--- oa_review_kit: v1 guide_slug: france-financial-statements guide_version: france-financial-statements@2026-05-23T06:29:11.453Z archetype: other --- # Review kit: France Financial Statements Thank you for reviewing this Guide. This kit is one file with three parts: how to use it, an interview prompt for your AI, and the Guide itself. ## How to use this kit (3 steps, about 15 minutes) 1. Open the AI you already use (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, anything that reads markdown) and paste in everything from "INTERVIEW PROMPT" below, including the Guide at the end. 2. Your AI interviews you like a colleague, one question at a time. Just talk: war stories, walk-throughs, the mistakes you catch. No writing required. 3. Your AI writes your answers up as a single markdown file. Hand it back at openaccountants.com/skills/france-financial-statements/handback (also linked from the Guide page: "Hand back your file"). What you added is published under your name and credential. If your AI cannot produce the exact output format, hand back whatever you have: a revised Guide file, a worksheet, or plain notes. We take those too, and a person reviews them by hand. The format below is the one we can apply straight away. --- # INTERVIEW PROMPT (paste from here down into your AI) You are interviewing a practising accountant about how they actually do the work covered by the attached Guide ("France Financial Statements", slug `france-financial-statements`). Interview them like a colleague doing a handover. Do not lecture. Ask ONE question at a time and wait for the answer. Chase war stories and specifics: what kind of client, which portal step, how big the penalty was. The rates, thresholds, and citations are our job; we refresh those from primary sources. Capture ONLY what is NOT derivable from law: - order of operations, and what a wrong order corrupts - what to ask a client before computing anything - what to assume when a fact is unknown, and how it gets flagged - the most-missed traps, with penalty size and who falls in - how the portal or filing channel actually behaves - what has to reconcile before anyone signs - when to refuse the work and hand it to a human specialist If the accountant corrects a rate, threshold, or deadline in the Guide along the way, record it in the FACT CORRECTIONS table, but do not steer the interview toward numbers. ## Questions to work through Ask these in order, one at a time. Skip any the accountant has already covered; follow up where a story has specifics worth pinning down. Each question is tagged with the method slot(s) it feeds. 1. [sequence] Walk me through the last one of these you did for a real client, start to finish. What did you open first, and why that order? 2. [intake_questions] A new client sits down for this work. What are your first five questions before you touch a number? 3. [evidence] Which documents do you insist on seeing, and which do you take the client's word for? 4. [trap] When you review this work drafted by someone else, what mistake do you catch most often? 5. [conservative_default] When a key fact is unknowable at draft time, what do you assume, and how do you flag it? 6. [judgment_rule] When the law allows two routes, how do you actually pick, and what do you write down about the choice? 7. [cross_check] Before you sign, what has to reconcile with what, and how close is close enough? 8. [filing_mechanics] Walk me through the actual submission: the portal steps, the order things must happen in, what locks, what you can't undo. 9. [scope_gate] Which clients do you refuse or refer to a specialist for this work? What makes you stop? 10. [unsettled_law] Anything here you deliberately won't finalise right now because the rules are moving? 11. [handback_protocol] What exactly do you hand over at the end? What's in your working paper? ## Method slots (for tagging the write-up) - `scope_gate` (Scope gate and refusals): when to stop and send the client to a human - `sequence` (Order of operations): what order to do things in, and what a wrong order corrupts - `intake_questions` (Client intake questions): what to ask a client before computing - `evidence` (Documents and evidence): which documents to insist on, and what is draft-grade vs file-grade - `judgment_rule` (Judgment rules): how a practitioner actually picks when the law allows two routes - `conservative_default` (Conservative defaults): what to assume when a fact is unknowable at draft time - `trap` (Traps and most-missed items): the mistakes everyone makes, what they cost, and who falls in - `filing_mechanics` (Portal and filing mechanics): how submission actually works: channel, order, what locks - `cross_check` (Cross-checks before signing): what has to reconcile with what before delivery, and how close is close enough - `pattern_library` (Pattern library): how messy real-world data (bank lines, payout platforms) maps to tax categories - `edge_case` (Edge-case playbook): the client situations that change the method, not just the numbers - `unsettled_law` (Unsettled-law flags): what not to finalise right now, and why - `handback_protocol` (Hand-back protocol): what the finished working paper contains and who reviews it ## Output format: oa-handback v1 When the interview is done, write the answers up as ONE markdown file in exactly this shape. Fill in the reviewer's real name, credential, and email (ask for them at the end if they have not come up). Every method block gets a `### [method:]` heading where `` is one of the 13 slot ids above. Keep `guide_slug` and `guide_version` exactly as given. Omit any section the interview produced nothing for, but keep the headings that remain exactly as shown. The `fact_key` column may be left blank when unknown. ```markdown --- oa_handback: v1 guide_slug: france-financial-statements guide_version: france-financial-statements@2026-05-23T06:29:11.453Z reviewer_name: reviewer_credential: # free text: CPA, EA, ACCA, Steuerberater... reviewer_email: verdict: --- ## METHOD ### [method:filing_mechanics] ### [method:intake_questions] - - ... ## FACT CORRECTIONS | fact_key | current | correct | source | |---|---|---|---| | | | | | ## FLAGS - [unsettled] - [refer] ## NOTES ``` If for any reason you cannot produce this exact format, output the accountant's corrections and methods as clear plain notes instead. The hand-back page accepts plain notes and revised Guide files too; this format is an optimization, never a gate. --- # THE GUIDE UNDER REVIEW --- name: france-financial-statements description: Use this skill when preparing, reviewing, or advising on annual financial statements (comptes annuels) for a French company. Trigger on phrases like "comptes annuels", "dépôt des comptes", "greffe", "Plan Comptable Général", "PCG", "bilan", "compte de résultat", "annexe", "commissaire aux comptes", "audit France", "petite entreprise", "micro-entreprise comptable", "liasse fiscale", or any question about preparing and filing statutory accounts under French commercial law. Covers PCG framework, size thresholds, required statements, formats, notes, filing deadlines, and audit requirements. jurisdiction: FR domain: financial-statements tax_year: 2025 --- # france-financial-statements ## Section 1 -- Quick Reference **Quick Reference** | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Country | France (République française) | | Currency | EUR | | Filing authority | Greffe du Tribunal de Commerce (via Guichet Unique / Infogreffe) | | Primary legislation | Code de Commerce, Articles L123-12 to L123-28 | | Supporting legislation | Décret n° 2024-152 (size thresholds); Règlement ANC 2014-03 (PCG) | | Accounting standards | Plan Comptable Général (PCG) — ANC Regulation 2014-03 | | Financial year | Any 12-month period (calendar year most common) | | Filing deadline | 1 month after AGM approval (2 months if electronic filing) | | AGM deadline | Within 6 months from year-end | | Late filing penalty | EUR 1,500 (individual); EUR 7,500 (company); possible criminal sanctions | | Digital filing | Electronic via Guichet Unique or Infogreffe | ## Section 2 -- Reporting Framework **Reporting Framework** | Entity type | Applicable standard | | --- | --- | | All commercial companies | PCG (Règlement ANC 2014-03) | | Micro-entreprises (accounting) | Simplified PCG with no annexe required | | Petites entreprises | PCG with simplified annexe and presentation | | Listed groups (consolidated) | IFRS as adopted by the EU (mandatory) | | Non-listed groups (consolidated) | PCG or IFRS (choice) | - **PCG as sole framework for individual accounts** — The PCG is the sole framework for individual statutory accounts in France. IFRS cannot be used for individual company accounts filed with the greffe. ## Section 3 -- Size Thresholds Effective for financial years beginning on or after 1 January 2024 (Décret 2024-152): **Size Thresholds** | Criterion | Micro | Petite (Small) | Moyenne (Medium) | Grande (Large) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Total du bilan (Balance sheet) | ≤ EUR 450,000 | ≤ EUR 7,500,000 | ≤ EUR 25,000,000 | > EUR 25,000,000 | | Chiffre d'affaires net (Turnover) | ≤ EUR 900,000 | ≤ EUR 15,000,000 | ≤ EUR 50,000,000 | > EUR 50,000,000 | | Nombre moyen de salariés (Employees) | ≤ 10 | ≤ 50 | ≤ 250 | > 250 | - **Threshold exceedance test** — Must not exceed 2 out of 3 thresholds. Assessment based on the balance sheet date of the most recently closed financial year. ## Section 4 -- Required Financial Statements **Required Financial Statements** | Document | Micro | Petite | Moyenne/Grande | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Bilan (Balance sheet) | Required (simplified) | Required (simplified option) | Required (full) | | Compte de résultat (P&L) | Required (simplified) | Required (simplified option) | Required (full) | | Annexe (Notes) | Not required | Required (simplified) | Required (full) | | Tableau de flux de trésorerie (Cash flow) | Not required | Not required | Recommended (consolidated: required) | | Rapport de gestion (Management report) | Not required (small SARL) | Required | Required | | Rapport du CAC (Auditor's report) | If CAC appointed | If CAC appointed | Required | ## Section 5 -- Year-End Adjustments Checklist **Year-End Adjustments Checklist** | # | Adjustment | France-specific notes | | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | Amortissements (Depreciation) | Linear or dégressif (declining balance with fiscal coefficient); component approach | | 2 | Provisions pour charges | Règlement ANC: obligation probable, amount reliably estimable | | 3 | Charges constatées d'avance (Prepayments) | Strict matching principle | | 4 | Produits constatés d'avance (Deferred income) | Revenue received but not yet earned | | 5 | Provision pour créances douteuses (Bad debts) | Individual assessment; VAT on doubtful debts reversed | | 6 | Stocks et en-cours (Inventory) | Lower of cost (FIFO/CUMP) and realisable value | | 7 | Impôts différés | Not recognised in individual accounts under PCG (consolidated only) | | 8 | Écarts de conversion (FX differences) | Unrealised losses provisioned (principe de prudence); gains reported but provisioned | | 9 | Participation des salariés | Mandatory profit-sharing provision (entreprises ≥ 50 employees) | | 10 | Congés payés (Holiday pay) | Provision for untaken leave + social charges | | 11 | Indemnités de départ (Retirement benefits) | Engagement or provision under PCG (recommendation ANC) | | 12 | CET/CVAE provision | Cotisation sur la Valeur Ajoutée des Entreprises | ## Section 6 -- Compte de Résultat Format (P&L) PCG format — système de base (by nature): ``` PRODUITS D'EXPLOITATION (Operating income) Ventes de marchandises Production vendue (biens et services) Production stockée Production immobilisée Subventions d'exploitation Reprises sur provisions et amortissements Autres produits CHARGES D'EXPLOITATION (Operating expenses) Achats de marchandises Variation de stocks de marchandises Achats de matières premières Variation de stocks de matières premières Autres achats et charges externes Impôts, taxes et versements assimilés Salaires et traitements Charges sociales Dotations aux amortissements Dotations aux provisions Autres charges ─── RÉSULTAT D'EXPLOITATION ─── PRODUITS FINANCIERS Produits de participations Produits des autres valeurs mobilières Autres intérêts et produits assimilés Reprises sur provisions financières Différences positives de change CHARGES FINANCIÈRES Dotations aux amortissements et provisions financières Intérêts et charges assimilées Différences négatives de change ─── RÉSULTAT FINANCIER ─── PRODUITS EXCEPTIONNELS CHARGES EXCEPTIONNELLES ─── RÉSULTAT EXCEPTIONNEL ─── Participation des salariés Impôt sur les bénéfices ─── RÉSULTAT NET ─── ``` ## Section 7 -- Bilan Format (Balance Sheet) PCG format — système de base: ``` ACTIF Actif immobilisé (Fixed assets) Immobilisations incorporelles Frais d'établissement Frais de recherche et développement Concessions, brevets, licences Fonds commercial Immobilisations corporelles Terrains Constructions Installations techniques, matériel Autres immobilisations corporelles Immobilisations en cours Immobilisations financières Participations Créances rattachées à des participations Autres titres immobilisés Prêts Actif circulant (Current assets) Stocks et en-cours Avances et acomptes versés Créances clients et comptes rattachés Autres créances Valeurs mobilières de placement Disponibilités Comptes de régularisation Charges constatées d'avance ───────────────────────────────────── PASSIF Capitaux propres (Equity) Capital social Primes d'émission Réserves (légale, statutaires, autres) Report à nouveau Résultat de l'exercice Provisions réglementées Provisions pour risques et charges Dettes (Liabilities) Emprunts et dettes auprès des établissements de crédit Emprunts obligataires Avances et acomptes reçus Dettes fournisseurs et comptes rattachés Dettes fiscales et sociales Autres dettes Comptes de régularisation Produits constatés d'avance ``` ## Section 8 -- Notes to Accounts (Annexe) **Notes to Accounts (Annexe)** | # | Disclosure | Micro | Petite | Moyenne/Grande | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | Accounting policies (méthodes) | Exempt | Required | Required | | 2 | Fixed asset movements | Exempt | Simplified | Required | | 3 | Maturity of receivables/payables | Exempt | Required | Required | | 4 | Related party transactions | Exempt | Significant only | Required | | 5 | Off-balance commitments (engagements) | Exempt | Required | Required | | 6 | Employee information | Exempt | Average headcount | Detailed | | 7 | Directors' remuneration | Exempt | Not required (SARL <) | Required (SA) | | 8 | Tax position | Exempt | Simplified | Required | | 9 | Provisions detail | Exempt | Required | Required | | 10 | Financial instruments | Exempt | If applicable | Required | | 11 | Equity movements | Exempt | Not required | Required | | 12 | Consolidation scope (if parent) | N/A | If applicable | Required | ## Section 9 -- Filing Requirements **Filing Requirements** | Item | Detail | | --- | --- | | Filing authority | Greffe du Tribunal de Commerce | | Filing method | Electronic (Guichet Unique / Infogreffe) or paper deposit at greffe | | AGM approval deadline | Within 6 months from financial year-end | | Filing deadline | 1 month after AGM (paper) or 2 months after AGM (electronic) | | Maximum time from year-end to filing | Approximately 7–8 months | | Filing fee | Approximately EUR 45–65 (varies by greffe) | | Confidentiality option — Micro | Can declare total confidentiality (accounts not publicly accessible) | | Confidentiality option — Petite | Can declare confidentiality of compte de résultat only | | Confidentiality option — Moyenne | No confidentiality | | Language | French | | Format | PDF (each file ≤ 10 MB) | | Late filing penalties | EUR 1,500 (person); EUR 7,500 (legal entity); potential injonction by tribunal | ## Section 10 -- Audit Requirements ### Mandatory appointment of Commissaire aux Comptes (CAC) - **CAC appointment trigger** — A company must appoint a CAC when it exceeds 2 of 3 thresholds at the close of a financial year. **CAC thresholds by entity type** | Entity type | Balance sheet | Turnover (HT) | Employees | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Independent companies (SARL, SAS, SA, etc.) | EUR 5,000,000 | EUR 10,000,000 | 50 | | Controlled subsidiaries (significant) | EUR 2,500,000 | EUR 5,000,000 | 25 | | Civil companies with economic activity | EUR 1,550,000 | EUR 3,100,000 | 50 | | SA (Société Anonyme) | Always mandatory regardless of size | — | — | ### CAC mandate duration - **Mandate duration** — 6 financial years (standard) - **Mandate continuation despite threshold changes** — Current mandates continue until expiry even if thresholds increase ### Auditor qualification - **Commissaire aux Comptes qualification** — Commissaire aux Comptes inscrit on the official list held by the Compagnie Nationale des Commissaires aux Comptes (CNCC) and registered with the Haut Conseil du Commissariat aux Comptes (H3C). ## 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