What is B2G invoicing?
B2G stands for Business-to-Government: you provide a product or service to a public authority and issue an invoice for it. Examples include:
a municipality asking you to provide catering for an event
a ministry inviting you as a speaker or trainer
Note: Not every client with a name that sounds like a government entity is actually a public authority. Always check the Belgian Business Register (KBO), to see if you should follow B2G rules or simply invoice them as a regular business (B2B).
Does the government always have a VAT number?
Almost all public authorities now have a VAT number, but that doesn’t automatically mean you need to charge VAT. It depends on the role they are acting in for your assignment:
Government tasks (public authority role) → No VAT is charged.
Commercial activities (e.g., venue rental, catering) → VAT is charged.
What is PEPPOL and why should you use it?
PEPPOL is a network that allows you to send official e-invoices directly and securely to public authorities. In Belgium, these invoices pass through the Mercurius network, which automatically forwards them to the right department.
Sounds technical? Don’t worry: with a tool like Accountable, you simply tick “Send via PEPPOL” and your invoice will arrive at the correct destination, fully compliant with legal requirements.
When is PEPPOL mandatory?
Public contracts over €3,000 → mandatory since March 2024.
All public contracts → mandatory from March 2026.
Important: This obligation only applies to public authorities. If you’re invoicing an individual (e.g., a Member of Parliament) or a non-profit, PEPPOL does not apply.
How to do this in Accountable
1. Activate PEPPOL in your Accountable profile
Go to Settings → PEPPOL (e-invoicing).
Click “Start registration” to sign up for PEPPOL free of charge.
Check your details and wait until the status shows “Active”.
2. Create your invoice
Go to Revenue → Create an invoice in Accountable.
Choose or create your client first
Select the public authority or add a new client.
Immediately choose whether VAT applies or not (exemption for non-commercial government activities).
Then enter your invoice details
Add the Order reference number
You can find this field directly on the invoice itself.
3. Send via PEPPOL
After filling in your invoice, click “Continue” and tick “Send via PEPPOL.”
Without a PO number, many government accounting departments will reject your invoice.
How to invoice a Member of Parliament
If you’re invoicing a Member of Parliament personally, for example, a Member of the European or Flemish Parliament, the rules are different:
No VAT if they are a private person or mandate holder without a VAT number.
No PEPPOL needed, this is only for official public authorities.
Add this to your invoice:
“Exempt from VAT under article 44, §2, 4° of the Belgian VAT Code.”
✅ Checklist: How to invoice the government correctly
Before sending your invoice:
Ask: Does this need to go through PEPPOL?
Check: Does your client have a VAT or enterprise number?
Ask: Is this assignment VAT-exempt?
Note: Does your client require a PO number or reference?
Following these steps helps you avoid delays, and get paid faster.