Form AC0, or Cerfa 13847, is used to set up and declare to the relevant business formalities center the start of a commercial agent's activity, whether this activity is carried out in the legal form of a sole proprietorship (under the micro-enterprise regime or not) or a company.
What does a sales agent do?
A commercial agent is a self-employed person whose activity consists of negotiating and concluding sales contracts, as well as service, rental or purchase contracts on behalf of other companies, such as retailers or producers.
Unlike sales representatives, also known as VRP (voyageurs, représentants et placiers), the commercial agent is an intermediary and is not employed by a company, but works on his or her own account.
Sales agents can set up a sole proprietorship, with or without opting for the microenterprise scheme. Alternatively, they can set up a commercial company, such as a single-member limited liability company (EURL) or a limited liability partnership (SARL). The EURL has a single partner, while the SARL can have from 2 to 100 partners.
How to become a sales agent
To become a sales agent, whether as a sole proprietorship, micro-business or company, you must first register with the RSAC (Registre Spécial des Agents Commerciales).
To do this, the future sales agent must complete the AC0 form, also known as Cerfa 13847, entitled "Déclaration de début d'activité agent commercial", before starting work. This form is intended both for individuals setting up a sole proprietorship and for corporate bodies setting up a company.
The form for setting up a company as a sales agent must be sent to different bodies depending on whether the business is a sole proprietorship or a commercial company. In the case of a sole proprietorship, the form must be sent or filed with the clerk of the commercial court in the place of residence of the future commercial agent. On the other hand, in the case of a commercial company, the form must be sent to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry on which the company founder depends.
Once the application has been processed, the business creator is registered for a period of 5 years. If the sales agent ceases trading before the end of this period, he or she must apply to be struck off the register within a maximum of 2 months from the date of cessation.
In addition to registering with the special register of commercial agents using the above-mentioned form, commercial agents setting up a company must also register with the Trade and Companies Register.
Registration can be carried out as early as one month before the start of business, and up to 15 days after the start of business. Registration fees vary according to the type of company created and its purpose.
How do I fill in the form to create a micro-enterprise for a sales agent?
The AC0 Cerfa 13847 declaration of commencement of sales agent activity form is the same for sales agents setting up a sole proprietorship, whether or not under the micro-enterprise scheme, and for those setting up a company. However, it should not be completed in the same way in both cases.
To help you complete the form correctly, whatever your chosen status, we suggest you take a detailed look at the information required.
First of all, you need to tick the box corresponding to the legal status you have chosen, i.e. :
- Individuals for sole proprietorships
- Legal entity for companies
If you wish to opt for the microenterprise regime, please tick the corresponding box, in addition to the "Individual" box.
Frames 1 and 2
In box 1 of form AC0 Commercial agent, you must indicate whether you have already been self-employed. If so, you'll need to specify your SIREN number, which will enable the relevant business formalities center to make the link between your self-employed activities and, if necessary, update the information.
Box 2 is reserved for individual commercial agents who have opted for sole proprietorship. You must tick the status you have chosen, i.e. sole proprietorship or individual limited liability company (EIRL). Unlike a sole proprietorship, an EIRL protects the entrepreneur's personal assets, which cannot be seized in the event of bankruptcy, and are therefore separate from his or her business assets.
Frames 3 to 8
Box 3 is also reserved for natural persons who have chosen to set up a sole proprietorship, whether limited or not. It is intended for all information concerning the identity and contact details of the sales agent. In the following boxes, you must specify the existence of a support contract, opt for the transmission of a declaration of unseizability of property or for the waiver of this unseizability, and indicate the status of the spouse if he or she is going to work for the company.
Boxes 7 and 8 are reserved for legal entities, i.e. companies. You need to specify the company name, registered office address and legal form.
Frames 9 to 12
Box 9 concerns both sole proprietorships and partnerships. This is where the date of commencement of activity should be entered. Box 10 is dedicated to the number of staff employed by the company. If you intend to use a business address to carry out your activity as a sales agent, this should be entered in box 11.
Box 12A is for social security organizations: you need to enter your social security number, as well as that of your spouse if he/she works for or is employed by the company. Non-European Union nationals must also enter their residence permit number.
Box 12B need only be completed by microentrepreneurs, who must indicate whether they opt for payment in full discharge of income tax, and whether they choose to pay their contributions monthly or quarterly.
Frames 13 to 17
Box 13 deals with tax and VAT elections, while boxes 14, 15 and 16 are reserved for additional information. Finally, the declaration must be dated and signed in box 17.
Notice of declaration of commencement of commercial agent activity