Creating an IT Company: Our Complete Guide

Setting up a computer micro-business

The functions of an IT micro-entrepreneur

The IT micro-entrepreneur is a service provider offering :

• computer troubleshooting ;
• computer repairs;
• installation of hardware and software;
• training in the use of IT tools.

It's crucial to structure service contracts that define expectations and responsibilities between provider and customer.

An IT micro-entrepreneur can offer the sale of computer hardware: laptops, monitors, hard drives, accessories, software and more. His activities are aimed at both private individuals and professionals.

Why choose a micro-enterprise for your IT business?

The micro-entrepreneur status is attractive for its flexibility. It is characterized by a highly simplified micro-social and micro-tax regime. Micro-entrepreneurs can choose between paying income tax at source and paying at source.

It's important to contact the Chambre des Métiers for the formalities involved in setting up a micro-business, and to take the Preparatory Installation Course (SPI).

The formalities for setting up a micro-business have been simplified. All you need to do is visit the Guichet unique website, hosted by INPI. There's no need to draw up articles of association, set up share capital or publish an advert in a legal gazette. Micro-entrepreneurs work under their own name, but can use a trade name.

The advantages of the micro-tax system

Sales management is crucial for IT micro-entrepreneurs, in order to comply with legal thresholds and understand the implications for the social and tax systems. The micro-tax system is subject to sales thresholds:

• 77,700 euros for services (BIC) and self-employed professionals (BNC);
• 188,700 euros for the sale of merchandise ;
• 15,000 for rental of unclassified furnished tourist accommodation.

IT micro-entrepreneurs are exempt from basic VAT according to the following thresholds:

• 91,900 for sales of merchandise ;
• 36,800 for services.

Micro-entrepreneurs are liable for the CFE (contribution foncière des entreprises). To reduce this, they can use the domiciliation service.

The advantages of the micro-social system

The URSSAF website or its application dedicated to auto-entrepreneurs lets you declare your sales in just a few clicks. Social security contributions are calculated instantly. What's more, if your sales are zero, you pay 0 euros in social security contributions.

The rate of social security contributions is calculated directly on the basis of sales and varies according to the activities carried out:

• Purchase and resale of goods (BIC): 12.3
• Services (BIC): 21.2
• Other BNC services: 23.1
• Professions covered by Cipav: 23.2
• Rental of classified furnished tourist accommodation: 6%.

Choosing the legal status of micro-entrepreneur gives you real flexibility when it comes to starting up a self-employed IT business. If sales thresholds are exceeded, the micro-entrepreneur can update his legal status and become a company.

How to set up an IT company

The steps involved in setting up an IT company vary according to your project. Whether you want to set up a one-person company or one with partners, here are the main stages in setting up an IT business.

It's crucial to emphasize the importance of setting up an IT company, focusing on the need for planning and understanding the legal and financial aspects. This is crucial to the long-term success of the business.

Preparing your project

The basis of any project to set up a company is based on two documents: a business plan and a profit forecast. The business plan contains the following strategic information:

• Full project description;
• Company business model ;
• Target clientele ;
• Market research ;
• Launch budget.

Understanding the IT sector is crucial to carrying out an accurate market analysis and meeting the industry's specific requirements.

The profit forecast shows the profits to be made over the three years following the launch of the business. It contains the following information:

• Potential company growth ;
• Profitability ;
• Cost structuring.

Phases in setting up an IT company

To set up an IT business, you need to go through a number of stages, once you've drawn up a business plan and a forecast. First of all, you need to determine the legal status best suited to your project. We'll come back to this point later.

Drafting the articles of association defines the operating rules of your future company. SeDomicilier can help you with this critical phase in the formation of your company.

The registration of share capital is a key stage in the creation of an IT company. It is made up of all cash contributions, and is deposited with a bank or notary.

The publication of a legal announcement ensures that the company's creation is publicized. It must be published in a legal gazette (JAL).

Finally, entrepreneurs file their business start-up application on the Guichet unique website, hosted by INPI. Filing fees vary according to the status of the company and its geographical location.

Choosing the right legal status for your IT company

There are several legal forms available for setting up an IT company. SeDomicilier can help you choose the right structure for your needs.

Going it alone

If you want to set up a company on your own, you have two options:

• SASU: Société par actions simplifiée unipersonnelle ;
• EURL: One-man business with limited liability.

Joint ventures

When your business project involves several associates, two types of status stand out:

• SAS: simplified joint-stock company;
• SARL: Limited liability company.

There are several ways to start up in the IT sector. If you're looking for a complementary activity to salaried employment, or to test the viability of your project, a micro-business is a good idea. If you'd like to set up your own business under corporate law, there are two attractive forms: SASU and EURL. Entrepreneurs wishing to set up several companies can opt for the SARL or SAS to launch their IT project.