Being your own boss, managing your schedule, and choosing (more or less) your missions, being a freelancer is enough to give life. If this is your case, we give you our advice to succeed. More than a trend, freelancing continues to develop and disrupt working methods. According to data, since 2009, there have been 92% more self-employed workers in the world. And according to a study conducted by Malt and BCG, 84% of them have no intention of returning to work. Do you want to be there? We explain how to do it.
Three statuses for a freelancer
In France, you have the choice between 3 statuses: micro-enterprise, one-person companies, and wage portage. Each status has its advantages and limitations. The decision depends on your professional project.
The micro-enterprise
This is the status best known and most used by freelancers because it is very simple to create. The steps are taken with the Business Formalities Center and the status is effective within 48 hours and does not require the contribution of capital.
Accounting level is no headache, you just have to declare online each month – or quarter, depending on the option chosen – your turnover on which your social security contributions are calculated. Attention, it is to be done even when the turnover is equal to zero. On the other hand, it should not exceed 72,600 euros in turnover per year . Otherwise, you get out of the micro-enterprise tax system.
Despite the tax advantages, being a micro-entrepreneur offers very little social protection. If your activity stops you will not be eligible for unemployment. On the other hand, your heritage is confused with your company. Therefore, all of your assets are sizable by professional creditors. It is therefore worth taking out insurance.
One-person companies
If you opt for a sole proprietorship, you have no ceiling for your turnover. On the other hand, as for a classic business, you can deduct your professional expenses and your personal assets are protected. And if the business is going well, you have the option of switching to a status that allows you to have associates.
But unlike the micro-enterprise, the creation of a sole proprietorship is expensive and complex. Drafting of the statutes, publication in the official journal concerned, registration in the trade and companies register … in short, the total.
wage portage
Last alternative, wage portage. Dedicated solely to service activities, it is a sort of in-between between self-employment and salaried work. You are an employee carried by a portage company which takes care of all the administrative and legal procedures.
You benefit from the same advantages as an employee: unemployment, social security, mutual insurance and retirement. But it is the most expensive legal status because the umbrella company takes a percentage of your turnover.
Financial aid
Launching into a new activity requires investment – even when you have chosen a free status. Fortunately, there are financial aids available to self-employed people.
Aid for the Creation or Takeover of a Business (ACRE) is the best known. It consists of a partial exemption from social security contributions for one year. Useful when starting out. To benefit from it. The State also sets up specific loans for business creators, via the BPI . Finally, you can also turn to the ADIE , (the association for the right to economic initiative) which specializes in micro-credits – up to €10,000. In addition, ADIE also offers free training to help you choose the status and cost of your project. Something to get you started with peace of mind.
Also read : Temporary assignment or fixed-term contract?