CAPEB sends a message to public decision-makers: "Electronic invoicing, an obligation that was supposed to be free..."

Small and medium-sized enterprises form the economic backbone of our country. They are at the heart of our regions, villages, and towns. They actively contribute to local economies, job creation and retention, and a balanced and responsible living environment.

Today, small businesses are facing a major reform: electronic invoicing. While the reform is on schedule for implementation in 2026, it deviates significantly from its initial announcement. For CAPEB Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, it's time to discuss and review the implementation details if we want it to be a success for everyone!

In 2022, the French government plans to extend digital invoicing to all businesses. Initially announced as free for everyone via a single dedicated platform, the Public Invoicing Portal (PPF), on October 15, 2024, the government announced a dramatic reversal, requiring businesses to now use a private, fee-based, approved platform (PA). This is a significant unilateral decision with far-reaching consequences for very small and small businesses (TPE-PME).

Furthermore, according to the defined schedule, if each company has not chosen its service provider by September 1st, it will be subject to financial penalties of up to €1000 every three months.

CAPEB Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and its entire departmental network are well aware of the need for this digital transition and do not wish to hinder its deployment. But not at any cost!

The State must maintain the consistency that is incumbent upon it and ensure that it supports all economic actors throughout this transition, in particular the thousands of small businesses that do not always have the financial and human resources, nor the time necessary to achieve it.

The request from CAPEB Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is as follows: The creation of a dedicated line in VAT returns allowing for a credit or refund intended to cover the costs related to electronic invoicing.

This proposal has several advantages:

Administrative simplicity: no paperwork to prepare, no complex supporting documents.
Fairness: each company receives support proportionate to its activity.
Speed: the device relies on an already existing and well-established system.
Budget neutrality for very small businesses: the reform must not become an additional burden.

This support could take the form of:

of a dedicated VAT credit,
or a fixed reimbursement,
or a specific discount related to compliance costs.

The local economy is a priority for everyone, and CAPEB Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes recognizes, at the time of the municipal elections, that any actor who helps our local living environment must be listened to and defended.

Craftsmanship is a unique economic activity characterized by a strong sense of freedom, freedom of action, and entrepreneurial spirit. It is vital to preserve this ideal, this choice for so many entrepreneurs!

This demand is part of a dialogue with public authorities, but CAPEB Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes calls on public decision-makers to demonstrate consistency, common sense, and a focus on the common good. These are concepts that urgently need to be placed back at the heart of our society!

Signatories:

12 presidencies of the CAPEB departmental branches in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region

And the president of the regional CAPEB