From the beginning of 2026, Bulgaria will begin the phased introduction of the international standard SAF-T (Standard Audit File for Tax) – an electronic format for submitting tax and accounting data to the National Revenue Agency (NRA). The new approach to reporting aims to improve the transparency and efficiency of tax control, but has raised serious concerns among businesses and the accounting community.
What is SAF-T?
SAF-T is a structured electronic file that contains detailed information about the financial activities of companies. Starting from its introduction, companies will have to submit the following information to the NRA every month, by the 14th:
- accounts, balances and movements in them;
- all accounting operations in chronological order;
- accrued taxes;
- information from purchase and sales documents;
- customer and supplier data;
- payments and payment method;
- fixed assets and depreciation;
- inventories.
The essence of SAF-T is the introduction of a unified electronic format that will facilitate automated processing and control by the revenue administration.
Phased introduction
According to the provisions adopted in the 2025 State Budget Act, the SAF-T system will be introduced gradually in several phases:
- Starting January 1, 2026, around 450 enterprises that meet the criteria for ‘large enterprises’ under the Accountancy Act and are registered with the Territorial Directorate of the National Revenue Agency ‘Large Taxpayers and Insurers’ must submit the standard audit file.
- In July 2025, pilot testing will begin with the assistance of selected companies.
- In the next five years, the scope will be expanded to all other companies – medium-sized, small and micro enterprises registered under the VAT Act.
The National Revenue Agency will publish a draft order regulating the structure, format, and content of the file for public discussion in early May 2025.
Business concerns
Many accountants and employers’ organizations have expressed concern about the significant increase in administrative and financial burden. There is currently no single electronic format for invoices and bank orders, which means that much of the data will have to be entered manually. This may require additional staff in accounting firms, especially when working with small businesses.
The main concerns are related to:
- increasing costs for accounting services;
- the need for new software and staff training;
- risk to the security of sensitive financial information;
- lack of sufficient technical prerequisites for a smooth transition to the new model.
Business representatives are demanding that the state compensate for the administrative burden by eliminating other duplicative obligations – for example, submitting VAT returns.
What are the expected benefits?
The NRA and the Ministry of Finance state that SAF-T will help improve tax control and reduce the shadow economy. It will also increase trust between the administration and businesses. The OECD supports the introduction of the standard. It is part of a broader international initiative. This initiative aims to help remove Bulgaria from the ‘gray list’ for money laundering.
Despite the positive intentions behind the new initiative, its implementation will require significant effort and preparation from businesses. To avoid serious difficulties, companies and accountants should familiarize themselves with the SAF-T requirements. They should also prepare the necessary systems and resources in advance.
A key period of transition is ahead, in which active communication between the NRA, business and professional organizations will be essential for the successful introduction of the new accounting reality.
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