Invoice requirements in Colombia
Colombian invoices are regulated by DIAN (Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales). For electronic invoicing (factura electrónica), businesses registered with DIAN must use authorized software. For informal transactions and freelancers, a professional PDF invoice with the following fields is standard practice:
- NIT (Número de Identificación Tributaria) — Colombian tax ID
- IVA (Impuesto al Valor Agregado) — standard rate is 19%
- COP currency — Colombian Peso
- Consecutive invoice number
- Issue date and payment terms
💡 Enter your NIT in the 'RFC / NIF / RUT' field. Select COP as currency and set IVA to 19%. FacturaPDF handles all calculations automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a NIT number and where does it go on the invoice?+
NIT (Número de Identificación Tributaria) is Colombia's business tax identification number assigned by DIAN. It's required on all business invoices. In FacturaPDF, enter your NIT in the 'RFC / NIF / RUT' field for both the issuer and the client.
What IVA rate should I use for services in Colombia?+
Most professional services in Colombia are taxed at the general IVA rate of 19%. Some specialized services may be exempt or have a reduced rate. Always verify with DIAN or your accountant for your specific service type.
Can I create invoices in USD for Colombian clients?+
Yes. FacturaPDF supports both COP and USD. International transactions are often invoiced in USD. You can add the exchange rate reference in the notes field for your client's records.
Is FacturaPDF valid for DIAN electronic invoicing?+
FacturaPDF generates professional PDF invoices suitable for most informal transactions. For official DIAN electronic invoicing (factura electrónica), you need DIAN-authorized software. FacturaPDF is ideal for freelancers, consultants, and small businesses in Colombia.