For example, here in France, there's no such thing as "freelance". As an individual, you can't just invoice somebody. You need to set up some form of "enterprise". Sure, there are some forms which are supposed to be easier to set up, but you still have to go out of your way and do it. You can't just declare the income on your tax return. And now that you've created a company, you need to file tax returns every year, even if you don't do anything. It's also not free, an actual accountant has to sign them off (this may not be the case for the smallest forms of companies). Sending your taxes to the fiscal administration is also not free (fun fact: VAT is levied on that fee).
As for being an "auto entrepreneur" (equivalent of a sole trader), you don't need an accountant at all and the paperwork is rather small. Definitely worth it as it means you have some recurring revenue already.
> As for being an "auto entrepreneur" (equivalent of a sole trader), you don't need an accountant at all and the paperwork is rather small. Definitely worth it as it means you have some recurring revenue already.
Good to know, especially since, IIRC, they've removed the special social security you had to have for that kind of company.
[0] https://www.economie.gouv.fr/entreprises/impot-sur-revenu-bi...
We are not referring to the same thing, I think. You're looking at the tax for corporates when I'm looking at individuals [0]. The key seems to be that it's has to be exceptional and not regular. I'd still double-check on a case by case basis with the tax bureau before going ahead, but I've found them to be helpful in the past.
It does make sense for niches like these to exist, otherwise you'd end up having to setup a legal entity before being on the receiving end of a transaction as an individual.
[0] https://www.impots.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/media/1_metie...
