The electronic invoicing wave hitting the architecture sector in France

What is Electronic Invoicing?

📑 Definition: In architecture, electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) is the future—a digitally structured document ensuring authenticity and streamlined processing. To create an electronic invoice, you need a tool that's easy to use and that complies with French legislation. Approved platforms (public or private) will verify compliance for these documents. An electronic invoice should not be confused with a dematerialized invoice.

💻 Dematerialized or Electronic?

Don't confuse them! While a dematerialized invoice can be a basic PDF, a genuine e-invoice adheres to a specific protocol defined by tax authorities, featuring structured data. From 2024 to 2026, electronic invoicing will gradually become the norm for exchanges between VAT-registered architecture firms. The phased rollout considers the size of enterprises, ensuring a smooth transition. French firms should be capable of issuing electronic invoices:

• Starting July 1, 2024, for large enterprises.
• Starting January 1, 2025, for medium-sized enterprises.
• Starting January 1, 2026, for small and medium-sized enterprises and micro-enterprises.
  Additionally, all firms must be able to receive electronic invoices by July 1, 2024. Select a platform for receiving electronic invoices from your suppliers by this date.To facilitate the transition, a call for applications has been launched for firms interested in early adoption during an experimentation period.

Advantages for Architects:

⏰ For architects, it frees up time by automating tedious tasks like printing, signing, and sending invoices. No new content to learn about, the content of a dematerialized invoice must match that of a paper invoice, including the same mandatory mentions.

📈 For the french government, e-invoicing provides near-real-time visibility into architects' invoicing.

Additional Benefits:

🔄 Streamlining the invoicing and payment chain.

🔍 Reducing VAT fraud.

📉 Lowering errors tied to manual processing.

⏳ Decreasing payment delays.

🌳 Cutting down on paper usage.

📝 Simplifying tax declarations through pre-filled data.

Who is Mandated for Mandatory E-Invoicing?

Since 2020, it's mandatory for "BtoG" contracts (Business to Government). By 2026, it will extend to all B2B transactions in France (approximately 4 million companies). The precise timeline awaits confirmation with the new 2024 finance law.

Implementing Electronic Invoicing:

No more direct invoice sending; use a platform (public or private) to ensure compliance. Preferred formats include PDFs with structured data (for SMEs) and EDI (for larger enterprises).

Getting Started: Choose from three intermediary profiles:

1️⃣ PDP - Partner Dematerialization Platform (private and approved). It's a trusted third party specialized in the processing, reception and transmission of electronic invoices, having participated in a registration procedure by the French administration. These platforms ensure the continuity and reliability of invoicing processes.

2️⃣ OD - Dematerialization Operator (interfaces with approved platforms).

3️⃣ PPF - Public Invoicing Portal (100% free, managed by a public entity).

Time to get ready !

From supplier to client, with transmission to the tax administration. Choose your platform—public portal or private intermediary—and relevant data will automatically be transmitted to tax authorities. Electronic invoicing is already a reality in our sector. Prepare now and select the e-invoicing software tailored to your architectural needs. 🏰💻

Farewell to paper invoices! OOTI is getting up to date and offers you the most complete invoice processing package on the market, tailored to the needs of all architecture, construction and design companies.