Increase in VAT rates on 1 January 2024
Following the votation on 25 September 2022, the Swiss people have accepted an increase in VAT rates. It is planned to come into force on 1 January 2024.
Ineffective VAT management can represent a major cost risk and compliance burden for business. If done correctly it offers very significant opportunities for cash-flow and bottom-line savings. VAT raises many complex and challenging issues for both commercial and non-commercial enterprises. For example, non-recovery of VAT is a significant cost to many businesses.
VAT treatment of private shares
The subject of private shares is often misunderstood and is a source of ambiguity or even misunderstanding, which regularly leads to VAT adjustments. For example, the granting of private shares by an employer can have an impact on the salary certificate of an employee, a shareholder, a director, etc.
VAT and business transfer
Does the transferee in any case succeed the previous holder in his VAT rights and obligations when transferring a business?
European VAT rules and e-commerce
European VAT changes have been implemented for online sales (e-commerce). These changes have implications for Swiss businesses selling into the EU.
SOS VAT
Do you have a basic question about VAT?
Mazars can help you understand domestic and foreign VAT legislation and thus find your optimum business conditions. We help you avoid the risks and seize the opportunities. Our first goal is create added value for you !
Blending specialist VAT expertise and commercial skills, Mazars delivers practical solutions, adapted to individual needs. We support to our local and international clients across all economic sectors, as: commercial/ SME, state and public bodies, financial services, international business, real estate and not-for-profit organisations.
Our services include:
- Application for the Swiss VAT registration (Swiss or foreign company)
- Tax representation (fiscal representative) for foreign company not established in Switzerland
- Managing VAT : We examine the challenges that taxpayers face around the world in recovering foreign VAT/GST, managing domestic VAT/GST credits and obtaining customs and excise duty rebates
- VAT review : We analyse your business context and identify where potential problems exist. This audit will also determine any operational risks, and our VAT review will ensure you are well prepared for any possible audit by the authorities
- Assistance with preparation of the document in connection to the VAT audit by the Swiss authorities
- Representation before authorities : request of ruling, discussion with the SFTA, support during the VAT audits
- VAT consulting about various topics and agreement
- VAT compliance : carry out the VAT returns, VAT reconciliation turnover and VAT input
- Specific VAT services in connection with the real estate : we analyse each building and offer optimal optimisation and avoid the risks
- Crossborder workflows , optimization for both logistics and cash-flow ;
- Custom duties and VAT : We analyse and reorganise the flows in order to maximise efficiency
Want to know more?
Laurent Bovet Executive Director - Lausanne
Vanessa Cilio Manager - Lausanne
Brexit Radar: discover what’s ahead
After years of negotiations the UK has officially left the European Union. Since 1 January 2021, relations between Switzerland and the United Kingdom have been subject to new agreements. For many companies, it remains difficult to fully understand the varied impacts of Brexit – whether doing business directly or indirectly with the UK.
VAT liability for foreign companies in Switzerland
To find out more about how our VAT team can help you, download the brochure below.
Customs duties & VAT and Brexit
Since 1 January 2021, relations between Switzerland and the United Kingdom have been subject to new agreements. Thus, changes have a direct impact on the supply chain, customs and VAT. Particular caution is therefore required during this implementation phase as additional operational costs or new obligations may arise.