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The software I tested for you

Every tool is tested on a real task. I publish what works, what gets stuck, and who it is made for. Verdicts of 28 October 2026 and 30 October 2026: Indy, Tiime and Shine, tested on the same service invoice under the VAT exemption scheme.

Comparison of the tested software

SoftwareWho it suitsStrong pointWeak point
Indy Beginners under the VAT exemption Automatic notices, free business account 5 min of setup at the start
Tiime Invoicing for free without a business bank The fastest (4 min) VAT to set up first
Shine Business bank and invoices in one place Exemption detected, full notices Rigid units and items

Accounting & invoicing

  • Indy

    Tested 2-line invoice 2026-10-28

    Recommended for getting started for free: compliant invoices, legal notices added automatically and a business account with no subscription.

    Tested: An invoice for 2 services (€800) under the VAT exemption scheme, on the free Essentiel plan. About 10 min, including 5 min of one-off setup.

    What works

    • The notices “TVA non applicable, art. 293 B du CGI” and “prestation de service” added automatically
    • Identity and SIRET filled in at sign-up
    • Live invoice preview

    What gets in the way

    • 4 setup steps before the first invoice
    • No business client without a SIRET or an address
    • Lots of upsell banners for the paid plans

    Who it suits

    Micro-entrepreneurs and solo freelancers who want to invoice and track their expenses without paying, then hand over their Urssaf returns later.

    Who it doesn’t suit

    Anyone who wants automatic reminders or threshold tracking without paying (Plus plan), or who mostly writes quick quotes without the client’s SIRET number.

    Indicative price: Essentiel €0 · Plus from €9/month excl. VAT · Autonomie from €15/month excl. VAT (billed annually) (checked on 2026-10-28, source: Indy (external site))

    Try Indy (external site)

  • Tiime

    Tested 2-line invoice 2026-10-30

    The fastest way to get a free invoice out, once the VAT regime is set up correctly.

    Tested: The same invoice for 2 services (€800), on the Free plan. About 4 min, one VAT setting to check first.

    What works

    • The editor opens straight on the invoice
    • A business client created with just its name
    • Late-payment penalties and the €40 recovery fee filled in
    • Once the VAT regime is set, 0% VAT and the 293 B mention are added automatically

    What gets in the way

    • VAT regime is set in the settings: check it before your first invoice (“Company subject to VAT” option)
    • Default footer shows an EU VAT number: check it if you are VAT-exempt

    Who it suits

    Freelancers who want to invoice for free without opening a business account, and who know their VAT scheme.

    Who it doesn’t suit

    Those who don’t want to check anything first: the VAT regime is set once in the settings.

    Indicative price: Free €0 · Initial €9.99/month excl. VAT · Smart €17.99/month excl. VAT (billed annually) (checked on 2026-10-28, source: Tiime (external site))

    Try Tiime (external site)

    Updated on 2026-10-30: test rerun with the right VAT regime.

Business banking

  • Shine

    Tested 2-line invoice 2026-10-28

    The best business account and invoicing pair for a solo freelancer, with automatic legal notices, despite a few rigid settings.

    Tested: The same invoice for 2 services (€800) from the business account, during the trial. About 6 min.

    What works

    • VAT exemption detected automatically
    • 293 B notice, penalties, €40 recovery fee and 14-day term added on their own
    • Demo mode with sample data

    What gets in the way

    • Each line must first be created as a catalogue item
    • Default unit unsuited to services (“cm”)
    • Free plan limited to 3 transfers a month

    Who it suits

    Freelancers who want their business bank and their invoices in one place, and accept about €9/month excl. VAT for real use.

    Who it doesn’t suit

    Anyone looking only for a free invoicing tool, or who invoices many different one-off lines.

    Indicative price: Free €0 · Start €9/month excl. VAT · Plus €20/month excl. VAT (billed annually) (checked on 2026-10-28, source: Shine (external site))

    Try Shine (external site)

Being tested: Abby, Pennylane, Shine Facture, LegalPlace