e-Government Act

What it means

The e-Government Act is Act No. 305/2013 on the electronic exercise of powers by public authorities. It governs electronic communication with authorities, electronic mailboxes, delivery, authorisation of filings and the operation of the central public administration portal Slovensko.sk.

The act introduced the principle that communication with authorities should be primarily electronic. Authorities are supposed to share data with each other and not ask citizens and companies for documents the state already has, although in practice this principle is being implemented gradually.

For companies registered in the commercial register, the key point is that they must have an activated official e-mailbox for delivery. Authorities deliver documents to them electronically, and important decisions, requests and payment notices arrive in this mailbox.

How it works in practice

Access to the mailbox and authorisation of filings rely on the eID card and a qualified electronic signature, or other authentication methods the law allows. The company should decide who has access to the mailbox and how often it is checked.

Many companies also give their accountant or another person access to the mailbox under an authorisation. It is wise to set up notifications of new messages by e-mail or phone so that important documents are not missed, especially during holidays or illness.

The act is linked to the EU eIDAS regulation, which governs electronic identification and trust services such as electronic signatures, seals and timestamps and ensures their recognition throughout the EU.

What to watch out for

Electronic delivery comes with deemed delivery. If the recipient does not collect a message from the mailbox within the statutory period, it is treated as delivered and deadlines start running, for example for an appeal or payment. An unread mailbox does not protect against the consequences.

When the director, authorised persons or accountant change, mailbox access rights must be updated. If nobody has access after someone leaves or, conversely, a former employee keeps access, there is a risk of missed deadlines and information leaks.