A little reminder of the regulations on fees

What are the fees?

Fees in France represent remuneration paid in return for professional services carried out by independent service providers such as lawyers, doctors, sports instructors. Unlike a fixed salary, paid each month to an employee, fees are often calculated on the basis of time spent on a specific mission or are fixed in advance for a given service. They can vary considerably depending on the nature of the service, the experience of the professional, and the complexity of the task performed.

How are the fees set?

Fees can be agreed in several ways:

• On an hourly basis: where the professional charges an hourly rate for the time spent working on the client's project.

• Lump sum: a fixed price is established for the entire project or service, regardless of the time spent.

• Percentage of services provided: this can be a percentage of turnover for a defined activity.

Who draws up the fee sheet?

The fee sheet is generally established by the service provider after completion of the work or at the end of the mission concerned. In other words, it is the activity supervisor who establishes a fee sheet with his or her reporting structure (Team Yoplanning).

Required Information on a Fee Sheet to Be Legally Compliant

1. Identity of the Service Provider

• Full Name and Address: Personal or commercial information of the service provider.

• SIRET/SIREN number: If applicable, to uniquely identify the company or self-employed person.

• Registration number in the professional register: For certain regulated professions.

2. Customer Information

• Name and Address of the customer: Identity of the recipient of the services.

3. Service Details

• Description of the Service: Precise nature of the service provided.

• Completion Date(s): When the service was provided.

4. Payment terms

• Amount and Currency: Total to pay, clearly indicated.

• Basis of Calculation of Fees: Explain how the fees were calculated (hour, flat rate, percentage).

• Hourly rate or Flat rate: If applicable.

• Payment Terms: Deadline, means accepted, schedule if applicable.

• VAT: Mention of VAT (rate and amount) or exemption if justified.

5. Legal information

• Issue Date of the fee slip.

• General Conditions of Sale (CGV): If applicable, reference or inclusion.

In summary, fees in France are a complex and variable form of remuneration which require particular attention from both service providers and their clients, in order to guarantee fairness and satisfaction in the professional relationship.