Swiss VAT · Geneva
Do you have to register? At what rate? Who represents you? A Swiss CPA in Geneva answers it clearly in English, then handles your registration and quarterly filing.
What we handle
Whether you're a Swiss startup crossing the threshold or a foreign company supplying the Swiss market, we make VAT a non-event.
Free assessment
VAT registration becomes mandatory once your worldwide turnover from taxable supplies reaches CHF 100'000. Below that, registration is voluntary, and sometimes worth it. We tell you which applies.
On request
Non-resident businesses making taxable supplies in Switzerland generally need to register and appoint a Swiss-resident fiscal representative. We act as your point of contact with the Federal Tax Administration.
Advisory
Switzerland applies a standard rate of 8.1%, a reduced rate of 2.6%, and a special 3.8% rate for accommodation. We also advise on the net-tax-rate (flat-rate) method, which simplifies filing for many small businesses.
Current Swiss VAT rates (8.1% / 2.6% / 3.8%). We keep your setup correct as rules change.
With bookkeeping
Once registered, VAT returns are filed quarterly (or twice-yearly under the net-tax-rate method). We prepare, reconcile, and submit them with your bookkeeping. No missed deadlines.
FAQ
Registration is mandatory once worldwide turnover from taxable supplies reaches CHF 100'000 per year. Below that threshold you are exempt, but you may register voluntarily, for example to recover input VAT. Non-resident businesses supplying goods or services in Switzerland may have to register from the first franc.
The current standard rate is 8.1%, the reduced rate (food, books, medicines, and similar) is 2.6%, and the special rate for accommodation is 3.8%. The correct rate depends on the type of supply. We make sure each is applied properly.
Generally yes. A non-resident business that is liable for Swiss VAT must appoint a fiscal representative domiciled in Switzerland and usually provide security. Klear can act as your representative and handle all dealings with the Federal Tax Administration.
It's a simplified scheme available to smaller businesses below set turnover and tax limits. You apply a single industry-specific rate to your turnover instead of tracking input VAT line by line, and you file twice a year rather than quarterly. We assess whether it saves you time and money.
Quarterly under the standard (effective) method, or twice a year under the net-tax-rate method. We prepare and submit them alongside your bookkeeping so the figures always reconcile.
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