[August 2025 Update] France’s e‑invoicing rollout is now staged: everyone must be able to receive e‑invoices from 1 Sept 2026; SMEs and solo trades must issue e‑invoices from 1 Sept 2027. Source: the official Portail de la facturation électronique.

If you’re a plumber, electrician, tiler, or painter working with homeowners and local businesses, the change is real—but manageable. Start now: clean client data, get SIRET/SIREN for pro clients, standardize invoices, and get your VAT right (10% renovation, 5.5% energy improvements, 20% new build).

What’s actually changing (no fluff)

• You’ll send and receive invoices through a platform (the public portal or a partner). Your PDF alone won’t cut it.
• Invoices need structured data (e.g., Factur‑X/UBL) and correct IDs (SIREN/SIRET for pros).
• Payment, VAT, and item details must be clean. Sloppy invoices will bounce or be delayed.
• Homeowner jobs still need clear invoices; B2B jobs must be e‑invoices.

10-step field checklist to be e‑invoice ready

1. Clean your client list

• Split "Homeowners" vs "Pros" (companies, syndic, shops).
• For pros, collect: legal name, billing address, SIREN/SIRET, contact email.
• For homeowners: full name, address of works, best contact.

2. Standardize identifiers

• Consistent invoice numbering (e.g., 2025-PLUM-001, 002…).
• Add your own SIREN/SIRET, TVA number, and legal mentions.

3. Lock your VAT basics

• 10%: most renovation on existing homes (supply + install) with proper homeowner attestation.
• 5.5%: energy-efficiency works (e.g., insulation, heat pumps) meeting criteria.
• 20%: new builds, non-eligible goods/services.
• Mixed jobs? Split lines with the right rate per item; don’t blend rates on one line.

4. Use deposits and progress billing

• Take an upfront deposit (acompte), then bill progress (situation) by stages.
• Keep retention (retenue de garantie) clear if used.

5. Put payment terms in plain sight

• Due date, method (transfer, card), and late fees for B2B jobs.
• Mention the €40 collection fee applies to B2B only.

6. Track payments tightly

• Mark paid/unpaid, partial payments, and expected dates.
• Have a weekly chase routine—don’t wait three months.

7. Build a clean item catalog

• Typical tasks pre-tagged with the right VAT (10%, 5.5%, 20%).
• Clear units: hour, m², item.

8. Keep job notes in one place

• Site notes, decisions, change orders, photos. Verbal agreements vanish—document them.

9. Prepare for structured e‑invoices

• You’ll need client SIREN/SIRET for B2B, and itemized lines.
• The platform (public portal or a partner) will route and validate.

10. Pick a tool that won’t fight you

• Voice to quote, VAT done right, progress billing, reminders, and e‑invoice readiness.

At this point, you can keep juggling spreadsheets—or let a tool handle the admin.

• Try Donizo: voice-built quotes, VAT at 20/10/5.5 done correctly, deposits and progress billing, payment tracking, and all your client notes in one place. It’s built for French renovation work and designed to support the e‑invoicing rollout so you’re not scrambling in 2026.

Real jobs, real fixes

• The plumber and the “lost facture”

  • Problem: Pierre installs a water heater in March, forgets to send the invoice until June. Client pays late, cash flow tanked.
  • Fix: create the invoice from the quote right after job sign-off; send same day with payment link and due date; set an automatic reminder at +7 and +14 days.

• The painter with two VAT rates on one job

  • Problem: repaint plus minor insulation. He puts everything at 10%, risks a VAT correction.
  • Fix: split lines: insulation at 5.5% (if eligible), painting at 10%, supplies included when furnished and installed. Keep the homeowner attestation on file.

Templates you can copy today

Email: ask a business client for SIRET and billing details

Subject: Your invoice details – [Job/Ref]

Hello [Name],
To send your invoice via the e‑invoicing portal, I need:
- Legal name
- Billing address
- SIREN/SIRET
- Accounts payable email

Thanks! This avoids delays.
— [Your Name]

Friendly payment chase (homeowner)

Subject: Friendly nudge – invoice [INV-2025-012]

Hello [First name],
Just a quick reminder: invoice [INV-2025-012] for [Job] is due on [Date].
Here’s the link to pay: [secure link]
Thanks a lot!
— [Your Name]

Phone script for overdue B2B

Hi [AP Name], it’s [Your Name], [Trade]. Calling about invoice [INV-2025-033], due [Date].
Can we lock a payment date today? I can resend the invoice if needed.
(If no date) Understood. What do you need from me to release payment?

Invoice line example with mixed VAT

1) Insulation of attic (supply + install) – 5.5% VAT
2) Painting living room, 45 m² – 10% VAT
3) Electrical upgrade (new circuit) – 20% VAT

Legal mentions (B2B)

Payment terms: 30 days end of month.
Late fees: [your rate]% per month. Fixed €40 recovery fee (B2B).

How Donizo fits into your day

• Create quotes by voice while you’re still on site.
• One click turns quote → invoice (deposit, progress, final) with proper VAT.
• Track who owes what; automatic reminders keep cash moving.
• Centralize client details, SIREN/SIRET, messages, and job notes.
• Designed to support France’s e‑invoicing standards so you’re ready before 2026/2027.

If paperwork drains your evenings, this is where Donizo earns its keep.

Pitfalls that cause rejections and delays

• Missing client SIRET on B2B invoices.
• One line mixing items that require different VAT rates.
• No due date, or vague payment terms.
• Change orders agreed “by text” but never added to the invoice.

A 15‑minute end‑of‑day routine

• Log progress and photos.
• Convert accepted quotes to invoices or deposits.
• Mark payments received; set reminders for the rest.
• Add any client decisions as a change order.

Do this daily and e‑invoicing will be a non‑event in 2026.

Get ahead now

Spend one evening setting up your catalog, VAT, and client IDs. From there, every job gets easier—and you get paid faster.

• Start free with Donizo. Create a voice-built quote, generate a clean invoice with the right VAT, and track payments without spreadsheets. Your future self will thank you.