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Everything that matters about social security contributions comparison in Buchillon

Social security contributions comparison in Buchillon 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.

The Swiss legal frame for social security contributions

Three documents summarise the health of a Swiss business: the balance sheet (what it owns), the income statement (what it earns) and the notes (what else you should know). All the work of social security contributions converges on those three pages, in Buchillon too.

Also worth knowing: accounts may be drawn up in the currency most relevant to the business; if that is not the franc, values must additionally be stated in CHF (art. 958d para. 3 CO). Internationally active companies gain books that match their economic reality.

Salaries and social contributions: the rates to know

The salary certificate is an official tax document: it feeds the employee's tax return and serves as the reference in AHV and tax audits. Issued once a year, it must match payroll accounting and the declaration to the compensation office to the centime.

For social security contributions, the winning mechanics are simple: one single payroll database (salaries, rates, allowances), monthly slips generated from it, and an annual declaration that is little more than a sum. Painful catch-up invoices almost always stem from scattered data.

Digitalising social security contributions: what actually works

Access for the fiduciary, the auditor and employees is set by roles: view, enter, approve, close. Well-set rights protect the data and speed up collaboration.

For social security contributions, migrating history must not block the start: begin on day one of the current financial year and import the history later if needed.

Advisor handing a document and pen to a client

Outsource social security contributions 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 social security contributions, a quarterly 30-minute check-in with the fiduciary beats an annual marathon: questions get handled while they are small.

Buchillon: what changes, what does not

Buchillon (postal code 1164, canton Vaud) applies the same federal rules as the rest of the country: what changes in Buchillon are the cantonal counterparts — tax administration, compensation office, commercial register.

Buchillon requires no special bookkeeping: the Code of Obligations applies at postal code 1164 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 social security contributions 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 Buchillon can therefore archive fully digitally.

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 Buchillon.

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 Buchillon as anywhere.

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 Buchillon as anywhere.

Also worth reading

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Switch to accounting that keeps itself up to date

MyFiducia.ai automates social security contributions for businesses in Buchillon: 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.

    Social security contributions comparison in Buchillon