SA incorporation common mistakes in Epalinges explained simply
SA incorporation common mistakes in Epalinges 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.
Choosing the structure: Sàrl, SA or sole proprietorship
A Sàrl requires CHF 20,000 of fully paid-in capital; an SA CHF 100,000 of which at least CHF 50,000 paid in. Both require a notarised deed and entry in the commercial register. A sole proprietorship arises from mere activity — registration only becomes mandatory from CHF 100,000 of annual revenue.
On taxes, corporate profit bears direct federal tax at 8.5% (statutory rate) plus cantonal and communal tax — the total effective burden varies markedly between cantons. A realistic business plan and accounts kept from the start make bank credit noticeably easier.
Digitalising SA incorporation: what actually works
Artificial intelligence has changed the economics of SA incorporation: automatic invoice reading reaches recognition rates that make manual entry marginal, and posting suggestions learn from corrections. The accountant does not disappear — the job shifts from data entry to control and advice.
The winning pair for SA incorporation: a single inbox (e-mail, scan, photo) and one simple rule — no document sits more than a few days without a proposed entry.
The Swiss legal frame for SA incorporation
AHV audits and VAT audits follow the same logic: start from the documents, trace to the entries, check consistency. A business in Epalinges with a clean audit trail sails through these exercises.
One simple principle drives SA incorporation: every franc in or out must be explainable by a document, an entry and an account. All of Swiss accounting law fits inside that traceability requirement.
Salaries and social contributions: the rates to know
Hiring the first employee triggers everything at once: affiliation to AHV and LPP funds, accident insurance, family allowances, working-time rules. A complete payroll file from day one avoids catch-ups.
A thirteenth salary, where agreed, is accrued month by month — forget it and December reveals a charge of one-twelfth of the payroll, in Epalinges as everywhere.
Epalinges: what changes, what does not
Epalinges (postal code 1066, canton Vaud) applies the same federal rules as the rest of the country: what changes in Epalinges are the cantonal counterparts — tax administration, compensation office, commercial register.
For a business in Epalinges, 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 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 Epalinges 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 Epalinges.
Do you need a fiduciary for SA incorporation, 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 Epalinges.
When is entry in the commercial register mandatory?
A Sàrl and an SA only come into existence with their registration. A sole proprietorship must register from CHF 100,000 of annual revenue; below that, registration stays voluntary but adds credibility and protects the business name. Registration goes through the canton's commercial register office — for Epalinges too.
Also worth reading
In neighbouring municipalities
Switch to accounting that keeps itself up to date
MyFiducia.ai automates SA incorporation for businesses in Epalinges: 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.