Itemised receipts and the description of goods on electronic receipts

In a previous article we covered the Receipt Lottery. Crucial to the success of the initiative will be the correct issuing of the electronic receipt, which in this case functions as a genuine itemised receipt. With the telematic reform, this concept evolves further into the requirement to describe goods. Let's look at what this new step involves.

The history of the itemised receipt

The so-called itemised receipt, or descriptive receipt, was introduced in Italy in 2007: it is mainly the one issued by pharmacies. This document is much more detailed than a normal fiscal receipt, as it shows a range of information about the products purchased, as well as the purchaser's tax code. Its main purpose is to allow the expense to be deducted in the income tax return.

In the case of supermarkets, on the other hand, we speak of semi-itemised receipts. These are used essentially for prize competitions or similar initiatives: the information they contain does not fully identify the products purchased and does not relate to the purchaser (except for data such as the supermarket loyalty card number).

Including the description of goods on the receipt

Unlike the previous legislation on fiscal receipts, the new regulations on the telematic transmission of takings require the description of the goods or services offered to be included in the commercial document. Since its introduction, the receipt has served as a quick way of certifying the amount of the takings. Now, thanks to technological developments, it will be possible (and necessary) to include much more information in the commercial document. For example:

• business name, company name or registered name, first name and surname of the issuer;
• VAT number of the issuer and location of the business;
• accounting data (e.g. partial takings, with related discounts or adjustments, any subtotals, any refunds for returned goods or returnable packaging);
• date, time of issue and sequential number;
• fiscal logo and serial number of the fiscal meter;
• total amount of the takings and amount paid;
• nature, quality and quantity of the goods and services covered by the transaction;
• date of first registration or entry in public registers and number of kilometres travelled, hours sailed or hours flown, in the case of intra-Community supplies of new means of transport.

In short, a precise description of the services and goods sold becomes essential. If the amount is not correctly documented, there is a risk of a penalty equal to 100% of the VAT. In addition to the financial penalty, there is also an ancillary penalty, consisting of the suspension of the licence or authorisation to carry out the business.

Electronic receipts: a new commercial document

The telematic reform has therefore revolutionised the world of fiscal receipts. The new commercial document will carry considerably more information than the old receipt. Retailers will need to take this into account very carefully in order to correctly set up their telematic cash registers and the related items to be entered: these can no longer be as generic as they once were.

Custom also brings its many years of experience in manufacturing hardware solutions for the point of sale to its software offering. In 2020 it released PosA Mobile, the version of the PosA software developed specifically for smartphones and small Android™ screens.

Compared with the version for tablets and PC POS, PosA Mobile extends the options for describing goods and services. As a result, filling in the new commercial document and completing the related formalities is no longer a problem.

The ‘triple multiplication’ (number of people x number of nights x rate) is designed specifically for the hotel sector, while the option to issue both electronic invoices and receipts is ideal for the Ho.Re.Ca sector in general.

Finally, the ability to enter long, detailed descriptions that we have seen meets the needs of owners of garages, car parts shops and a wide variety of craft businesses.

Custom supports the switch to telematic cash registers! Discover all our solutions in this article or contact your nearest Custom Reseller.