For many businesses, electronic invoicing has become the norm. Therefore, business owners in France might wonder if certified invoicing software is mandatory.

While software-free invoicing is still an option, this article explains the benefits of using invoicing software and highlights the differences between invoicing software and cash register software.

What’s in this article?

• Is invoicing software mandatory?
  
• An explanation of electronic invoicing reform
  
• How to create invoices without using invoicing software
  
• Why use invoicing software?
  

Is invoicing software mandatory?

Using invoicing software isn’t mandatory in France. However, it is key to ensuring invoice compliance and simplifying the invoicing process.

Invoicing requirements in France are strict, and software-free invoicing can be very time-consuming. Invoicing software allows businesses to comply with current regulations, automate the process, and save time.

The cash register software exception

There is one case where it is mandatory to use certified software. As of January 1, 2018—according to the value-added tax (VAT) anti-fraud law—if your invoicing software also contains a cash collection functionality, the cash functions must be certified. Certified cash register software must guarantee the integrity, security, storage, archiving, and traceability of the data. This regulation aims to fight VAT fraud and improve the oversight of financial transactions.

This applies to businesses subject to VAT that sell goods or services to individual customers and collect payments with cash register software. These businesses are required to use a cash register system certified by an approved organization, such as Infocert or the National Laboratory of Metrology and Testing (LNE).

Businesses that don’t have a cash register software program are not required to purchase one. VAT-exempt payment terminals and businesses are not subject to the requirement.

Those who should but don’t use cash register software or use noncompliant software could be liable for a fine of up to €7,500 per program. You must comply within 60 days, or you could be liable for another fine of the same amount.

An explanation of electronic invoicing reform

Starting in 2026, electronic invoicing will gradually become mandatory for all transactions between businesses subject to VAT. This requirement takes effect on the following dates:

• September 1, 2026: For large and intermediate-sized businesses

• September 1, 2027: For small and medium-sized enterprises (PMEs) and microbusinesses

Businesses won’t be required to use invoicing software, but they will be required to issue electronic invoices that comply with tax authority guidelines. This means invoices must be in a structured format and issued through a partner dematerialization platform (PDP). Factur-X is one of the standard electronic invoice formats that includes both portable document format (PDF) files and extensible markup language (XML) files.

Stripe Invoicing manages the invoicing process and helps you stay compliant with tax and legal regulations. Invoicing allows you to issue and send invoices fast, automate revenue tracking, and speed up payments—no coding required. With Invoicing, you can update, duplicate, and refund invoices and record payments made outside of Stripe, right from your Dashboard.

How to create invoices without using invoicing software

You can create invoices using paper invoice books or a spreadsheet or word processing tool. Your invoices should feature the required details:

• Both parties’ contact information

• Unique invoice number

• Issue date

• Billing address

• Detailed breakdown of the products or services delivered

• Total amount owed

• Payment terms

Invoicing demands accuracy and clarity. To avoid issuing noncompliant invoices, you should also learn about the different types of invoices, including deposit and progress invoices.

Why use invoicing software?

Even though invoicing software isn’t mandatory, it can enhance your brand image, ensure you include required details, and guarantee compliance. Some advanced invoicing solutions—such as Stripe Invoicing—also offer detailed reports on transactions and revenue.

Automating your invoicing allows you to do several things:

• Centralize and secure customer data

• Limit data entry errors and possible penalties related to noncompliant invoices because of the software’s automated calculations

• Save time so you can focus on growing your business

• Follow up with your customers faster when invoices aren’t paid on time