What are AHV/IV/EO contributions
In Switzerland, every person engaged in self-employed activity is required to pay contributions to the first-pillar social insurance schemes: AHV (Old-Age and Survivors' Insurance), IV (Disability Insurance) and EO (Loss of Earnings Compensation, covering military service, civil protection and maternity/paternity leave).
Unlike employees — for whom contributions are split equally with the employer — self-employed individuals bear the full contribution burden alone. The combined AHV/IV/EO rate amounts to 10.6% of net self-employment income, though a declining contribution scale applies for lower incomes.
In addition to AHV/IV/EO contributions, the self-employed also pay contributions for supplementary benefits (EL) and administration costs, which bring the effective total rate slightly above 10.6%. Management is handled by cantonal or professional compensation funds.
Who must pay contributions
The following are required to pay AHV/IV/EO contributions as self-employed:
- Owners of sole proprietorships registered in the commercial register
- Self-employed professionals (lawyers, architects, doctors, consultants, etc.)
- Freelancers with at least one client (even without commercial register entry)
- Artists, craftspeople and traders operating independently
- Self-employed farmers
- Partners in general or limited partnerships (for their share of attributed income)
Self-employed status is determined by the compensation fund, not by the contributor. Key criteria are: multiple clients, assumption of economic risk, own investment and organisational freedom. If you work primarily for a single client, you may be reclassified as an employee.
Contribution rates 2026
AHV/IV/EO contributions for the self-employed are calculated on net income from self-employment. For annual incomes below CHF 58,800, a declining contribution scale applies:
| Annual net income | AHV/IV/EO rate | Annual contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Up to CHF 9,800 | — | CHF 514 (minimum) |
| CHF 9,800 – 17,500 | 5.371% | CHF 526 – 940 |
| CHF 17,500 – 21,400 | 5.509% | CHF 965 – 1,179 |
| CHF 21,400 – 25,300 | 5.786% | CHF 1,238 – 1,464 |
| CHF 25,300 – 29,200 | 6.339% | CHF 1,604 – 1,851 |
| CHF 29,200 – 33,100 | 7.168% | CHF 2,093 – 2,373 |
| CHF 33,100 – 37,000 | 7.997% | CHF 2,647 – 2,959 |
| CHF 37,000 – 58,800 | 8.964%–10.303% | CHF 3,317 – 6,058 |
| From CHF 58,800 | 10.6% | CHF 6,233+ |
Rates include AHV (8.7%), IV (1.4%) and EO (0.5%). For incomes up to CHF 9,800 the minimum contribution of CHF 514 per year applies. Supplementary benefits contributions and compensation fund administration fees are added to these amounts.
How contributions are calculated
The calculation of AHV/IV/EO contributions for the self-employed follows a precise procedure, based on the current year's net income:
Determine net income
Start with the gross income from your self-employed activity and subtract deductible professional expenses (office rent, materials, professional insurance, depreciation, etc.) to arrive at net income.
Deduct personal contributions
50% of AHV/IV/EO contributions due is deducted from net income. Since the contribution depends on income and income depends on the contribution, the compensation fund applies an iterative formula or the official table.
Apply the correct rate
Identify the income bracket in the contribution scale and apply the corresponding rate. If income exceeds CHF 58,800, the flat rate of 10.6% applies.
Add ancillary contributions
Supplementary benefits (EL) contributions and compensation fund administration costs (between 0.5% and 2% depending on the fund) are added to the AHV/IV/EO contributions.
Check the minimum contribution
If income is very low or zero, you must still pay the minimum annual contribution of CHF 514 (AHV/IV/EO). This amount also applies to those with secondary self-employment below the threshold.
Calculation example
Compensation fund registration
Every self-employed worker must be affiliated with an AHV compensation fund. Here are the steps to follow:
Report the start of activity
Within 90 days of starting self-employed activity, you must register with the cantonal compensation fund of your municipality of domicile or a professional compensation fund in your industry.
Provide documentation
The fund requires: copy of commercial register entry (if applicable), client contracts, invoices issued, and possibly a business plan. The aim is to verify self-employed status.
Receive affiliation confirmation
The compensation fund reviews the documentation and confirms self-employed status with a formal decision. You will receive an affiliation number and payment instructions.
Provisional payments (instalments)
The fund sets quarterly or monthly instalments based on estimated income. You can request an adjustment if your income changes significantly from the initial estimate.
Annual reconciliation
After the final tax assessment, the compensation fund recalculates contributions based on actual income. Any difference — debit or credit — is reconciled.
Deadlines and payment methods
AHV/IV/EO contributions must be paid regularly to the compensation fund. Here is what you need to know:
Payment frequency
Contributions are due quarterly (by the 10th of the month following the end of the quarter). Compensation funds may also offer monthly payments for higher amounts.
Instalments based on estimated income
Quarterly payments are based on the estimated income for the current year. If actual income deviates significantly from the estimate, you can (and should) request an adjustment of the instalments.
Reconciliation after tax assessment
Once the final tax assessment is received (usually 1–2 years later), the compensation fund reconciles. If you overpaid, you receive a refund; if underpaid, you must pay the difference plus default interest (5% per year).
Payment methods
You can pay via payment slip (QR invoice), e-banking, standing order or direct debit. The fund sends invoices with the QR code for payment.
Default interest is automatically applied on late contributions at 5% per year. In case of persistent non-payment, the fund may initiate debt enforcement proceedings (SchKG).
Tax deductibility of contributions
AHV/IV/EO contributions paid by the self-employed are fully deductible from taxable income. Key points:
Full deduction from income
AHV/IV/EO contributions actually paid are 100% deductible from net self-employment income, for both direct federal tax (IFD) and cantonal/municipal taxes.
50% deduction in the calculation base
For calculating AHV contributions themselves, 50% of personal contributions is deducted from the determining income. This mechanism reduces the calculation base and avoids circular double taxation.
Pillar 3a contributions
Self-employed without a pension fund (2nd pillar) can contribute up to CHF 36,288 (20% of net income, max CHF 36,288) to pillar 3a, fully deductible. If affiliated with a pension fund, the limit is CHF 7,258 (2026 amounts).
Administration costs
Compensation fund administration fees and supplementary benefits (EL) contributions are also deductible from taxable income.
Practical tips for the self-employed
- Register with the compensation fund within 90 days of starting your activity — delays result in back contributions with 5% default interest
- If your income varies significantly year to year, request an instalment adjustment immediately to avoid heavy reconciliations and interest
- Regularly set aside 12–15% of turnover to cover AHV/IV/EO contributions and administration fees — don't be caught off guard by the reconciliation
- Maximise your pillar 3a deduction (CHF 36,288 without pension fund): it is the most powerful tax optimisation lever for the self-employed
- Keep all invoices and receipts for professional expenses: they reduce net income and therefore also AHV contributions
- Consider voluntary affiliation with the 2nd pillar (BVG) if your income exceeds CHF 22,050: it improves your pension provision and further reduces taxable income
- Use AccountEX to automatically track income, expenses and contributions throughout the year — you will always have the contribution calculation base under control and your tax return will be faster
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