Swiss tax authorities hail electronic VAT registration success

Switzerland's federal tax authority says that its investment in digital VAT management has paid off. According to the AFC, almost all VAT registrations are now performed electronically. Moreover, over 90% of VAT statements are submitted digitally. 

The authority says that more than a quarter of online submissions are via the ‘Décompte TVA easy’ platform, which makes it easier for taxpayers to file VAT returns online.

More Swiss VAT registrations than ever

According to Swiss authorities, a record number of taxpayers are registered for VAT. At the end of October 2021, 400 775 companies were listed as VAT-registered. By comparison, in 2015 only 366 000 companies were registered for VAT.

VAT in Switzerland

As Switzerland is not a member of the EU, it is not subject to EU VAT regulations. Notably, VAT rates in Switzerland are lower than in EU Member States. (There is also a special rate for the hospitality industry and a reduced rate for certain goods.)

However, in many ways, Swiss and EU VAT systems are broadly comparable and EU-Swiss economic relations are governed by a number of bilateral agreements.

Note also that the turnover threshold for VAT registration in Switzerland (currently  CHF 100 000) is determined according to global turnover, not just domestic revenue. 

Making VAT even easier

As tax authorities update their rules and procedures, make sure you are always a step ahead of change. 

VAT IT are the leaders in global VAT recovery and compliance. We provide the technology, guidance and information you need to optimise your VAT in the modern economy.