Let's be honest: billing is the least glamorous subject of the coaching profession. No one got into coaching to love writing invoices. And yet, it is undoubtedly the subject that can cost you the most if you neglect it. A URSSAF inspection, a customer reimbursement request, a tax dispute – all of this is resolved (or explodes) on the basis of your invoices.
Good news: modern sports coach invoicing software automatically puts you in compliance, without you having to become an accountant. This article details what a compliant invoice must contain, the 2026 obligations to know, and how Koatcher PRO protects you by default.
The legal issues of poorly done invoicing
Before going into the technical details, let's be aware of what's at stake. Non-compliant invoicing can result in:
- Administrative fine up to €15 per missing entry per invoice, capped at 25% of the invoiced amount (article 1737 of the General Tax Code)
- URSSAF sanctions in the event of absence of invoice or suspected black billing
- Tax adjustment if VAT is not correctly applied
- Customer dispute impossible to arbitrate without proper invoice
- Refusal of reimbursement by sports-health mutual insurance companies which require compliant invoices
- Degraded image with professional customers who see you as an amateur
Most independent coaches don't know it, but they issue non-compliant invoices on a daily basis. It doesn't matter as long as nothing happens — but the day a test arrives, the bill is steep.
The 14 mandatory information on an invoice in France
An invoice issued by a sports coach working in France must contain specific information defined by the Commercial Code (articles L441-9, R441-4) and the General Tax Code (article 242 nonies A). Here is the exhaustive list:
Identifications
- 1. Full name of coach or company name
- 2. Address of head office or professional domicile
- 3. 14-digit SIRET number
- 4. APE/NAF code (generally 8551Z or 9329Z for sports coaches)
- 5. Legal form (individual company, EURL, SASU, etc.)
- 6. Customer name and address
Document credits
- 7. Mention “Invoice” prominently
- 8. Single invoice number (chronological sequence without break)
- 9. Issuance date of the invoice
- 10. Date of service or period concerned
Financial information
- 11. Precise description of the service (nature, duration, location if relevant)
- 12. Amount excluding tax, VAT, tax included detailed (or specific mention if exemption)
- 13. Payment conditions and late payment penalty rates
- 14. Mention of the discount or its absence
To which are added the specific mentions according to your status:
