial note

The free AEAT app is a valid tool, and its existence is good for the market: it guarantees that no taxpayer is left without an option to comply with VeriFactu for financial reasons. We have no interest in discrediting it. If you invoice 2-3 times a month and don't need anything else, it may be the right choice for you.

Cofactu is built for those who need more: integrated accounting, tax forms, POS, a team, accounting firms with multiple clients. If that's you, the comparison above is relevant.

You might also be interested in

Electronic invoicing in Cofactu → View pricing → Cofactu for self-employed → Penalties for non-compliance →
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the AEAT app

Does the free AEAT app comply with VeriFactu?
Yes. The free invoicing application from AEAT generates VeriFactu-compliant records: chained SHA-256 hash, electronic signature, and a QR code on every invoice. It's the official benchmark for compliance.
Who is the AEAT app enough for?
For very low-volume taxpayers who only need to issue 2-3 invoices a month and don't need anything else. If you need accounting, tax form filing, expense management, teamwork, or integration with other tools, the AEAT app doesn't cover those needs.
Can I use the AEAT app and Cofactu at the same time?
Technically yes, but it's not recommended. The VeriFactu hash chain runs per invoice series. Mixing two systems for the same series could create inconsistencies in the chain. The sensible approach is to use a single system per invoicing series.
Does the AEAT app have an invoice limit?
AEAT doesn't publish an explicit invoice limit for its free application. However, it's designed for low-volume taxpayers. For businesses with more activity, specialized software offers more functionality and a better experience.
What's the difference between the AEAT app and the SII?
They're different systems. The free AEAT app is an invoicing tool for low-volume taxpayers, based on VeriFactu. The SII (Suministro Inmediato de Información) is the real-time VAT reporting system for large companies (mandatory above €6 million in turnover), which is exempt from VeriFactu.

Need more than the AEAT app?

Cofactu includes full VeriFactu invoicing + accounting + tax form filing + POS from €15/month (Pro plan). Start free with 10 invoices/month.

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