Blog

April 29, 2023 | David Merz

Depreciation Methods in Switzerland

As your businesses acquires assets, it is essential to understand the concept of depreciation and how to record it. Depreciation is a means of accounting for the decrease in the value of assets over time due to usage, wear and tear, obsolescence, etc. In this article, we will explore the various depreciation methods used in Switzerland, why depreciation is important, the types of depreciation, methods for calculating depreciation, and how to record depreciation.

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April 28, 2023 | David Merz

Double-Entry Accounting Simply Explained

Proper accounting is an essential aspect of running a company effectively. Most businesses are required to follow the principles of double-entry accounting while preparing their accounts. Double-entry accounting is a fundamental concept in modern accounting practices. It is a system of accounting in which every financial transaction is recorded in two different accounts, a debit account and a credit account. This article provides a simple explanation of double-entry accounting in Switzerland.

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April 12, 2023 | David Merz

Accounting for vouchers: how should Swiss companies handle VAT and bookkeeping?

Vouchers can be used to reward customers or as giveaways for marketing purposes. It is important for companies who regularly use vouchers to understand their correct accounting and VAT treatment, as well as the legal validity and expiry of vouchers. This guide explains the distinction between value and service vouchers, their VAT treatment, limitation periods under Swiss law, and the financial impact of unredeemed vouchers.

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April 12, 2023 | David Merz

Provisions in GmbH Accounting

GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung) is a common business structure in Switzerland, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As with any business, accurate accounting is an essential part of managing a GmbH, and provisions form an important component of accounting. This article will explore what provisions are, their properties, types, and accounting effects, as well as how they can be used to optimise taxes.

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March 24, 2023 | David Merz

Special features of accounting for a GmbH

One of the most popular business structures in Switzerland is the GmbH, or “Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung,” which translates to “company with limited liability.” In essence, it is the Swiss equivalent of a “Limited Liability Company” (LLC). A GmbH offer many benefits to business owners, including limited liability protection and flexible management structures. However, like any other business, a GmbH must comply with certain legal and accounting requirements. In this article, we will discuss the special features of accounting of a GmbH. In doing so, we will provide a brief introduction into what accounting is and its importance in the corporate environment in Switzerland.

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February 5, 2023 | David Merz

VAT Revision – What do foreign companies have to consider when selling mail-order to Switzerland?

Foreign companies shipping products to Switzerland by mail order need to consider Swiss regulations surrounding VAT, import tax, and customs. These obligations have evolved significantly in recent years. This article explains the Swiss VAT rules that apply to foreign mail-order companies, including the 2016 VAT Act revisions and the further changes introduced in 2025. We cover who needs to register, how the delivery thresholds work, what fiscal representation involves, and what the consequences of non-compliance are.

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February 3, 2023 | Marco Schoch

Comparison of minimum capital tax rates for companies in all 26 cantons

Swiss companies are subject to two types of taxes: taxes on profits and a capital tax on equity. However, some cantons have introduced a flat minimum tax to cover the costs associated with conducting tax audits for each company. This tax is often overlooked, especially in the start-up phase of newly founded companies that are not yet making a profit. In this article, we delve into the world of corporate taxes in Switzerland and in particular the minimum tax that some cantons in Switzerland levy on companies.

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February 2, 2023 | David Merz

Maximising tax benefits: The choice between a company car and a private car

In this article, we examine the tax implications of using a car for private and business purposes, covering scenarios of using a company car for private purposes and a private car for business purposes. We discuss calculating private share, social security contributions, and VAT for a company car. We also highlight the importance of recording mileage, possible cost savings, and restrictions when using a private car for business purposes.

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