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Accounting records archiving legal basis in Elgg: the practical guide

Between VAT, social contributions and the year-end close, a Swiss SME juggles dozens of deadlines a year. This page focuses on accounting records archiving in Elgg: what the law requires, what can be automated, and when to delegate.

Digitalising accounting records archiving: what actually works

Digitising does not mean hoarding PDFs: without the document-entry link, a digital file is as opaque as a box of archives — true in Elgg as everywhere.

An SME in Elgg that digitalises gains owner time first: less filing, fewer “where is that receipt?” questions, more attention to the trade — that is the real return of accounting records archiving.

A well-structured SME chart of accounts

Nearly all Swiss SMEs rely on the standard SME chart of accounts (Sterchi/Käfer): classes 1 (assets) to 9 (closing), with revenue in class 3 and expenses in classes 4 to 6. Using this standard structure makes conversations with your fiduciary, auditor and tax administration far easier.

In an SME in Elgg, the chart of accounts is also a delegation tool: clear posting rules let a non-accountant prepare most entries without error.

Outsource accounting records archiving or keep it in-house?

A fiduciary's cost depends first on the quality of the data received: digitised, filed, reconciled documents are processed fast; a box of loose receipts is billed by the hour. Improving the internal preparation of accounting records archiving lowers fees more surely than any negotiation.

In Elgg, as everywhere, the right collaboration rhythm follows the activity: monthly for payroll and data entry, quarterly for VAT, yearly for the closing and tax advice.

Two people reviewing numerical reports

QR-bills and friction-free collections

Supplier invoices benefit from the same standard: the QR code is read on receipt, the payment is staged in e-banking with the desired due date, and the expense entry is proposed with the correct VAT. The purchase-payment-posting chain takes three moves.

For an SME in Elgg, receivables are an asset to manage: a weekly ageing balance, graduated reminders and a provision for doubtful cases — accounting records archiving provides the numbers, discipline does the rest.

Elgg: what changes, what does not

Sole proprietorship, Sàrl or SA in Elgg: the AHV contact remains the competent compensation office, and taxes follow the scales of the canton Zurich.

Elgg requires no special bookkeeping: the Code of Obligations applies at postal code 8353 as everywhere else, and a well-kept digital file transfers smoothly to any auditor in the canton.

Frequently asked questions

How long must records related to accounting records archiving be kept?

Ten years from the end of the financial year concerned (art. 958f CO). Electronic retention is permitted if the integrity and readability of the records are guaranteed — a serious digital archive validly replaces paper binders. A business in Elgg can therefore archive fully digitally.

When must a business register for VAT?

As soon as its worldwide annual turnover reaches CHF 100,000 (CHF 250,000 for non-profit sports or cultural associations). Below that, voluntary registration remains possible and often makes sense to reclaim input VAT on investments. The threshold is federal: it applies in Elgg as everywhere in Switzerland.

Does MyFiducia.ai work for a business based in Elgg?

Yes: the platform runs online, the rules applied are federal (VAT, CO, AHV), and the file can be shared with any fiduciary. A business in Elgg manages its documents, VAT and exports exactly as anywhere in Switzerland.

What is the difference between a limited and an ordinary audit?

The ordinary audit applies to companies exceeding, for two consecutive years, two of three thresholds: CHF 20 million balance sheet total, CHF 40 million revenue, 250 full-time positions. Others fall under the limited audit, and those with no more than ten full-time positions on annual average can opt out with all shareholders' consent. These federal thresholds do not depend on the registered seat — in Elgg as anywhere.

Also worth reading

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Switch to accounting that keeps itself up to date

MyFiducia.ai automates accounting records archiving for businesses in Elgg: AI-read documents, posting suggestions, VAT and exports ready for your fiduciary. Try the platform or browse our other guides.

The application is operated in French.

    Accounting records archiving legal basis in Elgg