VAT Registration and Administration

In Switzerland, a business must apply to be registered for VAT if its turnover exceeds CHF 100,000 per annum. Under certain conditions, it may apply for voluntary registration where the anticipated turnover is below this threshold. Once registered, the company must complete VAT returns on a regular basis. Penalties may be imposed when returns are submitted late.

We can assist in registering appropriate Swiss companies for VAT and provide VAT administration services. Registration is given at the discretion of the Swiss Federal Tax Administration ("SFTA") and the process usually takes less than 1 month unless further queries arise during the application process. We cannot guarantee that a business will be registered, or that it will continue to be registered. We will however, if required, advise how problems can be minimised.

Our ongoing VAT administration service includes:

• Acting as VAT agent and providing a Swiss address as a point of contact for the SFTA
• Advising when VAT returns are due for submission and requesting copy invoices
• Scheduling the invoices received, and compiling the yearly return
• Advising of any VAT due or passing on any repayments received
• Completing any government survey forms where appropriate
• Attending VAT inspections made by the SFTA
• Dealing with any miscellaneous correspondence and telephone enquiries received from SFTA in relation to the business