Professional Invoice Generator 2026
Create compliant professional invoices for free. Automatic VAT calculation, legal mentions, PDF export, design templates.
Générateur de facture professionnelle gratuit et conforme. Créez vos factures en ligne avec logo, calcul automatique TVA, export PDF et mentions légales obligatoires.
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Générateur de facture professionnelle gratuit
Créez des factures professionnelles conformes à la législation française en quelques clics. Notre générateur gratuit vous permet de générer des factures avec toutes les mentions légales obligatoires, calcul automatique de la TVA, numérotation, et export PDF haute qualité. Idéal pour auto-entrepreneurs, freelances, TPE et PME.
Mentions obligatoires sur une facture en France
Selon la législation française (article L441-9 du Code de commerce), une facture doit obligatoirement contenir les informations suivantes :
Émetteur (Votre entreprise)
- Nom ou raison sociale
- Adresse complète du siège social
- N° SIRET (14 chiffres)
- N° TVA intracommunautaire (si assujetti)
- Forme juridique (SARL, SAS, Auto-entrepreneur...)
- Capital social (si société)
- RCS (Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés)
Facture elle-même
- Numéro de facture unique et séquentiel
- Date d'émission
- Date d'échéance (délai de paiement)
- Nom et adresse du client
- Description détaillée des produits/services
- Prix unitaire HT
- Quantité
- Taux de TVA appliqué
- Total HT, TVA, TTC
⚠️ Sanctions en cas de facture non conforme : Une facture incomplète ou incorrecte peut entraîner une amende de 75 000€ pour une personne physique et 375 000€ pour une personne morale. Assurez-vous que toutes les mentions obligatoires sont présentes.
Auto-entrepreneur : mentions spécifiques
Si vous êtes auto-entrepreneur ou micro-entrepreneur, votre facture doit comporter des mentions particulières :
✅ Mentions obligatoires auto-entrepreneur :
- Nom et prénom
- Adresse du siège social (domicile)
- N° SIRET
- Activité exercée
- "TVA non applicable, article 293 B du CGI" (si franchise TVA)
- Assurance RC Pro (si obligatoire pour votre activité)
- Garantie décennale (si bâtiment)
Franchise en base de TVA : Les auto-entrepreneurs en franchise de TVA ne collectent pas la TVA. Ils doivent obligatoirement mentionner "TVA non applicable, article 293 B du CGI" sur leurs factures. Le total HT = total TTC.
Les différents taux de TVA en France (2026)
| Taux TVA | Application | Exemples |
|---|---|---|
| 20% | Taux normal | Majorité des biens et services, prestations intellectuelles, services informatiques, conseil |
| 10% | Taux intermédiaire | Restauration, travaux de rénovation (sous conditions), transport de voyageurs, certains médicaments |
| 5.5% | Taux réduit | Produits alimentaires, livres (papier et numériques), abonnements gaz/électricité, cantines scolaires |
| 2.1% | Taux super-réduit | Médicaments remboursables, presse, spectacles vivants |
| 0% | Exonération | Exportations hors UE, auto-entrepreneurs en franchise, formations (sous conditions), certaines prestations médicales |
Numérotation des factures : les règles à respecter
La numérotation des factures doit suivre une séquence chronologique et continue sans interruption. Plusieurs systèmes sont possibles :
✅ Formats acceptés
F2026-001,F2026-002... (avec préfixe)2026-001,2026-002... (année-numéro)001,002,003... (simple)2026-01-001(année-mois-numéro)
❌ Erreurs à éviter
- Numéros en désordre (001, 003, 002)
- Trous dans la numérotation (001, 002, 005)
- Doublons (deux factures 2026-001)
- Retour en arrière après exercice suivant
💡 Conseil : Gardez une séquence unique par année. Au 1er janvier, recommencez à 2027-001. Archivez vos factures pendant 10 ans minimum (obligation légale).
Délais de paiement et pénalités de retard
Depuis la loi LME, les délais de paiement sont encadrés :
Délais légaux maximum :
- 45 jours fin de mois ou 60 jours à compter de la date d'émission
- Sauf accord dérogatoire (contrat)
- Délais réduits possibles (15 ou 30 jours courants)
Mentions obligatoires en cas de retard :
- Taux des pénalités : minimum = taux BCE × 3 (≈ 14% en 2026)
- Indemnité forfaitaire : 40€ pour frais de recouvrement
- Ces mentions doivent figurer sur la facture
Facture vs Devis vs Facture d'avoir
| Document | Définition | Obligatoire ? | Valeur juridique |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devis | Proposition commerciale AVANT prestation | Oui si montant > 150€ TTC (artisans, dépannage) | Engagement si signé et daté |
| Facture | Document comptable APRÈS prestation/vente | Toujours obligatoire entre professionnels | Titre exécutoire (preuve) |
| Facture d'avoir | Annulation partielle/totale d'une facture | Si erreur, retour, remboursement | Annule la facture initiale |
Frequently asked questions
According to article L441-9 of the Commercial Code, every invoice must include: ISSUER: name or company name, full address of registered office, SIRET number (1...
According to article L441-9 of the Commercial Code, every invoice must include: ISSUER: name or company name, full address of registered office, SIRET number (14 digits), intra-community VAT number (if subject), legal form (SARL, SAS...), share capital (if company), RCS (Trade Register). INVOICE: unique and sequential number (e.g. 2026-001), issue date, due date (payment term), customer's full name and address, detailed description of products/services, quantity, unit price excl. VAT, VAT rate applied (20%, 10%, 5.5%, 2.1% or 0%), total excl. VAT, VAT amount per rate, total incl. VAT. PAYMENT: payment terms (deadline), accepted methods (transfer, check...), late payment penalties (minimum rate = ECB rate × 3), fixed compensation of €40 for recovery costs. SANCTION: incomplete invoice = fine up to €75,000 (natural person) or €375,000 (legal entity). Keep your invoices for a minimum of 10 years (legal obligation).
If you are self-employed or micro-entrepreneur, your invoices must include SPECIFIC mentions in addition to standard mentions: MANDATORY: first and last name (n...
If you are self-employed or micro-entrepreneur, your invoices must include SPECIFIC mentions in addition to standard mentions: MANDATORY: first and last name (no company name), full home or office address, SIRET number (14 digits), mention of activity performed (e.g. 'Web developer', 'Graphic designer'). VAT EXEMPTION: If you benefit from VAT exemption (turnover < €91,900 for sales, < €36,800 for services in 2026), you must MANDATORILY mention: 'VAT not applicable, article 293 B of CGI'. In this case, no VAT charged: Total excl. VAT = Total incl. VAT. INSURANCE: If your activity requires professional insurance (construction, health, transport...), mention: insurer name, policy number, contact details. 10-YEAR WARRANTY (if construction): mandatory with exact references. RCS/RM: not mandatory for self-employed (except voluntary registration). SHARE CAPITAL: not applicable (no company). WARNING: NEVER charge VAT if you are exempt, it's illegal and you will have to pay it to the State.
Invoice numbering must respect 3 ABSOLUTE RULES: 1) SEQUENTIAL: numbers must follow without interruption (001, 002, 003...). PROHIBITED: 001, 003, 005 (gaps). 2...
Invoice numbering must respect 3 ABSOLUTE RULES: 1) SEQUENTIAL: numbers must follow without interruption (001, 002, 003...). PROHIBITED: 001, 003, 005 (gaps). 2) CHRONOLOGICAL: number order must follow issue date order. PROHIBITED: invoice 005 dated 10/01 then invoice 004 dated 15/01. 3) UNIQUE: each number can be used ONLY ONCE. PROHIBITED: two invoices with number 2026-001. ACCEPTED FORMATS: F2026-001, F2026-002 (with prefix), 2026-001, 2026-002 (year-number), 001, 002, 003 (simple numbering), 2026-01-001 (year-month-number for high volume). ERROR TO CORRECT: If you make a numbering mistake, DO NOT SKIP IT. Issue a credit note to cancel, then redo the correct invoice with the next number. YEAR CHANGE: On January 1, 2027, restart at 2027-001 (recommended) OR continue sequence (2026-156, 2027-157...). SANCTION: non-compliant numbering = tax adjustment + fine. ADVICE: use Excel spreadsheet or invoicing software to avoid errors. Archive ALL your invoices for a minimum of 10 years.
France applies 5 DIFFERENT VAT RATES depending on nature of goods/services: 1) 20% VAT (STANDARD RATE): applies to MAJORITY of goods and services. Examples: int...
France applies 5 DIFFERENT VAT RATES depending on nature of goods/services: 1) 20% VAT (STANDARD RATE): applies to MAJORITY of goods and services. Examples: intellectual services (consulting, training, audit), IT services (development, maintenance), manufactured products, repairs, electronics, clothing, furniture, advertising, marketing. 2) 10% VAT (INTERMEDIATE RATE): catering (on-site or takeaway), hospitality, passenger transport, renovation work in housing > 2 years (under conditions), certain non-reimbursable medicines, firewood, museum/zoo admission fees. 3) 5.5% VAT (REDUCED RATE): basic food products (bread, milk, meat, vegetables), books (paper AND digital since 2012), gas and electricity subscriptions, school canteens, equipment for disabled people, energy improvement work (insulation, heating). 4) 2.1% VAT (SUPER-REDUCED RATE): medicines reimbursable by Social Security, press (newspapers, magazines), live performances (theater, concerts), audiovisual license fee. 5) 0% VAT (EXEMPTION): exports outside European Union, self-employed with VAT exemption, professional training (under conditions), certain medical/paramedical services. RATE ERROR: applying wrong rate = tax adjustment. If in doubt, check impots.gouv.fr or consult an accountant.
Payment terms are STRICTLY regulated by LME law (Economic Modernization Law): MAXIMUM LEGAL TERMS: 45 days end of month OR 60 days from invoice issue date. Beyo...
Payment terms are STRICTLY regulated by LME law (Economic Modernization Law): MAXIMUM LEGAL TERMS: 45 days end of month OR 60 days from invoice issue date. Beyond = PROHIBITED except derogatory agreement (written contract between professionals in same sector). COMMON PRACTICED TERMS: On receipt (cash), 15 calendar days, 30 calendar days (most frequent), 45 days end of month, 60 days from invoice date (legal maximum). LATE PAYMENT PENALTIES (MANDATORY): If customer pays late, you MUST charge: Late payment interest at rate = minimum 3 times ECB rate (≈ 14% in 2026), Fixed compensation of €40 for recovery costs (automatic, non-negotiable), Additional compensation if actual costs > €40 (with supporting documents). THESE PENALTIES MUST APPEAR ON INVOICE: 'In case of late payment, penalties at rate of X% per year will be due, as well as fixed compensation of €40 for recovery costs.' DISCOUNT: If early payment, you can grant reduction (e.g.: -2% if payment within 8 days). SANCTIONS: terms > 60 days without agreement = fine up to €75,000 (company) or €2M (15% turnover if group). ADVICE: to facilitate quick payment, offer several methods (transfer, card, PayPal) and send courteous reminders at D+5 after due date.
These 3 documents have DISTINCT FUNCTIONS and LEGAL VALUES: QUOTE = Commercial proposal BEFORE service. CONTENT: detailed description of work/services, price ex...
These 3 documents have DISTINCT FUNCTIONS and LEGAL VALUES: QUOTE = Commercial proposal BEFORE service. CONTENT: detailed description of work/services, price excl. and incl. VAT, execution time, special conditions, validity period (e.g. 30 days). MANDATORY: YES if amount > €150 incl. VAT for craftsmen, emergency repair, moving. LEGAL VALUE: becomes CONTRACT if signed and dated by customer. Professional is COMMITTED to price (no overrun except unforeseen case accepted). INVOICE = Accounting document AFTER delivery/service. CONTENT: all mandatory legal mentions (see FAQ 1), sequential numbering, issue/due date. MANDATORY: ALWAYS between professionals (B2B), from €25 incl. VAT with individual (B2C). LEGAL VALUE: proof of sale, enforceable title (allows forced recovery), accounting document (VAT, taxes). CREDIT NOTE = Document that CANCELS totally or partially an invoice. WHEN: invoicing error (price, quantity, VAT rate), merchandise return, customer refund, commercial discount after-sale, commercial gesture. CONTENT: reference to canceled invoice, reason for credit, amount excl./incl. VAT in NEGATIVE. NUMBERING: own sequence (CREDIT-2026-001) OR integrated into invoice numbering. ACCOUNTING: comes as deduction from turnover and collected VAT. WARNING: credit note IS NOT corrective invoice. If minor error, rather issue corrective invoice with same number + 'bis'.
International invoicing has SPECIFIC RULES depending on destination: INTRA-EU SALE (EU professional client): NO French VAT if EU taxable client with valid intra...
International invoicing has SPECIFIC RULES depending on destination: INTRA-EU SALE (EU professional client): NO French VAT if EU taxable client with valid intra-community VAT number. Mandatory mention: 'VAT reverse charge, article 283-2 of CGI'. Verify customer VAT number validity on https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/. Customer pays VAT of THEIR country (reverse charge mechanism). DEB declaration (Declaration of Trade in Goods) mandatory if > €460,000/year. INTRA-EU SALE (EU private client): French VAT applied EXCEPT if distance selling > country threshold (€10,000 generally), in which case VAT of destination country. Since 2021: OSS one-stop shop to simplify. EXPORT OUTSIDE EU: 0% VAT (total exemption). Mandatory mentions: 'VAT exemption, article 262 I of CGI', destination country, incoterm (EXW, FOB, CIF...). Customs documents: commercial invoice, certificate of origin, packing list. SERVICE PROVISION: GENERAL RULE: place of establishment of customer (B2B) or provider (B2C). EU B2C electronic services: customer country VAT if > €10,000/year (2021 threshold). MANDATORY INTERNATIONAL MENTIONS: currency used (€, $, £...), EORI number if customs, Incoterms conditions, language (bilingual invoice recommended). ADVICE: for international, consult accountant or customs broker to avoid costly errors.
Depending on NATURE and SEVERITY of error, procedure differs: MINOR ERROR (spelling, incomplete address, clarification): Issue CORRECTIVE INVOICE with SAME numb...
Depending on NATURE and SEVERITY of error, procedure differs: MINOR ERROR (spelling, incomplete address, clarification): Issue CORRECTIVE INVOICE with SAME number + 'Corrective' or 'bis' mention. Example: invoice 2026-012 becomes 2026-012 bis. Attach explanatory note to customer. NO need for credit note. AMOUNT or VAT ERROR (amount too high invoiced): Issue CREDIT NOTE to cancel difference. Example: invoice €500 instead of €450 → credit of -€50. Then issue new correct invoice with next number in sequence. SERIOUS ERROR (wrong customer, very incorrect amount): Issue TOTAL CREDIT NOTE to cancel erroneous invoice. Then create NEW correct invoice with next number. ABOVE ALL: NEVER destroy, modify or redo invoice with same number (prohibited and illegal). RETENTION: keep ALL versions (original + corrective + credit) in your archives. CUSTOMER COMMUNICATION: immediately notify your customer by email with new documents. Apologize professionally. ACCOUNTING: record credit as deduction and new invoice normally. VAT: if credit, recover VAT by deducting it from your declaration. DEADLINE: correct as soon as error detected (no legal deadline but faster = better). SANCTION: NOT correcting known error = false tax declaration (fine + adjustment). ADVICE: ALWAYS proofread your invoices before sending. Use template/software to limit errors.
ELECTRONIC INVOICING becomes MANDATORY progressively between 2024 and 2026 for all French companies subject to VAT in their B2B (Business to Business) relations...
ELECTRONIC INVOICING becomes MANDATORY progressively between 2024 and 2026 for all French companies subject to VAT in their B2B (Business to Business) relations: 2024-2026 SCHEDULE: September 1, 2024: RECEIPT of electronic invoices mandatory (all companies). September 1, 2025: ISSUANCE mandatory for large companies and mid-caps (> 250 employees or > €50M turnover). September 1, 2026: ISSUANCE mandatory for micro and SMEs (< 250 employees). ACCEPTED FORMATS: Factur-X (PDF + XML data), UBL (Universal Business Language), CII (Cross Industry Invoice), EDI (Electronic Data Interchange via PDP - Partner Dematerialization Platform). PROHIBITED FORMAT: Simple PDF scanned or Word exported (EXCEPT if via PDP). TRANSMISSION: Via PUBLIC INVOICING PORTAL (PPF) managed by State OR via approved PDP (Partner Dematerialization Platform) (examples: Chorus Pro, Docuware, Sage, Cegid). E-REPORTING: Mandatory transmission of invoicing data to tax administration (fight against VAT fraud). SANCTIONS: Non-compliance = €15 fine per invoice (max €15,000/year), possible tax adjustment. EXCEPTIONS: B2C invoices (to individuals): paper still authorized. Micro-entrepreneurs with VAT exemption: obligation postponed. ADVANTAGES: Time saving (automation), cost reduction (paper, shipping), traceability, faster payment. ADVICE: anticipate by testing from 2025 a PDP solution or PPF Chorus Pro. Train your accounting/invoicing teams.
RETENTION of invoices is a strict LEGAL OBLIGATION: MINIMUM DURATION: 10 YEARS from end of financial year (article L123-22 of Commercial Code). Example: invoice...
RETENTION of invoices is a strict LEGAL OBLIGATION: MINIMUM DURATION: 10 YEARS from end of financial year (article L123-22 of Commercial Code). Example: invoice issued on 03/15/2026, financial year ended on 12/31/2026 → retention until 12/31/2036. SANCTIONS: absence of invoices during tax audit = fine up to €5,000 per missing document + tax adjustment (VAT, corporate tax, non-deductible charges). ACCEPTED FORMATS: PAPER original: in binder, archive boxes, secure and dry location. Electronic: PDF files, structured formats (Factur-X, XML), on hard drive, secure cloud, server. IMPORTANT: if invoice received electronically, electronic retention MANDATORY (paper printing not sufficient). ACCESSIBILITY: Invoices must be IMMEDIATELY accessible in case of audit (24-48h max). Recommended indexing: by number, date, customer, amount. SECURITY: Regular backups (3-2-1: 3 copies, 2 different media, 1 off-site). Protection against fire, water damage, theft (safe, encrypted cloud). Access control (not all staff). CUSTOMER vs SUPPLIER INVOICES: Keep BOTH for 10 years (invoices issued AND received). DESTRUCTION: After 10 years, secure destruction (paper shredding, permanent file deletion) recommended but not mandatory. DIGITIZATION: You can scan your paper invoices for electronic archiving BUT keep paper originals for 10 years also (copy does not replace original except strict conditions: timestamping, qualified electronic signature, certified EAS - Electronic Archiving System). ADVICE: invest in DMS software (Electronic Document Management) or use professional cloud (Dropbox Business, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365) with classification and automatic backups.
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