The key issues
VAT: rates and reverse charge
Several VAT rates on works, and reverse charge in subcontracting: errors are costly.
Profitability by site
Tracking hours, purchases and margin per site helps adjust quotes. This analytical follow-up is set up on request, tailored, as an additional service.
Work in progress and progress billing
Deposits, progress statements and retentions: the accounts must reflect the real progress of each site.
Cash and payment times
Materials paid upfront, clients paying later, retentions: a cash plan avoids being caught out.
What we can take care of, à la carte
Accounting and tax
- Bookkeeping or review, annual accounts, tax return
- VAT returns, checks on rates and reverse charge
- Valuation of work in progress at year end
- Margin analysis by site, on request
Payroll
- Payroll under the construction collective agreements
- Paid leave through the construction leave fund, bad weather
- Hiring, apprentices, temporary staff
Growth
- Cash plan and working capital, on request
- Forecast for the bank or an investment (vehicles, equipment), on request
Your goals, our answers
“I want to know which sites make money”
On request and tailored, as an additional service: margin tracking by site (materials, hours, subcontracting).
“I want secure VAT”
Checks on rates, reverse charge and certificates for each type of works.
“I want to anticipate my cash”
On request and on quotation, a cash plan updated at the frequency you choose, for a budget agreed in advance.
Estimate your budget now, for your situation: estimate my budget
Frequently asked questions
Construction in France: which VAT rate applies to renovation works?
It depends on the type of works and the property: reduced rates exist for some housing works, under conditions and with supporting certificates. We check each case.
Construction: how does VAT reverse charge work in subcontracting?
The subcontractor invoices without VAT; the main contractor self-assesses it. The invoice must carry specific wording.
Does paid leave work differently in the French construction sector?
Yes: leave is paid by a dedicated construction leave fund, to which the company contributes.
Construction business: how should I prepare for e-invoicing in France?
Receiving e-invoices has been mandatory since September 2026; issuing them becomes mandatory for SMEs and micro-businesses on 1 September 2027. Read our article
Is ten-year liability insurance (décennale) mandatory for builders in France?
For most construction trades, yes: it must be taken out before starting works, and its cost should be included in your prices.
Construction business or tradesperson: does your accountant in France handle your accounts, construction VAT and payroll?
Yes. The accounting and tax engagement covers annual accounts, the tax return and VAT returns, with checks on rates and reverse charge and the valuation of work in progress at year end; payroll under the construction collective agreements is added à la carte. Margin by site, a cash plan and forecasts are offered on request and priced in advance, taking into account the company’s profit and your pay as a director. You focus on your sites, your figures are in good hands. In 2 minutes, your meeting is booked; in 5 more minutes, your fee estimate is shown. Get my free meeting and quote
Construction business already working with an accountant in France: how do you join us?
It is simple: you send your termination letter to your previous firm (we give you an example to adapt), and we organise the handover of your file with them, in line with professional rules. We take over the method used to value your work in progress, so it stays consistent from one year to the next. See the steps to change accountant
The forecasts, cash-flow plans, dashboards, simulations, studies and analyses mentioned above are additional engagements, à la carte. Each one is quoted in advance, at the frequency you choose.