A SIRET number isn't mandatory for an association. Issued by INSEE, it's used to identify each establishment by assigning a unique number. Not all associations are required to have a SIRET number.
However, they all must have a RNA number (National Association Directory). This public directory is created at each prefecture and lists all declared associations with their registered office in the department.
The RNA number is automatically assigned when you create an association. It starts with a W and is followed by nine digits.
Focus on the SIRET number of an association.
The SIREN is a unique 9-digit number used to identify a legal entity, whether it's an individual or a corporation. It's not linked to the association's activity. It's assigned when the association is created in the INSEE's SIRENE database.
While the SIREN number represents the association (the legal entity), the SIRET identifies a specific establishment, meaning a geographically located unit where some or all of the SIREN unit's economic activity takes place. So, an association with multiple separate locations will have multiple SIRET numbers.
The SIRET number is made up of 14 digits.
Actually, it's the SIREN number plus a NIC (Internal Classification Number) to identify the association as a localized geographic unit.
A SIRET number may be required for several important reasons. First of all, you can't get subsidies without this precious number. This applies whether the subsidies are paid by the town hall, the region or any other local public body. However, it is not essential for collecting donations from individuals or companies.
The SIRET number is also essential for hiring employees in the association. For administrative reasons, URSSAF requires a SIRET from all employers, including associations.
This number is also useful if you receive income subject to VAT.
This happens when the association competes with a private company doing a for-profit activity, or when it exceeds €82,800 in annual turnover (for the sale of goods) and €33,200 in annual turnover for services or freelance activities.
If you want to get subsidies, it's best to contact INSEE. If you want to hire employees, apply to URSSAF. And if you're going to be doing an activity subject to VAT, get in touch with the relevant CFE (usually linked to the Commercial Court).
Once your file is complete, a certificate of registration with the SIREN register is sent to the association's registered office.
Managing an association isn't always easy, and the administrative tasks can sometimes be overwhelming. Luckily, there's a solution to simplify your daily life. Have you considered domiciliation for your association?
Using the services of a domiciliation company allows you to obtain an address in a business center.
Much more than just a mailbox, domiciliation companies lighten your daily routine by taking care of a host of tedious, low-value-added tasks: daily mail management, switchboard with call forwarding, administrative, accounting and legal assistance, and meeting room rental are all at your disposal.
With 100% digital registration, you can save precious time by quickly filling in all your details, gathering supporting documents more easily and signing your direct debit contract directly online. You'll receive a certificate of domiciliation by e-mail within a few hours.
With SeDomicilier, all it takes is 5 minutes! All your services are then available in a personalized, secure virtual office!
Written by our expert Paul LASBARRERES-CANDAU
February 12, 2021
