In 2024, all French companies will have to adopt electronic invoicing. This digital transition aims to simplify administrative procedures, improve efficiency and reduce costs. The electronic invoice is an invoice in digital form that has the same legal value as a paper invoice. It has several advantages such as reducing the costs of printing, storing and sending invoices, improving productivity and efficiency, reducing errors and delays in payment and contributing to environmental protection by reducing paper consumption.
All companies, whether they are individuals, self-employed professionals, self-employed entrepreneurs, micro-businesses, SMEs or large companies, are affected by the obligation to issue electronic invoices from 2024. This invoice must be issued in a structured electronic format and signed electronically. It must also be sent to the recipient electronically, in accordance with European norms and standards.
The introduction of electronic invoicing will be progressive, depending on the size of the company. Indeed, from 1ᵉʳ July 2024, all businesses will have to be able to receive it and large businesses will also have to be able to issue them.
From 1ᵉʳ January 2025, it will be the turn of medium-sized companies or MSEs to issue electronic invoices. Finally, from 1ᵉʳ January 2026, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will also be required to issue them.
To guarantee the integrity of the invoice and its origin, the electronic invoice must be electronically signed with an electronic certificate. This also ensures the confidentiality of the information transmitted. The format of the electronic invoice must comply with European norms and standards, and the invoice must be issued as an XML file, which is a standardised data format.
In conclusion, the mandatory electronic invoice by 2024 is an important step in France’s digital transition. It has many advantages for businesses and also contributes to the protection of the environment. It is important to prepare now for this new legal obligation.
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