VAT

planning is essential to maximize opportunities for tax recovery


Ensure your business remains compliant and maximizes VAT opportunities with our VAT services. 

Compliance and Registration



VAT compliance is crucial for businesses operating in Switzerland. 


Our experts assist you with VAT registration, ensuring you meet the necessary requirements and obligations. We tacklethe complexities of VAT registration processes, helping you save time and avoid costly mistakes.



VAT Planning and Optimization

Our specialists analyze your business operations, identifying potential VAT savings and optimizing your VAT position. We will then develop effective strategies tailored to your industry and specific circumstances, allowing you to optimize cash flow and enhance profitability.

Cross-Border VAT

If your business engages in international transactions, we assist you in navigating the complexities of cross-border VAT. 


Our experts have in-depth knowledge of EU VAT regulations, Swiss-EU agreements, and other international VAT frameworks. We ensure your cross-border transactions comply with VAT regulations and help you mitigate any potential risks.

VAT Training

Stay informed and up-to-date with our comprehensive VAT training programs. We offer customized workshops designed to enhance your understanding of VAT regulations and help your team stay compliant. 


Our training programs empower your staff with the knowledge needed to deal with VAT challenges effectively.

Personalized Solutions

Our VAT services are tailored to your specific needs, providing personalized solutions that address your challenges and goals. We work closely with you to develop strategies that align with your business objectives and ensure VAT compliance is seamless and efficient.



Swiss VAT Overview

VAT in Switzerland is a consumption tax levied on the supply of goods and services. It is an indirect tax that is ultimately borne by the final consumer. Here are some key aspects of VAT in Switzerland:



VAT Rates



Switzerland has a standard VAT rate and reduced rates for certain goods and services. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the standard VAT rate in Switzerland is 7.7%. The reduced rates are 2.5% and 3.7% for specific categories such as food, books, pharmaceuticals, and hotel accommodation.



VAT Registration



Businesses exceeding an annual turnover of CHF 100,000 (Swiss Francs) are generally required to register for VAT purposes. However, voluntary registration is also possible for businesses with lower turnover to benefit from input VAT recovery. Upon registration, businesses receive a VAT identification number.



Input VAT and Output VAT



VAT is charged on taxable supplies, and businesses are responsible for collecting VAT from their customers, which is known as output VAT. At the same time, businesses can generally recover the VAT they have paid on their business-related purchases, known as input VAT. The difference between the output VAT and input VAT is typically remitted to the tax authorities.



VAT Reporting and Payment



Registered businesses are required to submit regular VAT returns to the tax authorities. The frequency of VAT reporting depends on the annual turnover and can range from quarterly to monthly filings. VAT returns detail the taxable supplies, input VAT, output VAT, and the resulting VAT liability or refund.



VAT Exemptions and Special Schemes



Certain goods and services may be exempt from VAT, such as healthcare, education, and financial services. Additionally, Switzerland has special VAT schemes, such as the small business scheme, which may have simplified reporting requirements for eligible businesses.



Cross-Border Transactions



VAT applies to both domestic transactions within Switzerland and cross-border transactions involving other countries. For international transactions, specific rules and regulations apply, including those related to imports, exports, and intra-EU transactions. It's important to consider the VAT implications when conducting business across borders.



VAT Compliance and Audits



Businesses must ensure compliance with VAT regulations, maintain proper VAT records and documentation, and accurately calculate and report VAT amounts. Tax authorities in Switzerland conduct VAT audits to verify compliance, examine records, and assess the accuracy of VAT reporting.