Which VAT Scheme to Choose: The 3 VAT Schemes for Any Business Structure
As a micro-entrepreneur, sole proprietor, or company director, understanding the VAT schemes applicable to your activity is essential. Here’s an overview of the three main VAT schemes in France.
1. The VAT Exemption Scheme
This scheme allows you to be exempt from VAT. In return, you cannot charge VAT to your customers or deduct it on your business purchases. This regime is ideal for small businesses looking to simplify their administrative processes.
Application thresholds (2023 – 2025):
| Activities | Annual Threshold (CA N-1) | Tolerance Threshold (CA N-1 if CA N-2 < threshold) |
|---|---|---|
| Goods delivery, on-site sales | €91,900 | €101,000 |
| Services | €36,800 | €39,100 |
| Lawyers, authors, performing artists | €47,700 | €58,600 |
| Other legal and artistic activities | €19,600 | €23,700 |
Rules in case of threshold exceedance:
Threshold exceeded: Obligation to collect VAT starting the following year.
Tolerance threshold exceeded: Obligation to collect VAT starting from the invoice that exceeds the threshold.
Specific obligations:
Mandatory mention on invoices: “VAT not applicable, article 293 B of the French General Tax Code (CGI).”
Certain activities are excluded from benefiting from this scheme.
2. The Simplified Real VAT Scheme
This scheme targets businesses with moderate turnover who wish to avoid the constraints of the normal VAT regime while collecting and deducting VAT.
Eligibility conditions:
Annual turnover:
Between €91,900 and €840,000 for goods, on-site sales, and accommodations.
Between €36,800 and €254,000 for services.
Annual VAT owed: Less than €15,000.
Obligations:
Semi-annual installments:
July: 55% of the VAT owed for the previous year.
December: 40% of the VAT owed for the previous year.
Payment via form n° 3514 and telepayment.
Annual declaration:
Teletransmission of form n° 3517-S after the fiscal year ends.
This scheme offers a balance between flexibility and fiscal responsibility but carries a risk: if turnover increases significantly compared to year N-1, the business may face cash flow issues when paying the VAT balance.
3. The Standard VAT Scheme
This scheme is available to all businesses, regardless of their turnover. It is often chosen by businesses with significant activity or regular VAT deduction needs.
Obligations:
Monthly declaration:
VAT collected must be declared and paid monthly online.
Optional quarterly periodicity:
Possible if the annual VAT owed is less than €4,000.
This scheme requires rigorous management but provides optimal responsiveness in VAT management.
Conclusion
Choosing the right VAT scheme is crucial for optimizing your business management. Each scheme offers advantages and constraints suited to different business profiles.
Need personalized support?
Our accounting firm is available to advise you on the VAT scheme best suited to your situation. Don’t hesitate to contact us for an appointment.