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SA incorporation for architecture firms in Commugny without the stress: how it works

SA incorporation for architecture firms in Commugny 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.

Choosing the structure: Sàrl, SA or sole proprietorship

Articles and internal organisation are written to last: circle of shareholders, transfer of shares, signature rights. Templates do the job at first, but every missing clause gets renegotiated later from a weaker position.

First accounting reflex for SA incorporation: open the document numbering with the very first expense, even before registration. Founding costs are deductible — if documented.

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 Commugny with a clean audit trail sails through these exercises.

For SA incorporation, 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.

Salaries and social contributions: the rates to know

Every salary paid in Switzerland triggers joint contributions: AHV/IV/APG at 10.6% in total, i.e. 5.3% borne by the employer and 5.3% withheld from the employee; unemployment insurance at 2.2% (1.1% each) up to CHF 148,200 of annual salary. Add occupational pension (LPP credits of 7 to 18% of the coordinated salary depending on age, employer at least 50%), accident insurance (occupational accidents paid by the employer) and family allowances.

Withholding tax applies to foreign employees without a C permit: the employer deducts tax at the cantonal rate and remits it. The annual salary certificate remains mandatory for all staff — it is the linchpin connecting payroll accounting, tax returns and AHV audits.

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Digitalising SA incorporation: what actually works

Digitising does not mean hoarding PDFs: without the document-entry link, a digital file is as opaque as a box of archives — true in Commugny as everywhere.

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.

Commugny: what changes, what does not

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

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

Frequently asked questions

Which documents should be prepared for the year-end closing?

Bank and cash statements at the closing date, the inventory of stock and work in progress, final AHV/LPP/accident settlements, contracts signed or amended during the year, invoices straddling two years and the detail of accruals. With an up-to-date document archive, most of it is already there. The list is identical in Commugny: the CO dictates it, not the commune.

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 Commugny as everywhere in Switzerland.

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 Commugny.

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 Commugny as anywhere.

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Switch to accounting that keeps itself up to date

MyFiducia.ai automates SA incorporation for businesses in Commugny: AI-read documents, posting suggestions, VAT and exports ready for your fiduciary. Try the platform or browse our other guides.

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