Accounting in Switzerland for SMEs and international companies.
My Swiss Company SA, a Swiss Corporate Services Provider, takes on your day-to-day accounting, annual closing, VAT and payroll management in accordance with CO 957 ss, Swiss GAAP RPC or IFRS standards. A single point of contact for your accounting, tax and social security obligations in Switzerland.
Five company profiles that entrust us with their accounting.
My Swiss Company supports SMEs, international companies, foreign companies and foundations in handling their Swiss accounting, annual closing and payroll management. Our multi-standard approach (CO 957, Swiss GAAP RPC, IFRS for SMEs) covers local requirements and group consolidation.
We support both Swiss and cross-border entrepreneurs creating their first Swiss company and groups already established in Europe wishing to set up a subsidiary in Switzerland. From incorporation, we structure the accounting according to Swiss requirements: chart of accounts, supporting documents, VAT, payroll, annual closing and tax obligations.
→ SA · Sàrl · CO closing · Group reporting Contact the ExpertEuropean, American, Asian or international companies with a subsidiary, branch office or team in Switzerland. We manage Swiss accounting, taxation, VAT, payroll and social obligations, with reporting tailored to headquarters and coordination with the group's auditors.
→ Multi-standard · Consolidation · Group audit Contact the ExpertForeign companies operating in Switzerland on a short or long-term site, a project of less or more than 12 months, a branch office, a temporary representation office or a permanent establishment. We coordinate local accounting, VAT, work permits, posted personnel, withholding tax, AHV/BVG/UVG obligations and exchanges with Swiss authorities and CLA joint commissions.
→ Branch · Posting · VAT · WHT Contact the ExpertSwiss holding companies holding participations, subsidiaries or operating companies in Switzerland and internationally. We handle the accounting, tax and administrative management of the holding, the monitoring of dividends, participations and Swiss obligations, as well as coordination with foreign accountants when the group holds subsidiaries outside Switzerland.
→ Participations · Dividends · Withholding tax Contact the ExpertAssociations, private foundations or charitable foundations subject to accounting, tax, payroll and administrative obligations in Switzerland. We provide bookkeeping, taxation, payroll management, annual accounts, coordination with auditors, supervisory authorities and, where applicable, monitoring of requirements related to tax exemption or activity reports.
→ Supervision · Swiss GAAP RPC 21 · Exemption Contact the ExpertAuthority & point of contact
Why our clients choose us.
Twenty years of Swiss corporate services expertise, mastery of the three major accounting standards (CO 957, Swiss GAAP RPC, IFRS for SMEs) and daily cross-border coordination. Our accounting support structures your compliance, secures your closings and frees your teams from low value-added administrative tasks.
Of Swiss corporate services expertise covering accounting, taxation, payroll and advisory. Mastery of CO 957 ss, Swiss GAAP RPC and IFRS for SMEs standards for international companies.
CO 957 ss (Swiss statutory), Swiss GAAP RPC (SMEs and national groups), IFRS for SMEs (international consolidation). Choice adapted to your company profile.
31 client reviews published on Google Business Profile. Long-lasting satisfaction confirmed by relationships averaging 5 to 10 years.
AIWM, SFAA, STEP and IFA affiliations — demanding Swiss and international professional bodies in terms of governance and ongoing training.
Your point of contact
Andres Taracido — Federal Diploma of Expert in Finance and Investments; then a Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM) diploma; graduate of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and holder of the TEP accreditation; a CAS in SME Taxation; and IAF-certified Insurance & Pension Advisor.
What our clients say.
★ 4.7/5 · 31 reviews published on Google Business Profile
Mr Andres Taracido and his team are the most reliable Swiss partners you could ask for. My firm and I have been working with Swiss Financial Company & Trust for 6 or 7 years and we recommend them 100 %.
I strongly recommend this Corporate Services Provider in Geneva. Valuable advice, serious work and very responsive. Plus, the team is very friendly!
A precise and quick response on an important question allowed me to avoid many troubles with the administration. Thank you!
Three levels of support calibrated to your structure.
Each accounting engagement is personalised after audit. The rates below reflect the entry point for three typical profiles — the exact scope, volume of entries, number of employees and reporting level are defined together during the complimentary audit. Rates excluding Swiss VAT 8.1 %, with no minimum commitment period.
Start-up
Basic accounting support for young Swiss companies with clear activity and a controlled volume of entries. My Swiss Company ensures day-to-day bookkeeping, document tracking, VAT returns where applicable and the annual closing, so you remain compliant while growing your business.
Swiss SA or Sàrl with clear commercial activity, moderate volume of entries and standard accounting obligations. Ideal for young companies that want a controlled price without compromising on the quality of follow-up, compliance and availability of their contact.
SME
Comprehensive support for growing start-ups, structured SMEs and Swiss subsidiaries whose administrative needs are becoming more complex. My Swiss Company coordinates accounting, VAT, payroll, social declarations, reporting and annual closing with monitoring tailored to your actual volume.
Start-up grown into an SME, company with salaried team, medium to high volume of entries, multiple activity streams, reporting needs, VAT, payroll or coordination with investors, auditors or foreign group. Ideal when administrative management can no longer be treated as basic bookkeeping.
Associations / Foundations
Administrative, accounting and tax support for associations, private foundations or charitable foundations that must comply with Swiss obligations while maintaining clear and transparent management. My Swiss Company handles accounting, payroll, annual accounts, taxation, coordination with the auditor and exchanges with supervisory authorities.
Swiss association or foundation with regular activity, donors, subsidies, employees, compensated volunteers, accounts to be presented to the Board, auditor or supervisory authority. Ideal for organisations that want serious, compliant and readable management without internalising a complete administrative function
The activities we do not support.
For the sake of transparency and quality of service, certain activity profiles fall outside our corporate services scope. Our clientele consists exclusively of structured legal entities (SA, Sàrl, branch, holding, foundation) with B2B activity or an international project. We refer the profiles below to local firms better suited to their operational reality.
Individuals & self-employed
Sole proprietorships, self-employed entrepreneurs, freelancers, liberal professions. My Swiss Company exclusively supports legal entities.
Restaurants, cafés & food service
Restaurants, cafés, bars, food trucks, caterers. Very high volume sector, cash handling and tight margins — outside our senior corporate services scope.
Exchange offices & cash services
Currency exchange offices, money transfer agents, cash handling companies. Specific FINMA requirements, cash volumes, enhanced AML compliance — outside our general corporate services scope.
Sports clubs, fitness & wellness
Gyms, clubs, yoga/pilates studios, independent sports coaches. Multiple subscription model, atomised member management.
Individual transport & ride-hailing
Taxis, ride-hailing drivers, independent couriers, driving schools. Fragmented and atomised activity, not very compatible with a structured corporate services engagement.
Cash-intensive local shops
Bakeries, kiosks, bazaars, small local food shops. High volumes of entries on low margins — not efficient for us nor for you.
Activities with enhanced AML compliance
Personal crypto trading, MLM, gambling without clear licence, escort, activities without a clear legal framework. Incompatible with our AML criteria and SRO framework.
Sensitive remote sales activities
We do not support activities related to astrology, esotericism, fortune-telling, lotteries, games of chance or promises of uncertain gains, due to regulatory and reputational risks.
If your activity is not listed here, we are happy to consider your administration request via our contact form.
Your accounting, tax and administrative obligations in Switzerland, what the law requires.
Any company registered in the Swiss Commercial Register must keep accounts in accordance with art. 957 ss of the Swiss Code of Obligations. These obligations remain even if the company is inactive, dormant or without turnover. A company without activity must still keep its supporting documents, prepare an annual closing, file its tax returns and respond to requests from the authorities. Depending on its situation, it may also remain concerned by VAT, social contributions, cantonal and communal tax or direct federal tax. In case of delay or absence of declaration, the authorities may proceed with an ex officio assessment: they estimate the amounts due themselves, often unfavourably, with risks of interest, reminders, fines or administrative blockages. My Swiss Company takes on your key obligations to secure your accounting, tax, VAT and social compliance in Switzerland.
Bookkeeping (CO 957)
Article 957 of the Swiss Code of Obligations requires every company to keep regular, complete and faithful accounts:
- chronological recording of all transactions;
- maintenance of a general ledger and subsidiary accounts;
- documented proof of each entry (supporting documents);
- Swiss chart of accounts or compliant with a recognised standard.
Irregular accounting can lead to rejection by the tax administration, criminal sanctions (art. 166 SCC), or even nullity of the tax return.
Annual closing and annual accounts
Every commercial company must prepare annual accounts within 6 months following the close of the financial year (art. 958c CO):
- Balance sheet (assets, liabilities, equity);
- Income statement (income, expenses, result);
- Notes (mandatory additional explanations);
- Cash flow statement and performance report if Swiss GAAP RPC.
The annual accounts must be approved by the supreme body (general meeting for SA, partners for Sàrl) and kept for 10 years.
Audit thresholds: limited or ordinary audit
The audit obligation depends on size (art. 727 CO):
Swiss audit thresholds — commercial companies:
| Type of audit | Triggering thresholds | Standards |
|---|---|---|
| No audit | < 10 FTE full-time (opt-out) | — |
| Limited audit | Company > 10 FTE or by choice | Swiss Standards on Review (SSR) |
| Ordinary audit | 2 criteria out of 3: Balance sheet > 20 M, Turnover > 40 M, > 250 FTE | Swiss Auditing Standards |
| Listed company | Always ordinary audit | Swiss Auditing Standards |
Opt-out (waiving the limited audit) is only possible if the company has fewer than 10 FTE on average annually AND with unanimous shareholder agreement.
VAT and coordination with accounting
VAT registration is mandatory above CHF 100’000 of worldwide annual turnover as soon as part is realised in Switzerland (art. 10 VAT Act):
- standard rate: 8.1 %;
- reduced rate: 2.6 %;
- special accommodation rate: 3.8 %.
Accounting entries must correctly integrate input and output VAT, and the annual reconciliation between accounting and VAT returns must be documented.
Incorrect rate qualification or faulty reconciliation leads to tax reminders, automatic default interest and administrative sanctions during FTA audits.
Payroll and mandatory social insurance
From the first salaried employee in Switzerland, the employer must:
- affiliate with an AHV / IV / APG / ALV fund (1st pillar);
- take out BVG insurance (2nd pillar, from CHF 22’680 annual salary);
- subscribe to UVG accident insurance (mandatory);
- withhold withholding tax (WHT) for non-residents and B/C/G/L permit holders;
- declare family allowances according to the employer’s canton.
The annual salary certificate is mandatory for each employee (art. 127 DFTA) and must be delivered by January of the following year at the latest.
Retention of documents and deadlines
Article 958f CO sets retention obligations:
- annual accounts, audit report: 10 years;
- accounting books and supporting documents: 10 years;
- business correspondence: 10 years;
- salary certificates: 5 years minimum.
- Real estate transactions: 20 years
Retention can be digital (under technical conditions) but must guarantee integrity, authenticity and readability throughout the legal period.
What you gain by entrusting your administration to My Swiss Company, not just a simple accounting firm.
Developing a company in Switzerland requires time, rigour and perfect administrative coordination. Accounting, taxation, payroll, secretarial, VAT, authorities, social insurance, legal deadlines: each topic poorly followed can slow down your business, mobilise your teams and create unnecessary risks.
My Swiss Company takes charge of this administrative management in a complete and coordinated manner. Our role is not only to keep your accounts, but to manage all the obligations surrounding your Swiss company, so that nothing remains unmonitored. You focus on your priority: developing your business, your clients, your sales and your operations. We take care of the rest.
Administration & corporate secretarial.
We take charge of the day-to-day administration of your Swiss company: correspondence, incoming and outgoing mail, minutes of general meetings and boards of directors, document management, archiving according to Swiss legal requirements, maintenance of the shareholder register and beneficial owners.
— Corporate housekeeping · 5 languages · multi-cantonalPayroll management & human resources.
Monthly payslips, social declarations AHV, BVG, UVG, ALV and withholding tax, annual certificates, family allowances, monitoring of entries/exits, AHV audits and coordination with funds. B, C, G, L work permits on request.
— Compliant payroll · permits · applicable CLAsLegal services.
We support you on the day-to-day legal procedures of your Swiss company: changes to the Commercial Register, labour law, commercial contracts, NDAs, partnerships, transfers of shares or quotas, restructurings, trademarks, intellectual property and legal advice related to the life of the company.
— Swiss law · multi-cantonal · cross-borderAccounting, VAT & taxation.
A dedicated team of qualified and experienced professionals handles your accounting, VAT and taxation with rigour and continuity: day-to-day bookkeeping, annual closing, tax returns, reporting, coordination with the audit body and tax advice tailored to your structure.
— Multi-standard · FTA · FOCBS · coordinated auditBusiness insurance.
Analysis of your business risks and recommendation of suitable coverage: business liability, UVG, legal protection, transport, business interruption, cyber risks or specific guarantees. Registered with FINMA as an insurance and pension advisor, My Swiss Company supports you in selecting insurers, comparing offers and negotiating essential conditions.
— Independent broker · multi-insurer · IAFBusiness advice & strategy.
My Swiss Company supports you in financial, tax and administrative decisions at each phase of development: creation, growth, structuring, stabilisation, restructuring, succession or sale. With 30 years of cross-border experience and a banking, tax and administrative Swiss network, we help you steer your company beyond simple accounting.
— 30 years · 20+ countries · cross-border · senior networkA single point of contact, six coordinated areas of expertise and more than 20 years of senior experience. We structure and pilot all of your Swiss administration, so that you can fully focus on the growth and strategic management of your business.
Five company profiles that we support in Swiss accounting
From the Swiss start-up to the international subsidiary, from the holding to the foundation, each engagement presents specific accounting, tax and administrative obligations. Our experience allows us to quickly identify your situation and calibrate the appropriate level of support.
A French SME in the digital services sector opens a Sàrl subsidiary in Geneva with an initial team of 4 employees (two Swiss, two cross-border workers).
Client needs:
- monthly bookkeeping according to CO 957;
- payroll management with withholding tax for cross-border workers;
- quarterly VAT returns to the FTA;
- consolidated reporting to the parent company.
Our intervention:
- migration of entries to our ERP platform in 4 weeks;
- set-up of payslips with automatic WHT deduction;
- monthly CO conversion → accounting delivered by D+10;
- coordination with the group's auditor in Paris.
A European family holds a portfolio of participations in 6 operating companies (EU and Switzerland) via an SA holding based in Zug.
Client needs:
- light accounting with participations treated at acquisition value;
- management of withholding tax on received and distributed dividends;
- CO 957 annual closing for family general meeting;
- optimised cantonal tax return.
Our intervention:
- entries reduced to 30-50 per year, structured in-house;
- withholding tax recovery via form 823C;
- annual cantonal tax advice on the holding structure;
- coordination with the Swiss resident director (SDS subsidiary).
A Parisian cosmetics brand opens a Sàrl subsidiary in Zug to manage its B2C sales in Switzerland, with a volume of around 500 orders per month and a CCP account (Centralised Customs Clearance Procedure).
Client needs:
- recovery of import VAT every quarter;
- annual reconciliation VAT / accounting;
- monthly reporting on gross margin, return rate, average basket.
Our intervention:
- Implementation of aggregated accounting;
- automated entries;
- systematic quarterly import VAT recovery;
- real-time dashboard shared with management.
An independent wealth management company based in Geneva, authorised by FINMA under FinIA, manages CHF 800 million in assets under mandate for private and institutional clients.
Client needs:
- mandatory Swiss GAAP RPC accounting for regulated entity;
- semi-annual and annual AML auditor reporting;
- coordination with FINMA-approved audit body (ordinary audit);
- accounting treatment of fees, performance fees and commissions.
Our intervention:
- full conversion CO → Swiss GAAP RPC;
- preparation of annual ordinary audit file;
- direct coordination with the FINMA-approved auditor;
- advice on fee treatment under 2017 Federal Tribunal ruling.
A recognised charitable foundation, founded by a European family, finances study scholarships and research projects. Endowment capital CHF 25 M, annual distributions CHF 2-3 M, internal team of 3 employees.
Client needs:
- Swiss GAAP RPC 21 accounting;
- performance report detailing the use of funds;
- annual file for the federal supervisory authority;
- maintenance of cantonal and federal tax exemption;
- payroll management of employees.
Our intervention:
- strict application of Swiss GAAP RPC 21;
- supervision file prepared and filed each year;
- coordination with the federal authority and the foundation board;
- Tax ruling to obtain exemption.
The legal framework and standards, made clear.
Swiss accounting is based on a codified legal foundation (Swiss Code of Obligations art. 957 ss) supplemented by recognised professional standards (Swiss GAAP RPC, IFRS for SMEs). The choice of framework depends on your profile, your size and your reporting needs.
Everything about accounting in Switzerland
Answers to the questions we receive every week about outsourced accounting, Swiss standards, deadlines and costs for SMEs and international companies.
How much does the accounting of an SME in Switzerland cost?
Rates vary according to the volume of entries and the number of employees. At My Swiss Company, four packages: Closing CHF 1’500/year (dormant companies), Essential from CHF 250/month (SMEs without integrated employees), Business from CHF 500/month (SMEs with payroll + VAT), Premium from CHF 1’500/month (multi-standard groups). All our packages are without commitment beyond 12 months and adapted on complimentary audit.
Which accounting standard to choose: CO, Swiss GAAP RPC or IFRS?
CO 957 ss is mandatory for every company registered with the Commercial Register. Swiss GAAP RPC provides a more faithful image (true & fair view), recommended for structured SMEs and mandatory for listed (SIX, BX) and regulated (FinSA/FinIA) companies. IFRS for SMEs is suitable for subsidiaries of international companies requiring comparable reporting. We assess your profile and recommend the optimal framework.
From when must my company be audited?
A limited audit is mandatory as soon as your company exceeds 10 FTE on average annually. An ordinary audit is mandatory if you exceed two of the three following thresholds: balance sheet > CHF 20 M, turnover > CHF 40 M, or > 250 FTE. Under 10 FTE, you can opt out of any audit with the unanimous agreement of partners or shareholders. We coordinate with your audit body if applicable.
What are the annual closing deadlines in Switzerland?
Annual accounts must be prepared within 6 months following the close of the financial year (art. 958c CO). Cantonal tax declarations have variable deadlines: 31 March or 30 September depending on the canton, with the possibility of extension. We guarantee delivery of your closings in time for your general meeting and for your tax filings.
Can you also manage VAT and payroll for my employees?
Yes — this is precisely the Business package. We manage quarterly VAT returns, monthly payroll management (AHV, BVG, UVG, ALV, WHT), annual certificates, family allowances and social declarations. For foreign companies, see also our dedicated VAT tax representative in Switzerland service.
How does the posting of personnel to Switzerland work?
The posting of foreign employees to Switzerland involves specific procedures with SECO, compliance with applicable collective labour agreements (CLA), Swiss minimum wages, and various administrative and social obligations. My Swiss Company supports these procedures in addition to accounting and payroll management.
Do you work with the Big 4 and international auditors?
Yes. For international companies and regulated companies, we coordinate daily with the Big 4 (PwC, EY, KPMG, Deloitte) and regional firms (BDO, RSM, Mazars, Grant Thornton). Our role is to prepare statutory accounts and group reporting according to the required framework, and to provide all supporting documents to the auditor.
Which accounting platform do you use?
We work with a digital ERP platform that allows your team and ours to collaborate in real time: drag & drop invoice upload, automated entry, compliant 10-year digital archiving, real-time dashboard. The tools are accessible from computer and mobile application, and compatible with the main ERPs on the market (Bexio, Abacus, SAP, Sage, NetSuite).
What happens if I do not keep my accounts correctly?
Irregular accounting exposes the company to: rejection by the tax administration and ex officio assessment, criminal sanctions (art. 166 SCC — mismanagement or fraudulent bankruptcy), personal liability of directors, and in case of bankruptcy, possible civil and criminal prosecution. The risk far exceeds the cost of outsourcing to an experienced Swiss Corporate Services Provider.
Do you take over accounting already started by another provider?
Yes, this is even frequent. The complimentary audit (step 1 of our procedure) includes a review of the existing accounting, identification of improvement points, and migration planning. The typical switch is made at a VAT quarter or at an annual closing to ensure continuity. No interruption of your administration is necessary.
Do you work with foreign companies without establishment in Switzerland?
Yes — for foreign companies, we combine as needed: registered address, resident director mandate, VAT tax representation, and of course the day-to-day accounting of the branch or subsidiary. A single point of contact for the whole.
How many languages do you speak?
My Swiss Company works in 5 languages: French, English, Spanish, Italian and German. Our clients are in 20+ countries and we manage daily correspondence with parent companies, banks, cantonal authorities and international auditors in the appropriate language.
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All My Swiss Company services in Switzerland.
Beyond company formation, My Swiss Company SA supports entrepreneurs and international groups throughout the entire life cycle of their Swiss entity — registered address, administration, tax representation and governance.
Accounting, VAT, Payroll & SME Taxation
- Bookkeeping, closing and financial statements compliant with the CO
- VAT: returns, rate control and prevention of reassessments
- Payroll: AHV, BVG, UVG, permits and employee taxation
Swiss Company Formation: SA, Sàrl, Branch & Holding
- Company formation: SA, Sàrl, branch & holding
- Incorporation with deed, capital and registration with the CR
- Business creation with banking and tax logic
Swiss Resident Director & Manager: Nominee Mandate
- Swiss resident director for SA with valid representation
- Swiss resident manager for Sàrl with documentary monitoring
- KYC, governance and periodic control in Switzerland
Registered Address: Seat & Mail
- Legal seat address, c/o and official notifications to the CR
- Reception, sorting and forwarding of administrative and banking mail
- Registered address integrated into a real administration structure
VAT Tax Representative in Switzerland for Foreign Companies
- VAT registration in Switzerland and official tax representation
- Quarterly VAT returns, corrections and exchanges with the FTA & customs
- Analysis of risks of subjection and non-compliance upstream
Formation & Administration of Swiss Foundations
- Formation of private, family or charitable foundations
- Structuring, board governance and annual administrative monitoring
- Tax framework, possible exemption and documentary compliance