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Everything that matters about accounting records archiving online in Sevelen

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 Sevelen: what the law requires, what can be automated, and when to delegate.

Digitalising accounting records archiving: what actually works

Security is part of digitalisation: named access, tested backups, encryption of sensitive data. A digital accounting file is protected like a safe — because it is one.

For an owner in Sevelen, a dashboard only has value if the data is fresh: automating data entry means, first of all, buying up-to-date information about your own business.

The Swiss legal frame for accounting records archiving

For an owner in Sevelen, the question is never “do we need accounts?” but “at what level of detail?”. The CO sets the floor; the bank, the tax office and the shareholders set the rest.

For accounting records archiving, the classic early mistake remains mixing private and business: a dedicated bank account and documented private withdrawals eliminate half the discussions with the tax office.

A well-structured SME chart of accounts

The test of a good chart of accounts is a single question: can the owner find the margins in three clicks? If not, the chart serves the tax office but not the business — even in Sevelen.

For accounting records archiving, the right granularity is decisive: enough accounts to steer the business (margins by activity, expenses by nature), few enough that every entry finds its place without hesitation. The VAT accounts (input VAT, VAT due) deserve special care — they are the basis of the annual reconciliation.

Advisor handing a document and pen to a client

Outsource accounting records archiving or keep it in-house?

The scope goes down in writing: who enters data, who approves payments, who answers the tax office, who keeps the originals. Every “we'll see” at the start becomes a December misunderstanding — in Sevelen as elsewhere.

A business in Sevelen can combine the models: internal day-to-day entry, monthly external supervision, closing and taxes with the specialist — accounting records archiving splits very well.

Sevelen: what changes, what does not

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

For a business in Sevelen, that means VAT returns identical to anywhere in Switzerland, but a tax return and family allowances governed by the canton St. Gallen.

Frequently asked questions

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 Sevelen as everywhere in Switzerland.

What are the current Swiss VAT rates?

Since 1 January 2024: 8.1% (standard), 2.6% (reduced — for example food and medicines) and 3.8% (accommodation). Returns must be filed and paid within 60 days after the period ends (quarterly under the effective method, semi-annually under the net tax rate method). These federal rates apply unchanged in Sevelen.

What are the legal obligations for accounting records archiving in Switzerland?

The foundation is the Code of Obligations: proper bookkeeping (art. 957a CO), annual accounts (balance sheet, income statement, notes) and 10-year retention of books and records (art. 958f CO). VAT applies from CHF 100,000 of turnover, and social insurance settlements from the first employee. Nothing is different in Sevelen: federal law applies.

Which social contributions does a Swiss employer pay?

AHV/IV/APG: 5.3% employer share (the same is withheld from the employee); unemployment insurance: 1.1% each up to CHF 148,200 a year; occupational pension (LPP) by age and plan (employer at least 50%); occupational accident insurance paid by the employer; family allowances by canton. For an employer in Sevelen, family allowances follow the canton's rates.

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Switch to accounting that keeps itself up to date

MyFiducia.ai automates accounting records archiving for businesses in Sevelen: 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 online in Sevelen — Swiss guide