Latest information for small businesses in France



Fake auto-entrepreneur registration website

Fake auto-entrepreneur registration website

I have already mentioned a few scams for auto-entrepreneurs, including fake invoices for business directories. I have for instance received another promotional offer from Telecom 118 designed like a formal invoice for ...

By Valérie Aston · 21 Dec 2009


Auto-Entrepreneur turnover declaration - 31st January deadline

Auto-Entrepreneur turnover declaration - 31st January deadline

The next deadline to complete your turnover declaration is January 31st. Some of you have already received the form and starting to worry. Over the Xmas holidays I’ll be working on a short video explaining how to ...

By Valérie Aston · 19 Dec 2009


How to complete your taxe professionnelle form

How to complete your taxe professionnelle form

The taxe professionnelle form looks like your worst administrative nightmare. Even with a good level of French, you might struggle to complete it. The fact is that most French entrepreneurs call their accountant, as soon ...

By Valérie Aston · 12 Dec 2009


Auto-entrepreneur status to be extended to farming activities?

Auto-entrepreneur status to be extended to farming activities?

Consulted by the French government, the Societe des Agriculteurs de France (SAF) believes that expanding the auto-entrepreneur regime to farming activities would benefit the profession. A press release from SAF issued on ...

By Valérie Aston · 9 Dec 2009


Fake business directory invoices sent to auto-entrepreneurs

Fake business directory invoices sent to auto-entrepreneurs

As I mentioned in a previous post, many auto-entrepreneurs are receiving unsolicited invoices for business directories and phone directories. The letters consist of promotional offers designed to look like formal invoice ...

By Valérie Aston · 7 Dec 2009


Deadline to switch to the regime micro social: 31/12/09

Deadline to switch to the regime micro social: 31/12/09

If you have an existing business registered as an entreprise individuelle or micro entreprise, you cannot switch to the auto entrepreneur system. However you can decide to switch to the regime micro social, which will ...

By Valérie Aston · 2 Dec 2009


New auto-entrepreneur profile

New auto-entrepreneur profile

According to Herve Novelli, secretary of state to small businesses, about 40% of auto-entrepreneurs registered since January 2009 have a quarterly turnover of 4000€, or 1333€ per month. Which leaves us with 60% with a ...

By Valérie Aston · 23 Nov 2009


Entrepreneurs’ week 2009

Entrepreneurs’ week 2009

Many events are being organised across France this week to celebrate the entrepreneurs’ spirit. Have a look at this event map to find an event near you. Most Chambres de Commerce, Chambres de Metier and entrepreneurs ...

By Valérie Aston · 20 Nov 2009


What is a SIREN or SIRET number?

What is a SIREN or SIRET number?

You’re working on a business project and you're asked for your SIRET or SIREN number, e.g. for quotes, for advertising, for partnerships etc. So what is it? A SIREN number is your unique French business identification ...

By Valérie Aston · 19 Nov 2009


Business Trade shows in France

Business Trade shows in France

Attending an industry trade show is always a good source of information. It is an opportunity to meet potential new suppliers and partners, to assess your competition, to attend conferences and also to confirm the market ...

By Valérie Aston · 12 Nov 2009


Start Business in France Celebrating 1st year online

Start Business in France Celebrating 1st year online

Launched in October 2008 to keep me busy for my maternity leave, Start Business in France has just celebrated its 1st year and is reaching an increasing audience. Over 20,000 visitors have read through an amazing 85,000 ...

By Valérie Aston · 31 Oct 2009


How to benefit from zero charges on new employees recruitment

How to benefit from zero charges on new employees recruitment

In December 2008 the Plan de Relance de l’Economie (economy recovery plan) launched a new initiative entitled Zéro Charges. Aimed at small and medium size companies with fewer than 10 employees, this scheme offered a 12 ...

By Valérie Aston · 30 Oct 2009



Events: Auto-entrepreneur road show

Events: Auto-entrepreneur road show

François Hurel, president of the Union des Auto Entrepreneurs (UEA) has organised a road show across France to meet new and would be auto entrepreneurs. A couple of events have already taken place in Toulouse and Rennes ...

By Valérie Aston · 16 Oct 2009