Tax & accounting guides
Practical, up-to-date resources to help you navigate the Swiss tax, social security and accounting system.
Getting started with AccountEX
Step-by-step tutorials for clients and fiduciaries
Accountex Client Tutorial: the complete operational guide
Step-by-step manual to use Accountex as a client: onboarding, chart of accounts, invoicing, expenses, banking, VAT, reports and settings. Complete guide in 10 chapters.
Fiduciary Tutorial: how to use Accountex in your firm
Step-by-step manual for Swiss fiduciaries: mandate management, actAs context, document requests, multi-client consolidation, audit log and year-end closings in Accountex.
Taxes & tax returns
(7)Federal, cantonal and municipal taxes: how the Swiss system works
How Switzerland's three-level tax system works. Federal direct tax, cantonal taxes and municipal surcharges explained with concrete calculation examples.
Guide to Filing Your Tax Return in Switzerland
How to file your Swiss tax return step by step. Cantonal deadlines, allowable deductions, required documents and practical tips for residents, expats and new taxpayers.
Tax deductions: what you can deduct in Switzerland
Complete list of allowable tax deductions in Switzerland at federal and cantonal level. Professional expenses, pillar 3a, mortgage interest, medical expenses, children and more.
Cantonal tax deadlines: the complete calendar
Complete calendar of tax filing deadlines for all 26 Swiss cantons. Filing dates, extensions, cantonal software and penalties for late submission.
Withholding tax for foreign workers in Switzerland
Who is subject to withholding tax in Switzerland, how it is calculated, applicable barèmes and the procedure for correction (TOU). Complete guide for cross-border commuters, B/C/L permit holders and employers.
Real estate capital gains tax in Switzerland
How the real estate capital gains tax works in Switzerland. Calculation, cantonal differences, exemptions, legal optimisation strategies and practical example for property owners and investors.
Property owner taxation in Switzerland
Imputed rental value, maintenance deductions, mortgage interest and real estate capital gains tax: everything property owners in Switzerland need to know to optimize their tax burden.
Pension & savings
(8)The Swiss pension system: the 3 pillars explained
Complete guide to the Swiss three-pillar pension system: AHV/IV (1st pillar), BVG/occupational pension (2nd pillar) and private pension (3rd pillar). Amounts, obligations, rights and key figures 2026.
Pillar 3a: Tax Savings and Retirement Planning in Switzerland
Everything about the Swiss pillar 3a: maximum deductible amounts, bank vs insurance comparison, splitting strategies, withdrawal rules and concrete tax savings. Updated guide 2026.
Pension fund buyback: tax benefits of the 2nd pillar
Everything about voluntary pension fund buyback in Switzerland: tax advantages, limits, timing, procedure and tips to optimise your tax return.
Family tax planning in Switzerland
How to optimise taxes for your family in Switzerland. Child deductions, spousal splitting, family allowances, pillar 3a and practical strategies for parents and families.
Mandatory health insurance (LAMal): tax impact
Tax deductibility of LAMal premiums, medical expenses in the tax return, individual premium reduction (IPR) and optimisation strategies. Practical guide with cantonal deduction table.
Unemployment insurance (ALV) in Switzerland
Requirements, amount and duration of unemployment benefits in Switzerland. Job search obligations, tax impact and frequently asked questions about Swiss unemployment insurance.
Maternity, paternity and parental leave: rights, allowances and taxation
Maternity leave (14 weeks), paternity leave (2 weeks) and parental leave in Switzerland: duration, IPG allowance, taxation, tax planning for new parents and employer obligations.
Accident insurance (AIA/LAINF): employer obligations and accounting integration
Accident insurance (AIA/LAINF) in Switzerland: mandatory BU/NBU coverage, premium allocation, salary declaration, SUVA vs private insurers and accounting integration. Guide for SMEs and employers.
Companies, LLC & SA
(17)LLC vs Corporation: which legal form to choose in Switzerland
Complete comparison between LLC (GmbH/Sagl) and Corporation (AG/SA) in Switzerland: minimum capital, liability, governance, taxation and incorporation costs. Guide for entrepreneurs, startups and consultants.
Value Added Tax (VAT) in Switzerland
Everything about value added tax (VAT) in Switzerland: current 2024–2026 rates, registration thresholds, FTA obligations, effective vs. flat-rate method and FAQ.
Accounting obligations for SMEs in Switzerland
What the Swiss Code of Obligations requires in terms of bookkeeping for SMEs. Balance sheet, income statement, document retention, accounting principles and penalties.
Online accounting vs traditional fiduciary: a cost and benefit guide for SMEs
Complete comparison of online accounting vs traditional fiduciary services in Switzerland: real costs in CHF, advantages, disadvantages and hybrid model. Practical guide for SMEs, entrepreneurs and startups.
Automated payroll management: how to eliminate errors in AHV and BVG calculations
How to automate payroll management in Switzerland and eliminate errors in AHV and BVG calculations. Social contributions, employer obligations, payroll software and compliance. Practical guide for SMEs, HR and employers.
Annual closing for GmbH & AG: the checklist for a flawless, fast balance sheet
Complete checklist for annual closing of Swiss GmbH and AG: deadlines, annual balance sheet, notes, general assembly and commercial register filing. Practical guide with CO art. 957-963 references.
VAT Recovery in Switzerland: what businesses lose due to poor document management
How to recover VAT in Switzerland: input tax deduction, valid receipts per FTA requirements, common documentation errors, and optimization strategies for SMEs, CFOs, and accountants.
Cash flow for Swiss SMEs: how to never run out of liquidity
Cash flow management for Swiss SMEs: cash conversion cycle, 30/60/90-day forecasting, warning signs of liquidity problems, optimisation strategies and monitoring tools. Practical guide for entrepreneurs and CFOs.
Electronic invoicing for Swiss SMEs: from creation to payment in half the time
How to create, send and manage electronic invoices in Switzerland. Legal requirements, QR-bill, payment terms and automation for SMEs and freelancers.
Accounts receivable & payable: how to cut collection times by 50%
How to manage accounts receivable and payable in Swiss SMEs: active and passive cycle, automatic scheduler, aging analysis, integrated reminders and supplier batch payments. Practical guide with CHF figures.
First year of accounting: practical guide for startups and new LLCs
How to set up accounting in the first year of a startup or new GmbH/Sàrl in Switzerland. Chart of accounts, VAT, business bank account, common mistakes and when to hire a fiduciary.
SME business budget: how to plan and control expenses
How to build an effective annual budget for your Swiss SME: budget structure, cost centres, variance monitoring, quarterly reviews and automated budget vs actual comparison. Practical guide for entrepreneurs and CFOs.
Digital expense management: eliminating receipts and Excel spreadsheets
How to eliminate paper receipts and spreadsheets from corporate expense reporting. Mobile scanning, automatic categorisation, approval workflows and VAT compliance for Swiss SMEs.
How to read your SME's balance sheet: a practical guide for non-accountant entrepreneurs
Practical guide for non-accountant entrepreneurs: how to read balance sheets, income statements, key financial ratios and warning signs. Swiss CO format, formulas and healthy ranges. With dashboards to understand everything at a glance.
Automating payment reminders: fewer bad debts, better cash flow
How to automate payment reminders for Swiss SMEs: 3-level dunning system, CO legal timelines, escalation procedures, cash flow impact. Practical guide for CFOs and finance teams.
Multi-currency accounting for SMEs with international clients
How to manage multi-currency accounting for Swiss SMEs: foreign currency bookings, exchange rate management, realised/unrealised exchange differences, year-end valuation (CO art. 960) and VAT on foreign invoices. Complete practical guide.
Bank-ready documents: how to prepare a financial dossier for credit
How to prepare a financial dossier for Swiss bank credit: certified balance sheet, budget forecast, cash flow projections, banking ratios and automated reports. Practical guide for SMEs, entrepreneurs and CFOs.
Sole proprietorships
(12)Starting a sole proprietorship in Switzerland
How to start a sole proprietorship in Switzerland step by step. Requirements, commercial register, AHV/IV, VAT, accounting regime and comparison with GmbH and AG.
AHV/IV/EO contributions for self-employed workers in Switzerland
How to calculate AHV/IV/EO social security contributions for self-employed workers in Switzerland. Rates, contribution scale, compensation fund registration and practical tips for freelancers and sole proprietors.
Goodbye Excel: 7 reasons why spreadsheets are no longer enough for your business
Why spreadsheets are no longer enough for your Swiss sole proprietorship's accounting. Hidden costs, error risks, CO/nFADP/Olc compliance gaps and how to migrate in one day.
Simplified accounting for sole proprietors: how to do it right and digitally
How to do simplified accounting (Einnahmen-Ausgaben-Rechnung) for sole proprietors and micro-businesses under CHF 500,000 revenue. Income-expense method, minimal chart of accounts, year-end closing, and digital tools.
Separating personal and business finances: the golden rule for the self-employed
How to properly separate personal and business finances in Switzerland. Business account setup, private withdrawals (Privatkonto), tax audit risks and automated bookkeeping for sole proprietors and freelancers.
Tax filing for the self-employed: from document chaos to one click
How to file your tax return as a self-employed person in Switzerland: specific forms, business income calculation, professional deductions, cantonal provisional payments and eTax integration. Practical guide for sole proprietors and freelancers.
Pension and insurance for the self-employed: protecting your future without an employer
AVS contributions, voluntary BVG, pillar 3a, professional liability, daily sickness allowance and LAINF for self-employed workers and sole proprietors in Switzerland. Complete 2026 guide.
VAT for sole proprietors: choose the right method and manage it stress-free
CHF 100,000 threshold, effective vs flat-rate method, quarterly cash-flow impact and VAT-compliant bookkeeping for sole proprietors, freelancers and micro-businesses in Switzerland. Practical guide 2026.
First employee: what changes in your sole proprietorship
What changes when you hire your first employee in a Swiss sole proprietorship: employer OASI, BVG, UVG, employment contract, withholding tax and automated payroll management.
From sole proprietorship to GmbH: when and how to make the leap
Complete guide to converting from a sole proprietorship to a GmbH/Sagl in Switzerland: warning signs, legal procedure, tax implications, accounting continuity and data migration with AccountEX.
Reclaim 10 hours a week: automate your accounting as a sole proprietor
How Swiss freelancers and sole proprietors can save 10+ hours a week by automating bookkeeping, invoicing and VAT. Opportunity-cost calculator and practical automation solutions.
The 10 most costly accounting mistakes for self-employed workers
Discover the 10 accounting mistakes that cost self-employed workers in Switzerland thousands of francs: mixed accounts, VAT, missed deductions, AHV and archiving. With practical prevention strategies.
E-commerce & digital commerce
(10)Starting an online shop in Switzerland: from LLC to first order
Complete guide to launching an e-commerce business in Switzerland: legal structure (GmbH/Sàrl), platforms, Twint/Stripe payments, logistics, legal obligations and day-1 accounting with AccountEX.
E-commerce accounting: from checkout to balance sheet without errors
How to manage e-commerce accounting in Switzerland: VAT on discounts and coupons, gateway commissions, multi-channel reconciliation, returns and refunds. Practical guide for online SMEs, CFOs and fiduciaries.
Importing goods for your GmbH: customs, VAT and accounting
Complete guide to importing goods into Switzerland for GmbH and SMEs: e-dec customs declaration, import VAT, Incoterms, duties, accounting entries and input tax recovery.
Stripe, PayPal & Twint: how to account for payment processors
How to correctly record fees, payouts and chargebacks from Stripe, PayPal, Twint and PostFinance in Swiss accounting. Multi-currency, VAT on fees, and practical reconciliation workflow.
Selling on Amazon, Galaxus & marketplaces: tax and accounting obligations
VAT obligations, commissions, settlement reports and accounting for sellers on Amazon, Galaxus and other marketplaces from Switzerland. Practical guide for online SMEs and startups.
Dropshipping in Switzerland: VAT, customs and accounting without inventory
Complete guide to dropshipping in Switzerland: VAT treatment in triangular transactions, customs responsibility, inventory-free accounting, multi-currency supplier payments. For dropshippers, e-commerce and new entrepreneurs.
Inventory management & COGS: stock accounting for Swiss SMEs
How to manage inventory and calculate cost of goods sold (COGS) in Switzerland: CO art. 960a valuation methods, physical stocktaking, write-downs and software integration. Practical guide for commercial SMEs, retail and e-commerce.
VAT on digital sales: rules for Swiss e-commerce and SaaS
VAT rules for digital sales in Switzerland: e-commerce, SaaS, digital platforms. Place of supply, CHF 100k threshold for foreign sellers, reverse charge, OSS/IOSS and LTVA-compliant invoicing.
SaaS & subscriptions: recurring revenue accounting and revenue recognition
How to account for recurring SaaS revenue in Switzerland: MRR, ARR, deferred revenue, revenue recognition under Swiss GAAP FER and CO, investor metrics. Practical guide for tech startups and digital platforms.
International sales from your Swiss e-commerce: shipping, duties and foreign VAT
Complete guide for Swiss SMEs selling online abroad: zero-rate VAT exports, international shipping, Incoterms DAP/DDP, customs duties, destination country VAT and returns management. Practical examples in CHF.
Inheritance & wealth
(4)Inheritance tax in Switzerland: complete cantonal guide
Complete overview of inheritance taxes canton by canton in Switzerland. Who pays, rates, exemptions for spouses and direct descendants, cantonal differences and planning strategies.
Gifts inter vivos in Switzerland: tax aspects
Complete guide to gift taxation in Switzerland. Cantonal exemption limits, tax calculation, generational transfer strategies and differences from inheritance.
Wealth tax in Switzerland: complete guide
How net wealth is taxed in Switzerland: taxable base calculation, valuation of securities, real estate and company shares, cantonal rate comparison and practical calculation examples.
Succession planning for entrepreneurs
How to structure the generational transfer of a business in Switzerland. Holding companies, succession agreements, tax benefits, optimal timing and legal tools for SME owners.
Specific situations
(3)Moving to Switzerland: the complete tax guide for expats
Everything an expat needs to know about Swiss taxation: tax residency, first tax year, withholding tax, ordinary assessment, double taxation treaties, and social security. Updated guide 2026.
Cross-border worker taxation: guide to the new Italy–Switzerland agreement
New Italy–Switzerland tax agreement from 2024: taxation, double taxation, filing obligations, fiscal rebate and practical cases for Italian cross-border workers and employers in the border area.
Cryptocurrency taxation in Switzerland
How cryptocurrencies are taxed in Switzerland: fiscal classification, wealth tax, capital gains, mining, staking and cantonal practices. Updated guide for investors and traders.
International taxation
(5)Double Tax Agreements (DTA) in Switzerland
How Swiss double tax agreements work. List of treaty countries, withholding tax refund, foreign tax credits and practical procedures.
Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI/CRS) in Switzerland
What is the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), what financial data is automatically exchanged between Switzerland and other countries, impact on foreign accounts and disclosure obligations for taxpayers.
Swiss anticipatory tax (35%): practical guide to the refund
How the Swiss anticipatory tax of 35% works on dividends, interest and lottery winnings. Who pays it, how to claim a refund with forms DA-1 and R, deadlines and practical tips.
Dividend and capital income taxation in Switzerland
How dividends are taxed in Switzerland: qualified and non-qualified participation, 35% withholding tax, private vs. business capital gains, cantonal rates and optimisation strategies.
Working remotely from abroad: tax implications
Tax residence, income splitting, bilateral agreements, permanent establishment risks and social security rules for cross-border remote workers in Switzerland.
Fiduciary firms & partnerships
(13)Fiduciary outsourcing in Switzerland: how to scale your firm without hiring new staff
Practical guide to outsourcing fiduciary services in Switzerland. Outsourcing models, nFADP compliance, economic benefits and criteria for choosing the right partner. For fiduciary firm owners.
Fiduciary digitalisation: 5 technical mistakes that cost time and clients
The 5 most common technical mistakes Swiss fiduciary firms make during digital transformation: no strategy, wrong tools, no training, neglected security, and unmeasured ROI. Learn how to avoid them.
How to integrate Artificial Intelligence into accounting without violating the Swiss nFADP
How to integrate AI into accounting without violating the Swiss nFADP. Data processing obligations, AI privacy risks, best practices and compliance checklist for fiduciary firms and SMEs.
Revenue share for fiduciary firms: how to monetise your clients' digital transition
Learn how fiduciary firms can earn passive income through revenue sharing. Accounting software partnerships, monetising the digital transition of your clients.
Accounting software for Swiss fiduciaries: how to choose the right platform
How to choose the ideal accounting software for a Swiss fiduciary firm: KMU chart of accounts, multi-mandate management, automatic VAT, QR-invoice, CAMT/SIX bank integrations and cloud vs on-premise comparison.
Multi-client management: how to handle 50+ clients without losing control
Operational strategies for Swiss fiduciary firms managing 50+ mandates: optimal workflows, deadline automation, control dashboards and structured delegation. Practical guide to scaling without chaos.
Digital fiduciary-client collaboration: eliminate emails, binders and delays
How to eliminate emails, paper binders and delays in fiduciary-client communication. Client portals, document uploads, deadline notifications, real-time access to financial data.
KPIs for fiduciary firms: the 10 metrics that distinguish an efficient practice
The 10 key metrics (KPIs) that distinguish an efficient fiduciary firm: financial indicators, operational KPIs, Swiss benchmarks, and management dashboards. Practical guide for practice owners and managers.
Digital client onboarding: from 2 weeks to 24 hours to activate a new mandate
How to activate a new fiduciary mandate in 24 hours instead of 2 weeks. Document checklist, mandate configuration, history import, first accounting cycle and client communication.
Certified digital archiving for fiduciary firms: eliminate paper while staying compliant
How to implement a certified digital archiving system compliant with CO, Olc and nFADP. Scanning standards, naming conventions, archive structure, retention policies and audit access for Swiss fiduciary firms.
Limited and ordinary statutory audit: obligations, thresholds, and procedures for Swiss companies
Thresholds for ordinary vs. limited audit (CO 727–727c), auditor requirements, opting-out for SMEs, timelines, and legal responsibilities. Complete guide for AG, GmbH, and fiduciary firms.
How to choose a fiduciary in Switzerland: criteria, qualifications, and market rates
Selection criteria for a Swiss fiduciary: recognized qualifications (certified accountant, fiduciary expert, tax expert), market rates CHF 150-300/h, red flags to avoid, and questions to ask. Practical guide for SMEs and startups.
Fiduciary liability: civil risks, criminal risks, and professional liability insurance
Civil liability (CO 398) and criminal liability of Swiss fiduciaries: negligence cases, professional liability insurance obligations, coverage limits, and risk mitigation best practices. Complete guide for fiduciary firms and professional practices.
Tools & digitalisation
(8)Swiss QR invoice: complete guide
Everything about the Swiss QR invoice (Swiss QR Code): structure, requirements since 2022, how to create one, integration with accounting software and benefits for SMEs and fiduciaries.
Digital accounting: obligations and benefits in Switzerland
Legal requirements for digital accounting in Switzerland, compliant electronic archiving (nFADP/FADPO), benefits of AI and OCR automation. Practical guide for SMEs, fiduciaries and CFOs.
QR invoice and automatic tracking: the end of manual bank reconciliation
How the Swiss QR invoice eliminates manual bank reconciliation: automatic payment matching, end-to-end flow, CAMT.054 integration, and practical tips for SMEs and fiduciary firms.
Where is your data? Why the Swiss cloud is the only safe choice for your business
Why the Swiss cloud is the only safe choice for business data. Legal comparison CH vs EU vs USA, ISO 27001 and SOC 2 certifications, nFADP requirements and criteria for evaluating a cloud provider. Guide for SMEs, fiduciary firms and IT managers.
How to process 500 invoices per month in half the time with OCR and automation
Operational guide for fiduciaries and accountants: complete OCR workflow, AI categorisation, human validation, automatic reconciliation. Save up to 50% of invoice processing time.
Migrate from Banana, Excel or Abacus to cloud accounting software: a step-by-step guide
Step-by-step guide for migrating your accounting from Banana Contabilità, Excel, Abacus or Sage to a modern cloud solution. Data export, Swiss chart of accounts mapping, opening balances and team training.
Real-time dashboards and reports: the key to retaining fiduciary clients
How real-time dashboards and reporting transform the fiduciary-client relationship: retention, essential KPIs, dashboard types and presentation strategies. Practical guide for fiduciary firms and CFOs.
Automated VAT return: zero errors and zero delays with the FTA
How to automate Swiss VAT return preparation and submission: rate assignment, calculation verification, XML eCH-0217 export for the FTA and deadline management. Practical guide for fiduciary firms, accountants and SMEs.
Cantonal guides
(6)Taxation in Canton Zurich: rates, deductions, and deadlines for 2026
Complete guide to taxation in Canton Zurich: progressive income tax rates, wealth tax, Zurich-specific deductions, key deadlines, and tax optimization strategies for residents and businesses.
Taxation in Canton Ticino: rates, cross-border workers, and deductions for 2026
Complete guide to taxation in Canton Ticino: progressive rates, wealth tax, Italian cross-border worker tax regime, new resident incentives, Ticino-specific deductions, and filing deadlines.
Taxation in Canton Vaud: rates, wealth tax, and deductions for 2026
Complete guide to taxation in Canton Vaud: progressive income tax rates, wealth tax specifics, Vaud-specific deductions, expat taxation in the Lake Geneva region, deadlines, and optimization strategies.
Taxation in Canton Geneva: complete guide for residents, expats and international officials
Comprehensive guide to Geneva's tax system: income and wealth tax rates, bouclier fiscal (tax shield), inheritance taxes, international organizations regime. Everything a GE resident needs to know.
Taxation in Canton Bern: rates, deductions and specificities of a bilingual canton
Complete guide to Bernese taxation: cantonal and municipal rates, specific deductions, DE/FR bilingual aspects, rural area advantages and Bernese Oberland particularities. For BE residents, entrepreneurs and families.
Cantonal tax comparison: where is it best to live and work in Switzerland?
Complete ranking of the tax burden across all 26 Swiss cantons for individuals and corporations. Simulations for different income and wealth profiles, wealth tax comparison, corporate taxation. For those considering relocation.
Regulatory news & updates
(3)Individual taxation: the reform that will change how married couples are taxed
Status of Switzerland's individual taxation reform for married couples: proposed models (splitting, pure individual taxation), impact on single and dual-income families, legislative timeline and tax planning.
OECD Pillar Two: the 15% minimum tax and its impact on multinationals in Switzerland
Swiss implementation of the OECD Pillar Two minimum tax (Ergänzungssteuer): supplementary tax mechanism, 15% threshold, impact on holding companies, revenue distribution between Confederation and cantons. Complete guide for CFOs and tax advisors.
New VAT rates 2024–2026: everything you need to know about 8.1%, 2.6% and 3.8%
The new Swiss VAT rates from 1 January 2024 (8.1%, 2.6%, 3.8%): comparison with previous rates, transition rules, invoicing impact and accounting adjustments. Practical guide for SMEs, freelancers and fiduciaries.
Financial education
(3)Swiss tax & accounting glossary: multilingual dictionary IT-DE-FR-EN
Complete glossary of Swiss tax and accounting terms with translations in Italian, German, French and English. Accessible definitions for taxpayers, students and professionals.
The 10 most common tax mistakes in Switzerland and how to avoid them
The 10 most frequent errors in Swiss tax returns and SME accounting: missed deadlines, forgotten deductions, VAT mistakes. Practical solutions for each error.
Swiss invoicing guide: legal requirements and best practices
Legal requirements for a Swiss invoice: mandatory data, VAT, QR invoice, numbering, retention. Complete guide for freelancers, SMEs and fiduciaries.