Compulsory cash registers: bring legislation into line with your needs!

Cash register: compulsory or not?

Many retailers are affected by the change in legislation on January 1, 2018. In order to combat VAT fraud (estimated by the European Commission at 21 billion euros a year!), the French government has decided to take measures aimed at limiting the loss of revenue.

But while no one is supposed to ignore the law, the legislation surrounding the use of cash regist ers remains rather vague.

Do retailers have to be equipped with cash registers? Are sales receipts compulsory?

To help you understand where you stand in relation to the law, we'll answer all these questions. And we'll go even further, with a selection of cash register solutions adapted to your business... in full compliance.

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Is a cash register compulsory in a business in 2022?

What the law says

According to Article 105 of the 2018 Finance Act, if you carry out deliveries of goods and services not giving rise to invoicing (in accordance with Article 289), but record these operations using a cash register software or system, you must use software or a system that satisfies conditions:

• inalterability,

• security,

• conservation,

• archiving of data.

Does this mean that every retailer is required to install a cash register?

What are the real obligations for retailers?

In reality, no. You're under no obligation whatsoever to have a cash register, and you're perfectly free to work with an invoice pad or counterfoil notebook. This is perfectly feasible if you have a very small customer base.

However, if you have chosen to install a cash register and are subject to VAT, the above obligations apply to you.

How do you prove your cash register software is compliant?

As you'll have gathered, the 2018 Finance Act applies to you whenever you use cash register software.

But to be fully compliant, you need to be able to prove that this software is NF525 certified. Otherwise, you're liable to a €7,500 fine!

What about the mandatory receipt?

Are you tempted to dispense with a cash register?

Even if it's not the same law, we'd like to shed some light on the legislation surrounding sales receipts. According to article 1 of decree no. 83-50/A of October 3, 1983 :

• you must provide your customer with a receipt when the price is greater than or equal to €25 (including VAT);

• when the amount is less than €25, a bill is optional. However, it must be given to the customer on request.

But while it is possible, as we have seen, to write notes by hand, it is difficult to do so in sales outlets with large numbers of customers. As a result, few retailers can do without cash register software.

That's why we strongly recommend that you install a cash register via an accredited organization, whether it's compulsory or not.

How to choose your cash register software

Choose certified cash register software

As mentioned above, your cash register software must meet the criteria of inalterability, security, data retention and archiving. The aim of this measure is to prevent your cash register from being considered "fraudulent", allowing you, for example :

• abandon a transaction without entering the payment ;
• modify a receipt that has already been cashed;
• delete certain accounting lines, etc.

In addition, it is now compulsory to issue detailed till receipts and Z-tickets, including VAT, if you have cash register software.

💡 What is a Z ticket?

A Z ticket, supplied by your cash register system, is a summary of your working day. It groups together all the receipts including VAT recorded during the day. Issued at the end of the day, when the cash register closes, it helps with accounting processing.

To guarantee compliance with all these criteria, make sure your cash register software is certified. This certification is obtained :

• either by an accredited body: it will verify compliance with NF525 standards and LNE certification;
• or by self-certification by the software publisher, based on the tax authorities' model.

In all cases, you should be able to provide your certification certificate in the event of an inspection. This can be in physical or dematerialized form, and must be individual.

No doubt you're wondering how to obtain this precious sesame? Rest assured: since the introduction of the new legal standards on January 1, 2018, most cash register software has obtained the necessary certifications. Nevertheless, don't forget to check this point before any implementation of your cash register solution.

Choose the right cash register software for your needs

As most cash register software complies with legislation, the difference ultimately lies in the additional options it offers, so that you can benefit from the many advantages mentioned above.

To help you make the right choice, we've put together a selection of cash register software to suit your needs and your business.

Our selection of cash register software

Chrono-Caisse: the unlimited option for your stores and e-commerce businesses

Simple and easy to use, Chrono-Caisse will help you manage and centralize your cash register operations with ease.

Chrono-Caisse in a nutshell:

• A single price of €42 per month, giving access to all functions, with no surprises;
• A rate valid for an unlimited number of stores and users;
• The option of using your own equipment or rental equipment;
• Connection of Chrono-Caisse to your Prestashop or WooCommerce site;
• Quick and easy to learn;
• Invaluable support for the administration of your quotes and invoices;
• Automated, intelligent inventory management;
• Complete analysis of your data in real time.

Fastmag boutique: manage both your cash register and your CRM

Fastmag boutique provides you with all the functions you need to manage your cash register... but that's not all. It goes even further, by integrating CRM functions.

Fastmag boutique in a nutshell:

• Easy-to-use point-of-sale and cash management;
• An intuitive and ergonomic tool, thanks to a lightweight interface;
• Easy to use on smartphones, to accompany customers throughout the purchasing process;
• Software that adapts equally well to single-store operations and store networks;
• Secure data hosted in real time in the cloud;
• The ability to set up customer files, as well as loyalty and data management programs;
• SMS campaign organization;
• Emailing of receipts.

Genius caisse connectée: the "à la carte" checkout system for your tablet

La Poste's Genius caisse connectée application downloads onto your Android tablet. All you have to do is choose the features that suit you best.

Genius connected cash register in a few words:

• An application developed for tablets, enabling you to cash out in-store or on the move;
• A modular system adaptable to all needs (stock management, statistics, etc.)...
• ... and for all budgets! Pay only for what you need;
• The option of subscribing to the Genius Essential package if you don't have the necessary hardware;
• A solution available with or without subscription.

Hangers, the cash register application for craftsmen and retailers

Hangers provides local craftsmen and retailers with a complete tool for a 360° view of their sales. Quick and easy to install, Hangers provides a tailor-made solution that adapts to your sector (bakery, dry cleaners, delicatessens, etc.), enabling you to concentrate on higher value-added activities.

Hangers in a nutshell:

• An all-in-one application that manages your quotes, invoices and business,
• A simplified ticket creation system (just 4 steps to register an order),
• A modular offer that adapts to your needs, with automatic synchronization on your tablet,
• SMS alerts to notify your customers of order availability,
• Direct or instalment payment available online or at the counter, and end-of-month billing for B2B customers,
• Support for discounts tailored to your customers,
• Secure data storage on TLS/SSL-protected servers.

L'Addition: cash register software for restaurateurs

L'Addition, a recognized player in restaurant cash registers, offers a solution compatible with the Apple system.

L'Addition in a nutshell:

• The only restaurant cash register recognized by Apple;
• An efficient response to all restaurant owners' needs (table orders, online reservations, happy hours management, etc.)...
• ... and for all types of establishment (bar, restaurant, bakery, food-truck, etc.);
• A tool that's easy, intuitive and quick to learn;
• Easy management of communication and customer relations (e-mail, dematerialized receipt, customer account, etc.);
• Off-line operation, to avoid problems in the event of an Internet blackout.

Lightspeed: the all-in-one cash register for your restaurant

Lightspeed Restaurant is a touch-sensitive cash register software designed specifically for restaurateurs. Complete and secure, this scalable platform features multiple integrations and functionalities to facilitate your daily tasks, as well as keep track of your business.

Lightspeed in a nutshell:

• support for various secure payments (credit card, contactless payment, smartphone),
• NF 525 certification, which guarantees that your data is secure in the cloud,
• a history of all your orders,
• menu and cash register synchronization with leading delivery services (Deliveroo, UberEats, Just Eat),
• a mobile application to track your business from anywhere.

See all software Cash Register

Equip yourself with the right cash register software!

In the final analysis, the good old cash register is not compulsory. In practice, however, few businesses can do without a modern, high-performance cash register system, if only to boost team efficiency, improve working conditions and promote business growth.

But if you decide to opt for a cash register software, you still need to make sure it's certified!

Fortunately, most software publishers provide the necessary certifications. You can then choose the cash register software that best meets your needs, and that will be able to support the growth of your business.

Have you opted for a cash register software? If so, which one?