Reverse billing and self-billing: 2 terms, 1 process

We often get asked: “What is the difference between reverse billing and self-billing?” The answer is simple: there is no difference. Yet the use of different terms regularly causes confusion. It’s time to clarify this and explain why this method of invoicing is so smart.

What do these terms actually mean?

In the financial world, you will encounter various terms: self-billing, reverse billing, and sometimes even reversed billing. They all refer to the same process.

With self-billing, the invoicing process is reversed. It is not the supplier who issues the invoice, but the client, on behalf of the supplier. The invoice simply states the supplier’s VAT number, Chamber of Commerce number, and logo, plus its own invoice number series. The only difference with a “normal” invoice? The statement: Invoice issued by the customer.

Why the confusion?

Self-billing is the term most commonly used in the Netherlands. Reverse billing or self-billing, whichever name you choose, the process remains the same: the client issues the invoice on behalf of the supplier.

The advantages of self-billing (or reverse billing)

Whether you call it self-billing or reverse billing, the advantages are considerable:

Less administration: no more invoices to create for suppliers.
Fewer errors: everything is automatic and tax-proof.
Faster insight: always an overview of costs and invoices.
Faster payment: no delays due to missing invoices.

Self-billing not only simplifies this process, but also makes it fully compliant with tax regulations. You save time, prevent errors, and maintain control over your cash flow.

In short

Self-billing and reverse billing are simply two words for the same smart process. It makes invoicing easier, faster, and error-free. And with Selfbilling by Whitevision, you always do it by the book.

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