Start for free
Language: EN

Accounting and invoicing for founders

First invoice, first customer, first tax return: in the founding year special rules apply to turnover limits, and everything is new. Saldiqo sets the mandatory details, shows the turnover limit for the first year and collects receipts for start-up costs.

Updated:

What comes up for founders

Everything for the first time

Invoice number, mandatory details, payment term: a lot is new, and mistakes cost time.

Founding year with its own rules

In the first year different turnover limits often apply than in later years.

Start-up costs

Registration, advice, equipment and marketing arise before there is revenue. The receipts belong captured from the start.

How Saldiqo helps

  • Check mandatory detailsSaldiqo checks before finalising.
  • Turnover limit in the founding yearSaldiqo shows how much turnover is left before the limit.
  • Receipts from the startCapture receipts by phone photo.
  • Invite your tax adviserAn adviser with their own login sees the figures and changes nothing.

Typical invoice lines

Examples that often appear on invoices in this industry. You set the prices yourself.

  • First service as per quote
  • Start-up consulting, hours
  • Equipment as per receipt
  • Website and branding, flat fee
  • Deposit on order confirmation
  • Travel costs, flat fee

Tax and invoicing in Malta

What applies to invoices in Malta, in short. As of October 2026.

VAT
Rates 18 %, 12 %, 7 % and 5 %. Malta has no zero rate in law. Exports, EU supplies, food and medicines are exempt with credit, which lets you reclaim input VAT. Exempt without credit does not.
Article 11 small undertakings
With up to €35,000 of domestic turnover a year you can be exempt under Article 11. The status ends on the day the limit is passed, and you still register with the VAT department. Saldiqo adds the exemption note and leaves VAT off.
Tax invoice or fiscal receipt
A tax invoice is issued only when the customer gives you a VAT number. Otherwise a fiscal receipt from an approved system is required. Saldiqo writes invoices. It is not a fiscal receipt system, and a Saldiqo PDF does not replace a fiscal receipt.
Invoice timing
Issue the invoice by the 15th of the following month, or when payment arrives if that comes first. Simplified invoices are allowed up to €100.
E-invoicing
There is no mandate. Public bodies accept e-invoices through Peppol (EN 16931). The tax authority plans e-invoicing and real-time reporting but has set no dates, and EU rules apply from 1 July 2030.
VAT returns
Returns are due by the 15th day of the second month after the period, with 7 extra days when you file and pay electronically. Article 11 businesses file a yearly declaration by 15 February. Saldiqo does not file returns.
Record keeping
VAT records for 6 years, income tax records for 9 years and company records for 10 years. Plan for 10 years.
Late payment
Interest on late business payments is 10.40 %, plus €40 compensation between businesses.
Languages
Use Saldiqo in English or Maltese and send invoices in either language.

Frequently asked questions

Do different limits apply in the founding year?

Often yes. Which limit applies to you is listed in the country block above and with your tax adviser.

Can my tax adviser work with it?

Yes. You invite them with their own login. They see the figures and can pull exports.

Do founders in Malta have to charge VAT?

If you are registered under Article 10, yes. Small undertakings under Article 11 with domestic turnover of up to €35,000 a year are exempt from charging VAT, but the status ends on the day the limit is passed.

Do founders in Malta need a fiscal receipt?

Sales to consumers need a fiscal receipt from an approved fiscal receipt system, and Article 11 businesses use one for all sales. Saldiqo is not such a system. It covers tax invoices to customers who give you their VAT number.

How long should founders keep invoices?

VAT records for 6 years, income tax records for 9 years and company records for 10 years, so plan for 10 years. You can store receipts digitally in Saldiqo. The legal duty to keep records stays with you.

Try Saldiqo for free

Write invoices, match payments, collect receipts and send reminders: free and without a trial period.

Start for free

This page for other countries

Related niches

More industries

All industries

As of October 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice, without guarantee. For your case ask your tax adviser.