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Limited statutory audit comparison in Chexbres without the stress: how it works

Limited statutory audit comparison in Chexbres rests on three pillars: federal law that applies across Switzerland, cantonal deadlines worth knowing, and tools that eliminate re-keying. This guide puts it all in order, fact by fact.

Year-end closing: how the mechanics work

Companies exceeding two of three thresholds for two consecutive years — CHF 20 million balance sheet total, CHF 40 million revenue, 250 full-time positions — move to an ordinary audit. Below that, the limited audit applies, and companies with no more than ten full-time positions on annual average can opt out with the consent of all shareholders.

A company in Chexbres that presents clean, punctual annual accounts gains credibility — with its bank, its suppliers and the tax administration.

Outsource limited statutory audit or keep it in-house?

Responsibility stays with the client: the fiduciary executes with care, but the signed accounts bind the company. Understanding what you sign is not optional.

For limited statutory audit, a quarterly 30-minute check-in with the fiduciary beats an annual marathon: questions get handled while they are small.

The Swiss legal frame for limited statutory audit

Whether a business sits in Chexbres or elsewhere in Switzerland, the same federal law applies — one of the strengths of the Swiss system for limited statutory audit. Cantonal differences concentrate on taxation (rates, filing deadlines); bookkeeping itself follows art. 957 ff. CO everywhere.

For limited statutory audit, 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.

Meeting in a bright conference room

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

Chexbres: what changes, what does not

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

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

Frequently asked questions

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 Chexbres.

Effective VAT method or net tax rate: how to choose?

The effective method deducts actual input VAT and files quarterly; the net tax rate method applies a flat industry rate to turnover, semi-annually, with no separate input VAT deduction. The flat rate suits low-cost structures; as investments grow, the effective method usually wins again. The choice rests on the company's own figures, in Chexbres as anywhere.

What is simplified bookkeeping and who can use it?

Sole proprietorships and partnerships under CHF 500,000 of revenue may limit themselves to recording income, expenses and assets (art. 957 para. 2 CO). Once over the threshold — or upon founding a Sàrl or an SA — full accounts with balance sheet, income statement and notes become mandatory. The CHF 500,000 threshold is assessed the same way in Chexbres.

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 Chexbres, family allowances follow the canton's rates.

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Switch to accounting that keeps itself up to date

MyFiducia.ai automates limited statutory audit for businesses in Chexbres: 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.

    Limited statutory audit comparison in Chexbres — Swiss guide