VAT (PDV) Invoice Format in Serbia: Complete Guide for Small Businesses

Getting the VAT (PDV) invoice format right in Serbia is essential for compliance with Sistem Elektronskih Faktura (SEF). An incorrectly formatted invoice can mean your clients can't claim input tax credits, and your business faces penalties during audits.

This guide explains the exact format requirements, walks through a calculation example, and shows you how to set up compliant invoices in minutes.

What Is a VAT (PDV) Invoice?

A VAT (PDV) invoice is a formal document that shows the VAT (PDV) charged on a sale. It serves as proof of the transaction for both seller and buyer, and enables VAT (PDV)-registered buyers to claim input tax credits from SEF.

A VAT (PDV) invoice is a formal document that shows the VAT (PDV) charged on a sale. It serves as proof of the transaction for both seller and buyer, and enables VAT (PDV)-registered buyers to claim input tax credits from SEF.

Required Fields on a VAT (PDV) Invoice

Every VAT (PDV) invoice in Serbia must clearly display:

Every VAT (PDV) invoice in Serbia must clearly display:

• The words "Tax Invoice" prominently displayed
• Seller's business name, address, and PIB
• Buyer's name, address, and PIB (for B2B)
• Invoice number (unique and sequential)
• Invoice date and tax point
• Line-item descriptions with quantities and unit prices
• Subtotal before VAT (PDV)
• VAT (PDV) rate applied: 20% (standard), 10% (reduced)
• VAT (PDV) amount
• Total payable including VAT (PDV)

VAT (PDV) Calculation Example

For a service worth RSD10,000 in Serbia:

For a service worth RSD10,000 in Serbia:

• Subtotal: RSD10,000
• VAT (PDV) (20% (standard), 10% (reduced)): calculated on the subtotal
• Total: subtotal + VAT (PDV)

Always show the VAT (PDV) as a separate line item — never bundle it into the price without disclosure.

Common Format Mistakes

Common Format Mistakes includes: Missing "PIB" — makes the invoice invalid for input credits Not labelling the document as "Tax Invoice"

• Missing "PIB" — makes the invoice invalid for input credits
• Not labelling the document as "Tax Invoice"
• Using old VAT (PDV) rates
• Bundling VAT (PDV) into prices without a clear breakdown
• Non-sequential or duplicated invoice numbers

Free Templates for Serbian Businesses

Invoicemonk's invoice generator provides pre-built templates with all SEF-required fields. Select your country, add your PIB, and the platform handles VAT (PDV) calculations automatically.

Invoicemonk's invoice generator provides pre-built templates with all SEF-required fields. Select your country, add your PIB, and the platform handles VAT (PDV) calculations automatically.

Digital vs Paper Invoices

SEF accepts digital invoices provided they contain all mandatory elements and can be produced for audit. Serbia has implemented mandatory SEF (Sistem Elektronskih Faktura) e-invoicing for all B2B and B2G transactions.

SEF accepts digital invoices provided they contain all mandatory elements and can be produced for audit. Serbia has implemented mandatory SEF (Sistem Elektronskih Faktura) e-invoicing for all B2B and B2G transactions. All businesses must issue, receive, and store invoices through the central government electronic invoicing platform.

Using invoicing software ensures consistency and reduces errors compared to manual formatting.