Auto-entrepreneur in the building trade: doing your quotes and invoices right

The auto-entrepreneur (micro-enterprise) status is the entry point for many artisans. It is simple on the contributions side, but it has its specific rules on the quotes and invoices side. Here are the essentials for invoicing cleanly and risk-free from the very first job.

The obligations specific to the auto-entrepreneur

In addition to the standard mentions of a construction quote or invoice, the auto-entrepreneur must pay attention to:

The VAT exemption (franchise en base)

As long as you are below the thresholds, you do not charge VAT. Your documents must then carry the mention:

"TVA non applicable, art. 293 B du CGI"

Your prices are therefore excl. VAT = incl. VAT (no VAT line). Beware: above the thresholds, you become liable for VAT — anticipate this switch.

The assurance décennale (ten-year liability insurance)

For building works, the assurance décennale is mandatory, including for auto-entrepreneurs. Its details must appear on your quotes.

Registration

State your SIRET number and your registration with the Répertoire des métiers (RM) (Trades Directory) for an artisan activity.

The mandatory mentions (quick reminder)

On every quote: identity and SIRET, assurance décennale, the client's contact details, the breakdown of services (quantity, unit price), total, date and validity period, payment terms, consumer mediator (médiateur de la consommation) information, signature space.

On every invoice: a sequential and unique number, date, identities, breakdown of services, total, payment date and late-payment penalties, and the appropriate VAT mention.

VAT: the special case of the auto-entrepreneur in construction

• Under the exemption: no VAT charged, mention art. 293 B du CGI.
• Outside the exemption (above the thresholds): you apply the construction rates (20 % / 10 % / 5.5 % depending on the works) — see the Construction VAT guide.

💡 Many auto-entrepreneurs are caught out by exceeding the threshold. Track your turnover closely so you don't start invoicing "wrong" overnight.

Steps to invoice with confidence

1. Draw up a compliant quote (mentions, VAT exemption, validity).
2. Get the quote signed before the works.
3. Collect a deposit if planned.
4. Issue the invoice on delivery, with continuous numbering.
5. Keep all the documents (a legal obligation).

The trap of wasted time

As an auto-entrepreneur, you're on your own: every hour spent on admin is an hour not invoiced. That's where Zoplee changes the game: you describe the job (by keyboard, by voice or via a photo) and you get a compliant quote in 30 seconds, with the correct mentions and the VAT exemption handled automatically. The invoice follows, compliant and numbered.

👉 Try it for free — first quote the same day.

FAQ

Can an auto-entrepreneur make quotes in the building trade? Yes, and a written quote is mandatory above €1,500 incl. VAT, for troubleshooting, and on the client's request.

Do I have to add VAT? Not as long as you are under the VAT exemption: the mention "TVA non applicable, art. 293 B du CGI". Above the thresholds, yes.

Is the assurance décennale really mandatory? Yes, for construction works, whatever the status — auto-entrepreneurs included.

How do I number my invoices? With a continuous series and no gaps (e.g. 2026-001, 2026-002, etc.). Software does it automatically.

Related articles (coming soon): How to write a construction quote · Construction VAT · Assurance décennale · Quote & invoice templates.