VAT liability and registration
We analyse your activity and turnover, then prepare registration with the Federal Tax Administration when registration is mandatory or you choose to register voluntarily.
VAT management in Geneva
VAT management in Geneva for businesses and self-employed professionals
Karpeo handles VAT liability, registration and returns for self-employed professionals, SMEs, LLCs and corporations. A named contact monitors deadlines, checks the figures and communicates with the FTA for your business.
Swiss certified accountants Your VAT engagement is handled by a trained team and supervised by an expert.
VAT deadlines monitored for you
You send us the data. We prepare and file your VAT returns.
VAT requires properly maintained accounts, regular checks and a sound understanding of your transactions. Our team turns your data into a reviewed return and contacts you only when a decision or document is needed.
- 01
We analyse
We identify the applicable rules, filing method and transaction-specific issues.
- 02
We check
We reconcile turnover, VAT entries and supporting documents.
- 03
We file
We prepare the return in the FTA portal and monitor the deadline with you.
What we handle
Complete VAT support from registration to audit.
Our work is adapted to your activity, VAT method and transactions. It can be entrusted to Karpeo separately or included in our accounting engagement.
Choosing a VAT method
Effective method or net tax rate method: we compare the administrative and financial consequences based on your sector, costs and transactions.
Preparation of VAT returns
Our team checks turnover, input tax and any transaction-specific issues before filing the return through the FTA portal.
VAT corrections and audits
We prepare necessary corrections, review the annual reconciliation and assist with FTA correspondence or an audit.
An engagement adapted to your transactions
A quote agreed before work beginsA clearly defined VAT service.
The price depends on transaction volume, the VAT method and specific features of your activity. We review your situation before proposing a precise scope and fee.
- VAT-only engagement or integrated with your accounting
- Deadlines and responsibilities defined from the outset
- Named contact for your questions
- Assistance available during an FTA audit
International transactions, excluded supplies, corrections to earlier periods and overdue files require specific analysis.
Receive my VAT quote
Sarah PrieurPartner · Swiss certified accountant
Accounting · Tax · VAT
Romain PrieurFounder · Swiss certified accountant
Structuring · Tax · Advice
5/5 · Google review“Romain Prieur and his Karpeo team stand out for smooth management, efficiency and responsiveness. I recommend them.”
Claire Thiercelin · Karpeo client
Clear professional accountability
Certified accountants to support sound VAT decisions.
VAT is not simply a matter of applying a rate. Transactions must be classified, deduction rights checked and decisions documented. At Karpeo, a trained team handles your engagement under the supervision of a Swiss certified accountant.
- Swiss federal qualificationAccountants trained and certified in Switzerland.
- EXPERTsuisseOur certified accountants are members of Switzerland’s leading professional association.
- Swiss experienceDaily experience of VAT for SMEs and self-employed professionals.
- GenevaA team available in Eaux-Vives and throughout French-speaking Switzerland.
VAT for self-employed professionals
Do not let VAT returns take time away from your business.
For a self-employed professional, VAT involves real work. The registration threshold must be monitored, the right rules applied to invoices, documents checked and every return prepared on time.
Our team handles this work. We can manage VAT alone or your accounting as well. You have a contact who knows your activity and alerts you when a decision is required.
Entrust my VAT to KarpeoWhat we can handle
- 01VAT liability analysis
We check the threshold, nature of your supplies and whether voluntary registration may be beneficial.
- 02Registration and method selection
We prepare the registration and compare the effective method with the net tax rate method.
- 03Periodic VAT returns
Our team checks the data, prepares the return and monitors each deadline.
- 04Corrections and specific issues
We assist with errors, international transactions and FTA correspondence.
Support adapted to your organisationVAT-only or combined accounting engagement
The scope is defined according to your transactions and needs.
Do you already have a VAT file?
Transfer your VAT returns without losing continuity.
Before taking over, we review previous filing periods, possible corrections and upcoming deadlines.
- 01
Diagnostic
We check your VAT method, recent returns and FTA portal access.
- 02
Reprise
We obtain the necessary data and identify issues that require correction.
- 03
Continuity
We establish a clear schedule for upcoming deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
What to know before entrusting us with your VAT.
Official rules and rates are published by the Federal Tax Administration (in French).
When must a business register for VAT?
The general threshold is CHF 100,000 of relevant annual turnover. The analysis must also consider the nature of supplies, possible exclusions, worldwide turnover for some businesses and cross-border rules. We check your situation before registration.
Do you also handle VAT for self-employed professionals?
Yes. We support sole proprietorships, liberal professions and freelancers, whether Karpeo handles their accounting or only their VAT. We can analyse liability, register the business and prepare periodic returns.
What is the difference between the effective method and the net tax rate method?
Under the effective method, VAT due on sales is reduced by deductible input tax on purchases. Under the net tax rate method, tax due is calculated using a rate assigned to the activity. The best option depends on your sector, investments, costs and turnover mix.
How often must VAT returns be filed?
Frequency depends on the method and FTA rules. Returns are generally quarterly under the effective method and semi-annual under the net tax rate method. Annual filing can be requested under certain conditions. We monitor the calendar applicable to your business.
What VAT rates currently apply in Switzerland?
The standard rate is 8.1%, the reduced rate is 2.6% and the special accommodation rate is 3.8%. The applicable rate depends on the supply. Some transactions are excluded or exempt.
What should you do if a previous VAT return contains an error?
The period, cause and effect of the error must first be identified. We review the relevant documents and entries, determine the required correction and prepare the filing with the FTA. An error should not simply be carried into the next return without analysis.
Can Karpeo assist during a VAT audit?
Yes. We prepare supporting documents, reconstruct the required reconciliations and assist with FTA correspondence. When taking over a file we did not previously maintain, an initial review defines the precise scope of our work.
Do you support businesses outside Geneva?
Yes. Our offices are in Eaux-Vives, Geneva, while our digital working methods and named contacts allow us to manage VAT returns for SMEs and self-employed professionals throughout French-speaking Switzerland.
Let’s discuss your VAT
Entrust your upcoming VAT deadlines to us.
Tell us your activity, turnover, current VAT method and next filing date. A Swiss certified accountant will reply with a precise scope and next steps.