Swiss VAT

Swiss VAT is an indirect consumption tax levied on goods and services sold in Switzerland, also known as the Value Added Tax. This tax system was introduced in Switzerland in 1995 to replace the old turnover tax system. The functioning of Swiss VAT is relatively straightforward. Businesses selling goods or services are required to collect VAT from their customers and remit it to the Swiss tax authorities. VAT is calculated based on the VAT rate applicable to the goods or services sold. In Switzerland, all businesses with an annual turnover exceeding 100,000 CHF are obliged to comply with Swiss VAT (Art. 10 LTVA). However, businesses with lower turnover can voluntarily register for VAT to benefit from certain tax deductions or to meet their clients’ requirements. Foreign businesses conducting commercial transactions in Switzerland are also required to comply with Swiss VAT, unless they are exempt under an international tax treaty or only engage in VAT-exempt operations in Switzerland. The current legislation in effect is the Federal Law Governing Value Added Tax (LTVA), along with its ordinance (OTVA).

Swiss VAT rates

There are three different VAT rates in Switzerland: the normal rate, the reduced rate, and the special rate. The normal rate is 7.7% and applies to most goods and services. It applies when the other two aforementioned rates do not. The reduced rate, meanwhile, is 2.5% and applies to basic necessities such as food, medicines, and books. The special rate is 3.7% and applies to accommodation services. Note that from January 1, 2024, the normal rate will be 8.1%, the reduced rate 2.6%, and the special rate for accommodation 3.8%. However, there are also exceptions to these VAT rates in Switzerland. For example, exports of goods are exempt from VAT. Imports of goods, on the other hand, are subject to VAT at import (Art. 50 ss LTVA). Services rendered outside of Switzerland are not subject to Swiss VAT, but services performed in Switzerland are generally subject to Swiss VAT, regardless of the provider’s nationality. It’s important to note that certain goods and services benefit from a VAT exemption in Switzerland. For instance, medical services, banking operations, real estate rentals, and insurance are not subject to VAT. Cultural services, such as shows, concerts, and exhibitions, may also be VAT-exempt in Switzerland. Lastly, there are special cases where the applied VAT rate depends on the use of the good or service. For example, tourist cars are subject to a reduced VAT rate of 3.7% if used for business purposes, but a normal rate of 7.7% if used for private purposes. Similarly, meals in restaurants are subject to a normal VAT rate of 7.7%, but if provided as part of a collective catering service, the VAT rate is reduced to 2.5%. It is therefore important for companies in Switzerland to understand the different VAT rates in effect, as well as the exceptions to these rates to ensure proper compliance.

Fiscal obligations regarding VAT

All companies conducting VAT-liable sales must comply with VAT-related fiscal obligations. This includes invoicing, VAT declaration, and VAT recovery. Invoicing is an important obligation for businesses selling goods or services subject to VAT. Invoices must be issued in accordance with Swiss VAT rules and must include mandatory information such as the VAT number of the supplier and the customer. VAT declaration is also an important obligation for businesses. They must declare the VAT collected on their sales as well as the VAT they have paid on goods and services they have purchased. If the collected VAT exceeds the paid VAT, the company must remit the difference to the Swiss tax authorities. Businesses can also recover VAT on goods and services they have purchased for their activity. However, this recovery is subject to certain rules and procedures. Businesses must provide purchase receipts and must comply with VAT deduction rules.

Advantages and disadvantages of Swiss VAT

Swiss VAT offers several advantages for businesses and consumers. First, it simplifies taxation by avoiding multiple taxes present in some countries. Then, it allows businesses to deduct VAT paid on their professional purchases, which can reduce their tax burden. Finally, it generates significant revenue for the state, allowing it to finance public services. However, Swiss VAT also has some disadvantages. First, it can increase the cost of living for consumers who have to pay tax on every good or service they purchase. Then, it can be difficult to understand for individuals and small businesses unfamiliar with managing fiscal obligations. Lastly, it can lead to administrative burden for businesses that must comply with VAT-related fiscal obligations.

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Boulevard Georges-Favon 26

1204 Genève

T. : +41 22 348 32 35