September 1st, 2026 marks a pivotal date for all French companies subject to VAT: Receiving electronic invoices becomes mandatory for everyonewithout exception, regardless of size. The issuance itself follows a phased schedule: mandatory from that same date for large companies and mid-sized companies, then at September 1st, 2027 for SMEs, VSEs and micro-enterprisesIn practical terms, sending a PDF by email is no longer sufficient. Invoices must now be transmitted via an Approved Platform (AP), in a recognized structured format (Factur-X, UBL or CII).
The result: choosing your invoicing software is no longer simply a matter of convenience. It's a strategic decision that impacts your company's tax compliance. This comparison examines... 9 billing software programs that are 100% Frenchalong with their prices, strengths, limitations, and level of preparedness for reform. The goal: to help you find the tool that truly matches your business, size, and budget.
Why the e-invoicing reform will change everything in 2026
Before comparing the tools, a quick overview of what is changing in concrete terms, because many managers still confuse the two obligations.
The obligation to receive applies to all companies subject to VAT from September 1, 2026This includes micro-entrepreneurs operating under the basic franchise scheme. If one of your suppliers is a large company or an intermediate-sized enterprise (ISE), it will issue its invoices in a structured electronic format. You must be able to receive these invoices via an Approved Platform. Without a registered Approved Platform, the invoice cannot reach you correctly, which prevents payments and VAT deductions.
The emission obligation It is staggered:
According to the official website entreprendre.service-public.gouv.frNear 10 million French companies are affected by this reform. By spring 2026, more than 130 Approved Platforms had already been registered by the DGFiP. The penalties for non-compliance are clear: €500 after a first formal notice, then €1,000 every three months until regularization.
Good billing software in 2026 is therefore a tool that is either itself an Approved Platform, or connected to one of them, and that natively manages the Factur-X, UBL and CII formats.
The 5 criteria for choosing the right invoicing software
1. Compliance with electronic invoicing and PA status
This is the number one criterion in 2026. Check if the software is registered as an Approved Platform by the DGFiP (French Public Finances Directorate), or if it relies on a partner Approved Platform. Both work, but the first offers greater control and direct traceability.
2. Price and value for money
Offers range from completely free to over €100 per month per user. The key is to understand what you're really paying for. Some tools advertise an attractive entry price but charge extra for essential modules.
3. Customer support in French
Billing software directly impacts your company's accounting and tax compliance. Responsive support, based in France and available in French, is essential.
4. VAT management and legal notices
The software must automatically manage the different VAT rates, the mandatory information (SIREN, delivery address, nature of the operation), and the new requirements introduced by the reform.
5. Functional scope adapted to your profile
Billing only, or billing + CRM + cash flow + project management? The answer depends on the size of your business and your organizational structure. A micro-entrepreneur doesn't have the same needs as a 30-person SME.
Ranking of the 9 best French invoicing software in 2026
1. Djaboo: the all-in-one CRM + invoicing solution for very small businesses and SMEs
Djaboo is the most complete French solution for very small businesses and SMEs that want to unify their sales management and invoicing in a single tool. CRM , estimate, billing, TreasuryProject management, time tracking, customer ticketing: everything is centralized in an interface designed to be used without technical or accounting skills.
What distinguishes Djaboo: Seamless continuity between the sales pipeline and invoicing. An accepted quote becomes an invoice with a single click, without re-entry. Overdue payment reminders are automated based on customizable scenarios. Cash flow is visible in real time. And the software is 100% compatible with electronic invoicingconnected to an Approved Platform registered by the DGFiP, with native management of Factur-X, UBL and CII formats.
Djaboo offers a free version (Starter plan) allowing you to start without commitment, with electronic billing included even in the free plan. The Pro plan, at € 29 / month Billed annually (€39/month monthly), it unlocks automations, the customer portal, and all integrations, with a 14-day free trial. An Enterprise plan, available upon request, completes the range for organizations requiring dedicated support.
Djaboo has ratings of 4,7/5 on Google and 4,8/5 on G2, with responsive French support and free assisted data migration.
For who : Very small and small service businesses (1 to 100+ people) that want to replace several software programs with a single, seamless tool, and prepare for the reform without friction.
Prices: Free (Starter plan) | €29/month (Pro plan, billed annually) | Enterprise (price upon request)
To find out what the reform means in concrete terms for your business, test the electronic invoicing simulator and check out our guide to mandatory electronic invoicingAnd for a detailed comparison, read Djaboo vs Sellsy, Djaboo vs Pennylane ou Djaboo vs Axonaut.
2. Sellsy: CRM + invoicing for structured SMEs
Sellsy is a French all-in-one suite that combines CRM, invoicing, treasury, and marketing into a single platform. Developed in La Rochelle, it targets SMEs and mid-sized companies that want to manage their sales cycle from prospecting to payment collection without switching tools.
Sellsy is DGFiP Approved Platform since October 2024Registered to issue and receive invoices in Factur-X and UBL formats. E-reporting is included. Bank synchronization, automatic reminders, and payment reconciliation are particularly well executed.
Main limitation: There's no free plan, a minimum of 2 users is required, and the Treasury and Marketing modules are billed separately. For a growing team, the bill can quickly add up.
Prices: with some local 29 €/month per user (Standard plan, 15-day free trial)
3. Pennylane: Billing connected to accounting
Pennylane obtained its final registration as an Approved Platform on 11th December 2025, after being selected with an "Excellent" rating during the expanded DGFiP pilot. The solution now supports more than 800,000 businesses and has more than 6,000 partner accounting firms, according to data published by the firm EARN.
Its positioning is clear: to connect business owners and their accountants in real time through a single interface. Invoicing, bank reconciliation, cash flow, expense reports, VAT returns: everything is centralized. Pennylane truly shines when your accounting firm partners with the platform.
Main limitation: There's no free option (€14/month minimum for freelancers), and no integrated CRM. If your accountant doesn't use Pennylane, the tool's value is significantly reduced.
Prices: with some local €14/month excluding VAT (Independent contractors) | €29 to €298/month excluding VAT depending on profile and plan (15-day free trial)
4. Axonaut: the all-in-one ERP for very small businesses
Axonaut is a French ERP founded in Toulouse in 2017, which now claims more than 140 usersIts promise: a single tool, a single price, with no modules to unlock separately. CRM, invoicing, simplified accounting, project management, HR, ticketing, and even an integrated professional bank account.
Axonaut is registered as an Approved Platform by the French Public Finances Directorate (DGFiP) and natively supports Factur-X and UBL formats. Quote-to-invoice conversion is done with a single click. Automatic payment reminders are configurable.
Main limitation: The no-commitment price (€69,99/month excluding VAT for 1 user) may seem high for a single user. The 3-year commitment brings the price down to around €35/month, but it's a long-term commitment. Each module is less advanced than a specialized tool.
Prices: with some local €34,99/month excluding VAT (3-year commitment) | €69,99/month excluding VAT, no commitment (15-day free trial)
5. Tiime: 100% free electronic invoicing
Tiime is one of the most unique players in the market: it is the the only solution offering completely free electronic invoicing for life, including the status of Approved Platform registered by the DGFiP. The platform includes 300 000 users and relies on a network of 2,000 partner accounting firms, according to data published on its website.
The Free plan includes unlimited creation of quotes and invoices in Factur-X format, electronic invoice receipts, automatic sales ledger, and customer reminders. The paid plans (Smart at €17,99/month and Business at €24,99/month) add a Mastercard business account, advanced accounting, cash management, and API access.
Main limitation: Tiime primarily targets freelancers, micro-entrepreneurs, and very small businesses. For SMEs with CRM or advanced project management needs, the tool reaches its limits.
Prices: Free (Free plan, for life) | Smart at €17,99/month excl. VAT | Business at €24,99/month excl. VAT
6. Henrri: Free, ad-free service for tradespeople and very small businesses
Henrri is free invoicing software published by the Rivalis group, which specializes in consulting for very small businesses. Its model is simple: free, ad-free, and with no limits on invoices or quotes. The tool is particularly popular with construction tradespeople for its ability to manage work progress reports.
Henrri ensures compliance with the 2026 reform through a connection to the Pennylane PA. Essential functionalities are included: quotes, invoices, delivery notes, credit notes, product catalog, automatic reminders, and read-only bank synchronization.
Main limitation: No integrated accounting, no full mobile app, no public API. Advanced features and full electronic invoicing are available on paid plans (starting at €17 incl. VAT/month).
Prices: Free (Pro plan) | Paid, starting from €17 incl. VAT/month
7. Facture.net: the simplest, 100% free with no paid plan
Facture.net is one of the few software programs that does not offer any paid plans: Everything is free, with no time or volume limits.Published by MyAE, it is aimed at freelancers and self-employed individuals who want to create compliant quotes and invoices without complicating their lives.
The interface is intentionally minimalist: three clicks to create a quote, automatic conversion to an invoice, and sending by email. A mini-CRM allows you to track opportunities and manage your customer database. Legal compliance (Article 286 of the French General Tax Code) is ensured, with mandatory information pre-filled according to your legal status.
Main limitation: No bank reconciliation, no FEC export, no integrated accounting, PA status being finalized. Facture.net creates invoices, and does it well. For everything else, you'll need another tool.
Prices: 100% free, without a paid plan
8. Indy: Invoicing + accounting for freelancers
Indy (formerly Georges.tech) stands out for its generous free plan: unlimited invoicing AND automated accounting for €0. Bank synchronization is automatic, and reconciliation is done without manual entry. Indy is an officially registered Approved Platform with the French Public Finances Directorate (DGFiP), and its mobile app is among the highest-rated on the market.
The solution primarily targets self-employed individuals (BNC, BIC, and LMNP), with tools tailored to their tax returns. Paid plans (starting at €9/month excluding VAT) add VAT returns, payroll management for business owners, and advanced accounting features.
Main limitation: less suited to structures with commercial management or CRM needs, and less relevant for companies that sell physical goods.
Prices: Free (Essential plan) | from €9/month excluding VAT (paid plans)
9. Evoliz: NF-certified invoicing for very small businesses and tradespeople
Evoliz is a certified French invoicing and business management software NF 203 and NF 525This dual certification is rarely seen on the market. It ensures compliance with the 2026 reform via Chaintrust (a subsidiary of Visma), an Approved Platform integrated into all plans at no extra cost.
The tool covers quotes, invoices, purchase orders, simplified inventory management, bank reconciliation, cash flow forecasting, and accounting export. AI-powered OCR automatically processes purchase invoices. Accountant access is included in the basic plan.
Main limitation: No free offer, automatic renewal of annual subscriptions criticized in recent reviews (3,8/5 on Trustpilot based on 244 reviews). Evoliz is not registered as a Payment Administrator (PA) itself: compliance is handled through Chaintrust, which introduces an intermediary into the chain.
Prices: with some local €29/month excluding VAT (Basic Plan) | €49/month excluding VAT (Advanced Plan) | 15-day free trial
Comparative table of 9 French invoicing software
| Software | Admission price | Free offer | Status PA | Integrated CRM | Digital invoicing | Main target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Djaboo | €0 (Starter) / €29/month (Pro, annual) | ✅ Yes | Compatible PA | ✅ Yes | ✅ Factur-X, UBL, CII | Very small businesses / SMEs 1 to 100+ |
| Sellsy | €29/month/user | ❌ No (15-day trial) | ✅ Registered PA | ✅ Yes | ✅ Factur-X, UBL | SMEs / Mid-sized companies |
| Pennylan | €14/month (self-employed) | ❌ No (15-day trial) | ✅ Registered PA | ❌ No | ✅ Factur-X, UBL, CII | Very small businesses / SMEs with a chartered accountant |
| Axonaut | €34,99/month (3 years) | ❌ No (15-day trial) | ✅ Registered PA | ✅ Yes | ✅ Factur-X, UBL | VSE / SME |
| time | Free | ✅ Yes (for life) | ✅ Registered PA | ❌ No | ✅ Factur-X | Independents / VSEs |
| Henri | Free | ✅ Yes | Via PA Pennylane | ❌ No | ✅ Via PA partner | Craftsmen / Very small businesses |
| Invoice.net | Free | ✅ Yes (no paid plan) | In progress | ❌ No | ⚠️ In progress | Freelancers / micro |
| Indy | Free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Registered PA | ❌ No | ✅ Factur-X | Self-employed / BNC |
| Evoliz | €29/month excluding VAT | ❌ No (15-day trial) | Via Chaintrust (Visma) | ❌ No | ✅ Via PA partner | Very small businesses / artisans |
FAQ: Your questions about billing software in 2026
Is electronic invoicing really mandatory for micro-entrepreneurs?
Yes. Even when exempt from basic VAT, a micro-entrepreneur remains subject to VAT under the reform. The obligation to reception applies from the 1st September 2026, and the obligation toissue since the 1st September 2027Invoices issued to individuals (B2C) are not covered by e-invoicing, but fall within the scope of e-reporting.
What is the difference between an Approved Platform and traditional invoicing software?
Standard invoicing software creates and sends invoices. An Approved Platform (AP), registered with the French Public Finances Directorate (DGFiP), acts as the official intermediary, transmitting these invoices through the regulatory channels, providing electronic reporting, and communicating with the Public Invoicing Portal. Since October 2024, the public portal no longer receives invoices; only private APs fulfill this role. Therefore, your software must either be an Approved Platform itself or be connected to one.
Can free invoicing software comply with the 2026 reform?
Yes. Tiime and Indy both offer compliant electronic invoicing for €0, with the status of a registered Approved Platform. Henrri is also free and ensures compliance via a connection to the Pennylane PA. For a micro-business or freelancer with a low volume of invoices, these solutions are more than sufficient to make the September 2026 switchover without additional costs.
What electronic invoice formats are accepted by the reform?
Three formats are recognized by the DGFiP, all compliant with the European standard EN 16931:
A simple PDF sent by email is no longer a compliant format for B2B exchanges between French companies subject to VAT.
How to choose between an all-in-one software and a standalone invoicing software?
If you only manage your invoicing, a specialized tool like Tiime, Indy, or Evoliz will suffice. However, if you need to manage your customer relationships, quotes, projects, and cash flow from a single location, an all-in-one tool like Djaboo, Sellsy, or Axonaut will save you considerable time by eliminating data re-entry and silos between different systems. The rule of thumb: the more sales-oriented and service-driven your business, the more value an integrated CRM and invoicing tool creates.
Official source: entreprendre.service-public.gouv.fr
