VAT representation
Are you a foreign company looking to provide a service to the Swiss market?
As a foreign company, to register for Swiss VAT, you must legally appoint a VAT fiscal representative in Switzerland.
Our VAT representation service is here to simplify this process and ensure that your operations run smoothly on Swiss territory. Find out how we can facilitate your tax compliance in Switzerland.
- Extensive experience in VAT representation
- Attractive, all-inclusive packages
- Electronic management made easy
Our assistance
Our VAT representation service offers more than just tax compliance. We are committed to being your trusted partner in all matters relating to Swiss VAT. Here's how we can assist you in detail:
- Expert Swiss VAT advice : We advise you on the complex aspects of Swiss VAT, helping you to understand your tax obligations and optimize your position.
- Point of contact with the FTA : As your VAT representative, we act as a link between your company and the Federal Tax Administration (FTA). We handle correspondence and communications with the FTA on your behalf.
- Preparation of Swiss VAT returns : VAT compliance requires accurate and timely returns. We take care of this task, ensuring that all returns are completed correctly to avoid potential problems for your company.
- Correspondence reception and management : All correspondence relating to your activities in Switzerland is received and managed by our team. This allows you to concentrate on your business with complete peace of mind.
Our annual packages for VAT representation start at CHF 1,500 per year (excluding VAT return preparation and other consultancy services).
Contact us for a detailed offer tailored to your needs.
Answers to your frequently asked questions
In Switzerland, any foreign company with no domicile or registered office on Swiss territory must appoint a VAT fiscal representative. This is a legal obligation.
The first questions to ask yourself are the following :
- Determine whether your activity in Switzerland requires you to register for VAT.
- Understand whether registration is compulsory or optional.
- Evaluate the recurrence of your activity in Switzerland.
- Examine your overall sales to determine their impact on tax liability.
To register foreign companies in Switzerland, you need a VAT representative from the outset. Without a VAT representative, you cannot apply for a Swiss VAT number and carry out your business in Switzerland.
It is therefore advisable to act in advance and anticipate this step as soon as you know you will have to carry out operations with Switzerland. VAT registration can take from one to several weeks, depending on the FTA's workload.
1. The effective method is the one usually used by companies.
It involves declaring sales and input tax incurred for the accounting period. On the one hand, the company declares the services on which VAT will have to be paid, and on the other, takes into account the recoverable input tax.
VAT statements must be submitted quarterly using this method.
2. The lump-sum method is an easier way of calculating VAT. It is optional and requires authorization from the FTA.
It allows only sales to be declared for VAT purposes, without determining the input tax. All the company has to do is multiply its sales (including VAT) by the rate of net tax liability (TDFN) granted by the FTA.
The TDFN rates vary according to the company's business activity. Please find here the various TDFN rates based on the VAT ordinance.
VAT statements must be submitted every six months using this method.
The TDFN method can have some benefits for certain companies, depending on their activity. However, there are limitations to its application. In addition, this method is not suitable for companies acquiring services from abroad.
As each company is unique, an analysis must be carried out to determine which method is the most suitable.
We can advise you on your choice of method, which will enable you to:
- optimize your processes (VAT liability, frequency of VAT statements)
- optimize your right to deduct VAT.
A change of method is possible during the course of your VAT liability, at the start of each tax period, with a 60 days deadline (February 28 N+1).
We can also advise you on the impact of a change of method for the next tax periods.