This page inFRDEENAR

Collaborative desk with laptops and documents, top view

Limited statutory audit example in Bischofszell: the practical guide

Limited statutory audit example in Bischofszell raises the same questions for most Swiss SME owners: which obligations apply, which deadlines are running, which documents to prepare. This page covers the federal rules in force — without unnecessary jargon.

Year-end closing: how the mechanics work

The closing turns day-to-day bookkeeping into annual accounts: balance sheet, income statement and notes (art. 958 CO). Mandatory stops: accruals and deferrals, depreciation, commercially justified provisions, inventory of stock and work in progress, then VAT and AHV reconciliations.

The notes complete the figures: valuation principles, liabilities towards pension institutions, contingent liabilities, or the number of full-time positions. Careful notes reduce questions from the auditor and the banks.

The Swiss legal frame for limited statutory audit

For an owner in Bischofszell, 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 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.

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.

For limited statutory audit, a few well-chosen analytical accounts (by activity, by site) beat a forest of sub-accounts nobody ever reads.

Meeting in a bright conference room

Outsource limited statutory audit or keep it in-house?

A good test before choosing: ask the fiduciary HOW it wants to receive the documents. A precise answer (formats, frequency, platform) says more than any brochure — including in Bischofszell.

A business in Bischofszell can combine the models: internal day-to-day entry, monthly external supervision, closing and taxes with the specialist — limited statutory audit splits very well.

Bischofszell: what changes, what does not

Bischofszell (postal code 9220, canton Thurgau) applies the same federal rules as the rest of the country: what changes in Bischofszell are the cantonal counterparts — tax administration, compensation office, commercial register.

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

Frequently asked questions

How long must records related to limited statutory audit 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 Bischofszell can therefore archive fully digitally.

Do you need a fiduciary for limited statutory audit, or can you do it yourself?

Both are defensible. Below CHF 500,000 of revenue, a sole proprietorship may keep simplified accounts itself. As soon as payroll, VAT and a closing with tax stakes are involved, professional support prevents mistakes that cost more than the fees. With a shared platform, the fiduciary does not even need to be in Bischofszell.

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 Bischofszell as anywhere.

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 Bischofszell, family allowances follow the canton's rates.

Also worth reading

In neighbouring municipalities

Switch to accounting that keeps itself up to date

MyFiducia.ai automates limited statutory audit for businesses in Bischofszell: 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 example in Bischofszell