On January 1, 2013 a new Directive on VAT invoicing will come into force within the EU. The aim of the Directive is to increase the use of electronic invoicing, reduce burdens on business, support small and medium sized enterprises and help Member States to tackle fraud. It further aims to simplify, modernize and harmonize the VAT invoicing rules. In particular, it eliminates the current barriers to e-invoicing in the VAT Directive by treating paper and electronic invoices equally.