Complying with NF525 Certification and Issuing Invoices Correctly in France
When managing properties in France, invoicing is not just an administrative task: it's a legal obligation that protects your data, strengthens customer trust, and avoids costly penalties. With the NF525 certification, your software ensures that invoices meet the requirements set by French law. And with the latest updates, you can also better distinguish when to issue an invoice, a receipt, or a proforma.
What is NF525 Certification?
The NF525 certification guarantees that your invoicing software complies with the principles established in French legislation (art. 286 of the General Tax Code). These principles are:
Data immutability.
Information security.
Long-term preservation.
Complete archiving of documents.
It is not a law in itself, but a certification issued by an accredited body, such as INFOCERT.
Who Must Comply?
All companies subject to VAT and based in France or overseas territories (DOM-TOM).
Important
⚠ Contrary to what is sometimes thought, this obligation does not come from the European Union, but from the French Finance Law of 2016.
Options to Comply with the Regulation
You have two alternatives:
Use certified software (like Avantio, with NF525).
Obtain an individual declaration of conformity issued by the software provider.
The goal is clear: to prevent VAT fraud and ensure that invoices are not manipulated after issuance.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
If a company does not comply, it faces:
A fine of €7,500 per software and per establishment.
The obligation to regularize the situation within a maximum of 60 days.
Avantio's Certification
Since July 27, 2018, Avantio has been certified with the NF525 standard.
Thanks to collaboration with INFOCERT, the VRMS includes measures such as:
Automatic blocking of invoice generation if the billing country is France and requirements are not met.
Main Benefit
By using Avantio, you automatically comply with French regulations, avoiding penalties and gaining peace of mind during any inspection.
📎 Check the certificate on the INFOCERT website by searching for the provider INTERNET TOURISM SOLUTIONS SL.
Invoice, Receipt, or Proforma?
With the latest updates, it's crucial to know which document to issue in each situation:
Invoice
Issued before or after payment.
Implies payment obligation.
Mandatory for professional customers.
Must include a unique number and legal mentions (VAT, penalties, discounts, etc.).
Has fiscal and accounting value.
Receipt
Issued after payment.
Does not imply payment obligation.
Mandatory for cash payments (over €25 or if requested by the customer).
Informative document, without fiscal value unless converted into a simplified invoice.
Proforma
Issued before payment.
Does not imply payment obligation.
Only has informational or commercial value.
Has no fiscal or accounting value.
ℹ Remember: a proforma never replaces an invoice.
Common Mistakes
Issuing only proformas and not converting them into valid invoices.
Using receipts as a substitute for invoices (they do not have the same value).
Not preserving documents according to legal deadlines.
Quick Checklist
Before issuing:
Identify if it is an invoice, receipt, or proforma.
Ensure it includes mandatory data (VAT, number, service details).
Confirm the billing country to avoid system blocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I only issue proformas?
They do not meet legal or fiscal requirements. You must always issue a valid invoice to declare income.
Can I continue using my own invoicing software in France?
Yes, as long as it is NF525 certified or you have a valid declaration of conformity.
Is a receipt sufficient for individual customers?
Yes, for cash payments (over €25) or when requested by the customer. But remember: it does not replace an invoice.
How do I verify that Avantio is certified?
Visit the INFOCERT website and search for the provider INTERNET TOURISM SOLUTIONS SL.
What risk do I face if I do not comply with the standard?
You risk fines of up to €7,500 and the obligation to regularize within 60 days.
Conclusion
The NF525 certification is not just a formality: it is the guarantee that your business in France complies with regulations, avoiding risks and conveying trust. Now that you know the differences between an invoice, receipt, and proforma, you can always issue the appropriate document and work with the peace of mind of being protected.