E-ledgers and e-archives are two types of electronic documents that are often confused but serve different purposes. Both play an important role in businesses' digitalization, yet there are fundamental differences between them.
What is E-Ledger?
E-ledgeris a system in which all of a business's accounting records are kept electronically. All financial data, including the balance sheet, income statement and current accounts, is stored in the e-ledger. It is a digital accounting book showing the business's financial position.
The purpose of an e-ledger:
- Monitor the business's financial position
- Be prepared for tax audits
- Create financial reports
- Automate accounting processes
What Is E-Archive?
E-Archive is a system in which invoices issued by businesses to customers or suppliers are stored electronically. It can be viewed as a digital alternative to paper invoices.
The purpose of an e-archive:
- Reduce the use of paper invoices
- Simplify invoice retention processes
- Adopt an environmentally friendly approach
Key Differences Between E-Ledger and E-Archive
E-Ledger and E-Archive are two important electronic document applications used by businesses in an increasingly digital world. Although both aim to simplify record keeping and storage, their functions and scope differ. The main differences are as follows:
- Aim: E-Ledger aims to maintain all of a business's accounting records electronically. E-Archive focuses solely on storing invoices electronically.
- Content: E-Ledger contains all financial data, such as the balance sheet, income statement and current accounts. E-Archive contains only invoice information, such as dates, amounts and products or services.
- Scope: E-Ledger covers all of a business's financial transactions. E-Archive covers invoices only.
- Mandatory Use: E-Ledger is mandatory for businesses exceeding a specified turnover. E-Archive is generally used for invoices issued to parties not registered for e-invoicing. In other words, it is used to electronically store invoices issued to individuals and organizations outside the e-invoicing system. Invoices issued to registered e-invoice users are already transmitted and stored through that system.
- Storage Period: The retention period for both E-Ledger and E-Archive is the period prescribed by tax legislation. This is generally 10 years.
E-Ledger and E-Archive in Brief:
The main difference between E-Ledger and E-Archive is their scope and focus.
- E-Ledger: It is a comprehensive record system showing a business's overall financial position. It contains the balance sheet, income statement, current accounts and all other financial data, providing a complete view of a company's financial activity.
- E-Archive: It is a more specific system for storing invoices. It contains only invoice details, such as dates, amounts and products or services, and ensures that invoices are securely stored electronically.
A business may therefore need to use both E-Ledger and E-Archive to meet legal requirements and internal needs. E-Ledger may be mandatory for the overall management of financial records, while E-Archive is an important tool for digitalizing and simplifying invoice retention.
To summarize briefly:
- E-Ledger: A comprehensive financial records system
- E-Archive: A dedicated invoice storage system
Example: When a company sells goods to a customer, it issues an e-archive invoice and records the sale in its e-ledger. The e-archive invoice communicates that particular sale to the customer, while the e-ledger maintains a general record covering all sales, expenses and other financial activity.
As a result, e-ledgers and e-archives are important tools in businesses' digitalization. E-ledgers are used to monitor the overall financial position, while e-archives store invoices electronically. The systems complement each other and help businesses meet their legal obligations.
Additional Information:
- E-invoice: E-invoices are similar to e-archive invoices but are electronic invoices prepared in the format specified by the Revenue Administration.
- E-ledger providers: Companies that provide e-ledger solutions to businesses.
- E-archive systems: Systems that allow businesses to issue and manage e-archive invoices.
Evren Bilgisayar systems: E-Archive is an important tool for digitalizing and simplifying invoice retention processes.


