Fiscalization & SDC Glossary
This glossary defines key terms related to fiscalization, SDC systems, and compliance. It serves as a neutral reference to help businesses and developers understand the technical terminology used in modern fiscal reporting.
Sales Data Controller (SDC)
A Sales Data Controller (SDC) is a certified system that sends invoice data from a POS system to the tax authority for fiscalization and generates fiscal receipts. It ensures that sales data is securely reported in compliance with tax regulations.
Fiscalization
Fiscalization is the process of recording and reporting business transactions to a tax authority using certified hardware or software. This practice prevents tax evasion by ensuring every sale is documented in a tamper-proof manner.
VMS (Version 3)
VMS (Version 3) is a modern VAT Monitoring System architecture that utilizes digital certificates and real-time data transmission for tax compliance. It replaces older physical hardware requirements with secure software-based reporting methods.
Fiscal receipt
A fiscal receipt is an official proof of purchase that includes a unique digital signature or validation code generated by a certified fiscal system. It serves as evidence that the transaction has been successfully reported to the tax authority.
Invoice signing
Invoice signing is the process of applying a unique digital signature to an invoice using a secure encryption key. This ensures the integrity and authenticity of the document, proving it has not been altered since it was issued.
Secure element
A secure element is a hardware or software component that securely stores cryptographic keys and performs sensitive operations like digital signing. It protects the system from unauthorized access or tampering with fiscal data.
Offline fiscalization
Offline fiscalization is the capability of a fiscal system to sign and record transactions without an active internet connection. These stored transactions are later transmitted to the tax authority once connectivity is restored.
Online fiscalization
Online fiscalization refers to the real-time transmission and validation of invoice data with the tax authority system at the moment of sale. This ensures immediate reporting and verification of every transaction.
Point of Sale (POS)
A Point of Sale (POS) is the hardware and software used by a business to process customer payments and record sales. In a fiscal environment, the POS must integrate with an SDC to remain compliant with tax laws.
VAT reporting
VAT reporting is the systematic submission of Value Added Tax data to tax authorities for assessment and audit purposes. Automated fiscal systems streamline this process by capturing VAT details directly from each transaction.
Audit log
An audit log is a chronological record of all system activities, including transactions, errors, and configuration changes. It provides a transparent trail for tax inspectors to verify the integrity of the fiscal system.
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is a unique identifier assigned by a tax authority to individuals and businesses for tax administration. It is a mandatory requirement on all fiscal documents and reports.
Compliance reporting
Compliance reporting is the process of generating and submitting data that adheres to the specific legal standards set by a regulatory body. For fiscalization, this involves reporting sales data in the exact format required by the tax authority.
Middleware
Middleware is software that acts as an intermediary layer between a POS system and the tax authority’s reporting platform. It simplifies integration by handling complex communication protocols and data formatting.
API integration
API integration is the technical process of connecting two software systems using Application Programming Interfaces to exchange data automatically. It allows a POS system to communicate directly with a Sales Data Controller.
Digital certificate
A digital certificate is an electronic document used to prove the identity of a system and enable secure, encrypted communications. It is essential for authenticating the sender during the fiscal reporting process.
Invoice validation code
An invoice validation code is a unique string of characters printed on a fiscal receipt that allows customers or tax officers to verify the transaction's authenticity. It can often be checked through a public portal provided by the tax authority.
Queueing (offline queue)
Queueing is the temporary storage of fiscal data in a local database when the system is unable to transmit it to the tax authority. This ensures that no data is lost during periods of network instability.
Real-time reporting
Real-time reporting is the immediate transfer of transaction data to the tax authority as soon as a sale is finalized. This provides the government with up-to-date information on economic activity and tax liabilities.
Tax authority system
A tax authority system is the central platform managed by a government to receive, process, and store fiscal data from taxpayers. It monitors compliance and provides the infrastructure for digital tax administration.