On July 28, 2023, the French tax authority (DGFiP) announced the postponement of the obligation for French businesses to issue and receive electronic invoices. Originally scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2024, the reform will now be implemented at a later date, to be defined in the 2024 budget law.
The postponement is justified by the DGFiP as a need to ensure a smooth transition to electronic invoicing. The reform represents a significant change for businesses, which will need to acquire the necessary tools and procedures
Is it good news for businesses?
The postponement of electronic invoicing is in a way good news for businesses, as they will have more time to prepare for this reform. This will allow them to better understand the challenges of electronic invoicing and implement the most appropriate solutions for their needs.
Indeed, electronic invoicing offers many advantages for businesses, both economically and environmentally. It allows them to:
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Reduce costs: Electronic invoicing can reduce the costs of processing invoices, including printing, postage, and storage fees.
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Improve productivity: Electronic invoicing can save time on administrative tasks, which can be reallocated to tasks with higher added value.
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Improve traceability: Electronic invoicing makes it easier to track invoices, which facilitates audits and dispute management.
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Reduce environmental impact: Electronic invoicing can reduce paper consumption and kilometers traveled, which contributes to environmental protection.
Challenges not to be overlooked
However, the postponement of electronic invoicing should not obscure the challenges of this reform. Indeed, electronic invoicing represents a major change for businesses, which will need to equip themselves with appropriate tools and procedures.
To prepare for this reform, businesses will need to:
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Select an electronic invoicing solution: There are many electronic invoicing solutions on the market, it is important to choose a solution that meets the needs of the business, such as the A3 E-FACTURE solution.
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Train employees: Employees will need to be trained in the use of the electronic invoicing solution.
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Update internal processes: Internal processes for processing invoices will need to be adapted to electronic invoicing.
The postponement of the reform of the generalization of electronic invoicing allows businesses to better prepare for this major change. Admittedly, this is a breath of fresh air, but it is important to use this additional time wisely. It is therefore essential that businesses start now to learn about electronic invoicing, implement the necessary measures to prepare for this change, and especially choose their solution.
Beyond the objective of legal compliance, electronic invoicing offers many advantages for businesses, both economically and environmentally. It is therefore a structuring project that will allow businesses to gain in productivity, reduce their costs, and contribute to environmental protection.
AGENA3000 helps you switch to electronic invoicing in full compliance. With A3 E-FACTURE, you comply with legal requirements, secure your data, optimize your deadlines, and reduce your costs.