OCTIS vs Pennylane vs Indy for French businesses
Two French accounting apps that are both registered e-invoicing platforms. They differ on price at entry and on who does the accounting.
Last checked · 4 sources
Otty's short answer
Indy fits a freelancer or a micro-entrepreneur: its free plan includes e-invoicing, and paid plans for companies start at €9 per month. Pennylane fits a business that works with an accountant or wants accounting, invoicing and cash in one tool: freelancer plans run from €7 to €79 per month. Both support the September 2026 e-invoicing rules.
Side by side
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| What matters | OCTISHong Kong company + OCTIS global plan | Pennylane | Indy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free plan | 30-day money-back guarantee, terms apply | No | Yes (Essentiel) |
| Entry paid plan, freelancer | 10–30% below your current bill | €7 per month (Starter) | €9 per month (Plus) |
| Top freelancer plan | Prices not published | €79 per month (Premium) | €15 to €24 (Autonomie) |
| Company plan (SAS, SARL) | Hong Kong company, formed at least 10% below any qualifying quote (Lowest Price Guarantee) | Not published here | €9 (Plus), €49 (Autonomie) |
| With an accountant | Bookkeeping by OCTIS accountants | Not published here | From €99 per month (Sérénité) |
| E-invoicing platform | Not needed for the Hong Kong company; local rules apply if you trade there | Approved platform | Registered platform |
| E-invoicing cost | Not needed for the Hong Kong company; local rules apply if you trade there | Included, all plans | Included, all plans |
| Bank sync | International multi-currency account via licensed partners | Not published here | One account on free plan |
| Accounting module | Bookkeeping by OCTIS accountants | From Premium (€79) | Not published here |
| Business account with IBAN | International multi-currency account via licensed partners | Not published here | Yes, free plan |
| Tax returns included | Profits tax return prepared by OCTIS | Not published here | Not on free plan |
If you have staff, premises or local sales in this country, its own registration and tax rules still apply. OCTIS can help you arrange them.
Data sources & disclaimer: Comparison data was compiled from publicly available sources — including the competitors' own published pricing and feature pages — captured on 9 November 2026. Figures reflect the typical or advertised pricing at that time and may have changed since; plans, inclusions and prices vary by provider, region and promotion. OCTIS is independent and not affiliated with the named companies; all trademarks belong to their respective owners. This comparison is provided in good faith for general information only and is not professional, legal or financial advice — please verify current details with each provider before deciding.
Which one fits you
OCTIS · Hong Kong company + OCTIS global plan
Choose OCTIS if you want bookkeeping, filings, CRM and banking access in one workspace, with the accounts done for you.
Pennylane
Choose Pennylane if you want one tool for invoicing, accounting and cash, or if your accountant already works with it.
Indy
Choose Indy if you work alone or as a micro-entreprise and want a free start, or want an accountant option bundled into one monthly price.
What the table does not show
Prices
Pennylane's freelancer grid lists Starter at €7, Basique at €14, Essentiel at €24 and Premium at €79 per month excluding VAT, each for one user. Each plan includes up to 1,200 invoices a year, and Premium adds an accounting module. Indy lists a free Essentiel plan for every status, and freelance plans up to Autonomie at €15 to €24. For SAS, SASU, SARL and EURL it adds Plus at €9, Autonomie at €49, Sérénité from €99 and Exclusivité from €149. Indy's page shows several amounts per plan depending on status and billing period, so confirm at checkout.
Who does the accounting
Indy's Sérénité plan has a partner accountant handle tax returns and certify the balance sheet. Exclusivité gives a dedicated accountant reachable by chat, email, phone and video. Pennylane's pricing page lists no accountant offer, so a company that needs a statutory accountant should ask Pennylane or the firm what it costs. Pennylane's company-plan prices are not published there, so ask for a quote.
The 2026 e-invoicing rule
From 1 September 2026, every French company must be able to receive e-invoices, and large companies and mid-size groups must also issue them. SMEs and micro-businesses must issue from 1 September 2027. Invoices pass through a registered platform. Both Pennylane and Indy say they are registered platforms and include e-invoicing at no extra charge.
Where OCTIS fits
OCTIS does not do French bookkeeping or tax. A Malaysian or Hong Kong company with a French subsidiary needs two sets of books: the French app above for local filings, and the home company's books. OCTIS bookkeeping can keep the home side and consolidate the subsidiary's statements. You may get 10–30% off your current bill.
Frequently asked questions
Is Indy really free?
Indy's Essentiel plan is free. It includes e-invoicing and a business account with IBAN. Check the invoice limits on Indy's page. Bank sync is limited to one account and mandatory tax returns are not included.
Do I need an e-invoicing platform in 2026?
Everyone must be able to receive e-invoices since 1 September 2026. SMEs and micro-businesses must start issuing them on 1 September 2027, and may start earlier. Invoices go through a registered platform, which both Pennylane and Indy say they are.
Can Pennylane replace my accountant?
No. Pennylane's own page describes software with an accounting module that an accountant can work in, not an accounting firm. If you want the tax returns and balance sheet handled for you, either hire an accountant on Pennylane or choose Indy's Sérénité or Exclusivité plan.
Which is better for an SASU or EURL?
Indy lists a plan grid for SAS, SASU, SARL and EURL from €0 to €149 per month. The Pennylane grid on its pricing page lists freelancer plans only, so ask it for a quote for a company. Match the plan to who files your accounts.
Are penalties applied if I am late?
Check the tax authority's current guidance on penalties and any tolerance period for the start-up phase. Plan to be ready regardless, because the SME issuing date is 1 September 2027.
Sources
Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.