Title 1 General Provisions |
Art. 2 Pledge and special terms of sale
(Art. 3 let. d VAT Act) 1 The sale of goods represents a supply of goods even if a reservation of title is recorded. 2 The transfer of ownership of goods as security or as a pledge does not represent a supply of goods. If the right under the transfer of ownership as security or under the pledge is enforced, a supply of goods takes place. 3 A sale of goods with simultaneous leaseback to the seller for use (sale and leaseback business) does not qualify as a supply of goods if at the time of the conclusion of the contract a re-transfer is agreed. In this case the service of the lessor does not qualify as making goods available for use, but as a financing service under Article 21 paragraph 2 number 19 letter a VAT Act. |
Art. 3 Declaration of subjection on import of goods
(Art. 7 para. 3 let. a VAT Act)2 1 ...3 2 If the import is made in the supplier’s own name based on a declaration of subjection, for serial transactions the prior supplies of goods are deemed to be made abroad and the subsequent supplies on Swiss territory. 3 If the supplier does not intend to import in its own name, it must disclose this on the customer’s invoice.4 2 Amended by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). 3 Repealed by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, with effect from 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). 4 Amended by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Art. 4 Supply of goods from abroad onto Swiss territory from a warehouse on Swiss territory 5
(Art. 7 para. 1 VAT Act) In relation to goods that have been moved from abroad into a warehouse on Swiss territory and are delivered from this warehouse, the place of supply is located abroad if the recipient of the supply and the consideration to be paid are known at the time the goods are moved onto Swiss territory and the goods are released for free circulation at the time of supply. 5 Amended by No I of the O of 30 Oct. 2013, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 3839). |
Art. 4a Time of change in the place of supply in respect of mail-order supplies 6
(Art. 7 para. 3 let. b VAT Act) 1 Where goods supplied from abroad onto Swiss territory are exempt from import tax because of the negligible amount of tax due, the place of supply is deemed to be abroad until the end of the month in which the supplier reaches the turnover threshold of 100 000 francs from such supplies. 2 From the following month the place of supply for all supplies made by the supplier from abroad onto Swiss territory is deemed to be on Swiss territory. From this time, the supplier must import the goods in its own name. 3 The place of supply remains on Swiss territory until the end of any calendar year in which the supplier fails to reach the turnover threshold of 100 000 francs from supplies in accordance with paragraph 1. 4 If the supplier fails to reach the turnover threshold but does not notify the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) of this fact in writing, the supplier is deemed to be subject to the VAT Act in accordance with Article 7 paragraph 3 letter a.7 6 Inserted by No I of the O of 15 Aug. 2018, in force since 1 Jan. 2019 (AS 2018 3143). 7 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 5 Permanent establishment
(Art. 7 paras. 2, 8 and 10 para. 3 VAT Act) 1 A permanent establishment is a fixed place of business through which the activity of the business is wholly or partly carried on. 2 In particular the following qualify as permanent establishments:
3 In particular the following are not permanent establishments:
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Art. 5a Shipping traffic on Lake Constance, the Untersee and the Rhine to the Swiss border below Basel 8
(Art. 8 para. 2 let. e VAT Act) Passenger transport by ship on Lake Constance, the Untersee and the Rhine between the Untersee and the Swiss border below Basel is deemed to be a supply made abroad. 8 Inserted by No I of the O of 12 Oct. 2011, in force since 1 Jan. 2012 (AS 2011 4739). |
Art. 6a Place of supply for restaurant, cultural and similar supplies while transporting passengers in border areas 9
(Art. 9 VAT Act) 1 If supplies under Article 8 paragraph 2 letters c and d VAT Act are made while transporting passengers in border areas that are partly on Swiss territory and partly abroad or are on Lake Constance, and if the place of supply cannot be clearly determined as being on Swiss territory or abroad, the supply is deemed to be made at the place where the person making the supply has its place of business, or a permanent establishment or, in the absence of such a place of business or such a permanent establishment, its domicile or the place from which it works. 2 If the taxable person proves that a supply under paragraph 1 was made abroad, Article 8 paragraph 2 letters c and d VAT Act applies. 9 Inserted by No I of the O of 12 Oct. 2011, in force since 1 Jan. 2012 (AS 2011 4739). |
Title 2 Domestic Tax |
Chapter 1 Taxable Person |
Section 1 Business Activity and Turnover Threshold |
Art. 810
10 Repealed by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, with effect from 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Art. 9 Exemption and termination of the exemption from tax liability for Swiss businesses 11
(Art. 10 para. 2 let. a and c and 14 para. 1 let. a and 3 VAT Act) 1 Businesses with place of business, domicile or permanent establishment on Swiss territory that commence their activity or extend their activity by taking over a business or opening a new business division are exempt from tax liability if at the time, based on the circumstances, it must be assumed that the turnover threshold referred to in Article 10 paragraph 2 letter a or c VAT Act for supplies made on Swiss territory and abroad will not be achieved in the following twelve months. If it is not yet possible at the time to assess whether the turnover threshold will be achieved, a re-assessment must be carried out within three months at the latest. 2 Where it must be assumed based on the re-assessment that the turnover threshold will be achieved, the exemption from tax liability ends either:
3 For businesses previously exempt from tax liability, the exemption from tax liability ends with the business year in which the relevant turnover threshold is achieved. If the activity giving rise to tax liability was not carried on for a full year, the turnover must be extrapolated to a full year. 11 Amended by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Art. 9a Exemption and termination of the exemption from tax liability for foreign businesses 12
(Art. 10 para. 2 let. a and c and 14 para. 1 let. b and 3 VAT Act) 1 Businesses that do not have a place of business, domicile or permanent establishment on Swiss territory that make a supply for the first time on Swiss territory are exempt from tax liability if at the time, based on the circumstances, it must be assumed that the turnover threshold referred to in Article 10 paragraph 2 letter a or c VAT Act for supplies made on Swiss territory and abroad not will be achieved within the following twelve months. If it is not yet possible at the time to assess whether the turnover threshold will be achieved, a re-assessment must be carried out within three months at the latest. 2 Where it must be assumed based on the re-assessment that the turnover threshold will be achieved, the exemption from tax liability ends either:
3 For businesses previously exempt from tax liability, the exemption from tax liability ends with the business year in which the relevant turnover threshold is achieved. If the activity giving rise to tax liability was not carried on for a full year, the turnover must be extrapolated to a full year. 12 Inserted by No I of the O of 12 Nov. 2014 (AS 2014 3847). Amended by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Art. 10 Telecommunication and electronic services
(Art. 10 para. 2 let. b VAT Act) 1 Telecommunication and electronic services are in particular:
2 Telecommunication or electronic services do not include in particular:
13 Amended by Annex 2 No II 2 of the Gambling Ordinance of 7 Nov. 2018, in force since 1 Jan. 2019 (AS 2018 5155). |
Art. 1114
14 Repealed by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, with effect from 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Section 2 Public Authorities |
Art. 12 Taxable person
(Art. 12 para. 1 VAT Act) 1 The sub-division of a public authority into agencies follows the classification in the financial accounts, provided this corresponds with the organisational and functional structure. 2 Other public law institutions covered by Article 12 paragraph 1 VAT Act are:
3 For purposes of cross-border collaboration, foreign public authorities may also be included in special-purpose associations and simple partnerships. 4 An institution within the meaning of paragraph 2 is a taxable person as a whole. |
Art. 1315
15 Repealed by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, with effect from 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Art. 14 Business supplies of a public authority
(Art. 12 para. 4 VAT Act) The following supplies in particular of public authorities are of a business character and therefore taxable:16
16 Amended by No I of the O of 18 June 2010, in force since 1 Jan. 2010 (AS 2010 2833). 17 Repealed by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, with effect from 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Section 3 Group Taxation |
Art. 16 Group members
(Art. 13 VAT Act) 1 Unincorporated entities without legal capacity are equivalent to legal entities for the purpose of Article 13 VAT Act. 2 Insurance agents may be members of a group. 3 ...19 19 Repealed by No I of the O of 12 Nov. 2014, with effect from 1 Jan. 2015 (AS 2014 3847). |
Art. 17a Group representative 20
(Art. 13 VAT Act) The group representative may be:
20 Inserted by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 18 Application for group taxation 21
(Art. 13, 65a para. 1 and 67 para. 2 VAT Act) 1 On request, the FTA shall enter the group in the register of taxable persons (VAT register). 2 If the conditions set out in Article 13 paragraph 1 of the VAT Act for group taxation are met at the beginning of the tax period, the FTA shall register the group as of this date, provided that:
3 If the conditions set out in Article 13 paragraph 1 of the VAT Act for group taxation are only met during the current tax period, the FTA shall register the group as of this date, provided that:
4 The application must enclose written declarations by each group member, in which they declare their consent to group taxation and its effects and to joint representation by the group member or person designated in the application. 21 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 19 Changes in the group representation
(Art. 13 VAT Act) 1 Notice must be given to the FTA of any change in the representative of a VAT group.22 2 If the former group representative resigns and notice of a new group representative is not given to the FTA, the FTA may after prior warning designate one of the group members as the group representative.23 3 The group members may jointly withdraw the mandate from the group representative provided that at the same time they designate a new group representative. Paragraph 1 applies by analogy. 22 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). 23 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 20 Changes in the composition of a group 24
(Art. 13 VAT Act) 1 If a member no longer fulfils the requirements for participating in the group taxation in accordance with Article 13 paragraph 1 VAT Act, the group representative must notify the FTA. 2 On application, the legal entity may join an existing group or a member can leave a group at the end of the current tax period. 3 If a legal entity meets the requirements of Article 13 paragraph 1 VAT Act for participation in the group taxation for the first time during the current tax period, admission to an existing VAT group may also be applied at the time these requirements are met provided:
24 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 21 Administrative and accounting requirements
(Art. 13 VAT Act) 1 The members must close their accounts on the same balance sheet date; this does not apply to holding companies if for accounting reasons they have a different balance sheet date. 2 Every member must prepare an internal tax return, which must be consolidated in the VAT group’s return. |
Art. 22 Joint and several liability for group taxation
(Art. 15 para. 1 let. c VAT Act) 1 The joint and several liability of a member of a VAT group extends to all tax, interest and cost claims that arise during its membership, with the exception of fines. 2 If legal enforcement has been initiated against a group member, additional tax has been claimed by an assessment notice from the group representative or if an audit has been announced, a group member may not elude joint and several liability by withdrawing from the group. |
Chapter 2 Object of Taxation |
Section 1 Supply Relationship |
Art. 26 Supplies to closely related persons 25
(Art. 18 para. 1 VAT Act) The provision of supplies to closely related persons constitutes a supply relationship. Assessment is governed by Article 24 paragraph 2 VAT Act. 25 The correction of 12 Dec. 2017 only concerns the French text (AS 2017 7263). |
Art. 28 Cross-border posting of employees within a group of companies
(Art. 18 VAT Act) A supply relationship does not exist in the cross-border posting of employees within a group, if:
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Art. 29 Subsidies and other public law contributions
(Art. 18 para. 2 let. a VAT Act) 1 Subject to Article 18 paragraph 3 VAT Act, subsidies or other public contributions are in particular amounts paid by public authorities as:27
2 A public authority may designate funds to the recipient as a subsidy or other contribution under public law up to the expiry of the deadline under Article 72 paragraph 1 of the VAT Act for the tax period in which the payment is made.29 27 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). 29 Inserted by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 30 Remittance of cash flows that do not constitute considerations
(Art. 18 para. 2 VAT Act) 1 Cash flow remittances that do not constitute considerations under Article 18 paragraph 2 VAT Act, in particular within educational and research cooperation projects, are not subject to the tax. 2 The input tax deduction under Article 33 paragraph 2 VAT Act must be made by the last payment recipient. |
Section 2 Plurality of Supplies |
Art. 31 Special tools
(Art. 19 para. 1 VAT Act) 1 Special tools that a taxable person purchases, has made to order, or makes specifically for the performance of a manufacturing contract constitute part of the supply of the goods that they are used to manufacture. It is irrelevant whether the special tools:
2 Special tools are in particular printing plates, photolithos and photo settings, punching and draw tools, gauges, jigs, pressing and spraying forms, castings, foundry modules, dies and films for printed circuits. |
Art. 32 Aggregated units and combinations of supplies 30
(Art. 19 para. 2 VAT Act) Article 19 paragraph 2 VAT Act applies by analogy when determining whether in the case of combinations of supplies the place of supply is located on Swiss territory or abroad. 30 Amended by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Section 3 Supplies exempt from the Tax without Credit |
Art. 34 Human medical treatment
(Art. 21 para. 2 no 3 VAT Act) 1 Human medical treatment is the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, injuries and other disorders of the physical and mental health of humans and activities that serve the prevention of human illnesses and health disorders. 2 The following are equivalent to human medical treatment:
3 The following in particular do not constitute human medical treatment:
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Art. 35 Requirement for recognition as a provider of human medical treatment
(Art. 21 para. 2 no 3 VAT Act) 1 A provider possesses a licence to practise its profession within the meaning of Article 21 paragraph 2 number 3 VAT Act, if it:
2 Members of human medical and nursing professions within the meaning of Article 21 paragraph 2 number 3 VAT Act are in particular:
31 Inserted by No I of the O of 30 Oct. 2013, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 3839). 32 Inserted by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). 33 Inserted by No II of the O of 18 Dec. 2020 (Sars-CoV-2 Rapid Tests) (AS 2020 5801). Amended by No I of the O of 17 Dec. 2021, in force since 1 Jan. 2022 until 31 Dec. 2022, extended to 30 June 2024 (AS 2021 891; 2022 838). 34 Inserted by No II of the O of 27 Jan. 2021 (AS 2021 53). Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). 35 Inserted by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 36 Cultural supplies
(Art. 21 para. 2 nos 14 and 16 VAT Act) 1 ...36 2 Creators within the meaning of Article 21 paragraph 2 number 16 VAT Act are creators of works under Articles 2 and 3 CopA, to the extent they provide cultural supplies of services and supplies of goods. 36 Repealed by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, with effect from 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Art. 3737
37 Repealed by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, with effect from 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Art. 38 Cooperation between public authorities 38
(Art. 21 para. 2 Sec. 28 let. b and c VAT Act) 1 Interests of public authorities in private or public companies within the meaning of Article 21 paragraph 2 number 28 letter b VAT Act include both direct and indirect equity interests. 2 Institutions and foundations established by public authorities within the meaning of Article 21 paragraph 2 number 28 letter c VAT Act include institutions and foundations both directly and indirectly established by public authorities. 3 The tax exemption extends to:
38 Amended by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). 39 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 38a Educational and research institutions 40
(Art. 21 para. 7 VAT Act) 1 Educational and research institutions are:
2 Private sector businesses do not qualify as educational and research institutions. 40 Inserted by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Art. 39 Option for the taxation of supplies exempt from the tax without credit 42
(Art. 22 VAT Act) The option for declaration in the tax return must be exercised in the tax period in which the sales tax debt arose. On expiry of the finalisation deadline under Article 72 paragraph 1 VAT Act, it is no longer possible to exercise the option or not to continue with an exercised option. 42 Amended by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Section 4 Supplies exempt from the Tax with Credit |
Art. 4043
43 Repealed by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, with effect from 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Art. 41 Tax exemption with credit for international air traffic
(Art. 23 para. 4 VAT Act) 1 Exempt from the tax with credit are:
2 Domestic sections of international flights are exempt from tax with credit if the flight is interrupted on Swiss territory only by a technical stopover or to change to a connecting flight. |
Art. 42 Tax exemption with credit for international rail traffic
(Art. 23 para. 4 VAT Act) 1 Cross-border transport by rail is exempt from the tax with credit, subject to paragraph 2, provided it is a section of a journey for which there is an international ticket. This includes:
2 For the tax exemption with credit, the portion of the ticket price covering the foreign section of the journey must be higher than the VAT not chargeable because of the tax exemption with credit. 3 No tax exemption with credit is granted on the sale of flat price tickets, in particular the GA Travelcards and the Half-Fare Travelcards that are used in whole or part for tax exempt transport. |
Art. 43 Tax exemption with credit for international bus traffic
(Art. 23 para. 4 VAT Act) 1 Exempt from the tax with credit is the transport of persons by bus or coach on sections of a journey which:
2 Exempt from the tax with credit is the transport of persons on purely Swiss sections of a journey solely in order to carry a person directly to a transport service under paragraph 1, provided it is invoiced together with the transport service under paragraph 1. |
Art. 43a Waiver of tax-free supply to platforms 44
(Art. 23 para. 2 No 13 VAT Act) 1 With the consent of the supplier in accordance with Article 20a of the VAT Act, the seller may invoice the deemed supply of goods on Swiss territory to the supplier with tax. Consent is not required if an administrative measure pursuant to Article 79a of the VAT Act has been imposed on the supplier in accordance with Article 20a of the VAT Act. 2 The supplier in accordance with Article 20a of the VAT Act may deduct the tax as input tax. 44 Inserted by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 4445
45 Repealed by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, with effect from 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Chapter 3 Assessment Basis and Tax Rates |
Section 1 Assessment Basis |
Art. 45 Considerations in foreign currency
(Art. 24 para. 1 VAT Act) 1 For purposes of calculating the VAT payable, considerations paid in foreign currency must be converted into national currency at the date the tax claim arises. 2 A consideration is in foreign currency if the invoice or the receipt is issued in foreign currency. If no invoice or receipt is issued, the book entry of the supplier applies. It is irrelevant whether the payment is in national or foreign currency and in which currency the change is paid. 3 The conversion is made on the basis of the rate of exchange published by the FTA, whereby the taxable person may elect to use the average monthly rate or the daily exchange rate.46 3bis Where the FTA does not publish an exchange rate for a foreign currency, the daily exchange rate for the sale of the foreign currency published by a Swiss bank applies.47 4 Taxable persons that are members of a group of companies may use the group conversion rate for their conversion. This rate must be applied both to supplies within the group of companies and in relation to third parties.48 5 The procedure chosen (monthly average, daily or group rates) must be retained for at least one tax period. 46 Amended by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). 47 Inserted by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). 48 Amended by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Art. 47 Supplies to employees
(Art. 24 VAT Act) 1 On supplies to employees for consideration, the tax must be calculated on the consideration actually received. Article 24 paragraphs 2 and 3 VAT Act is reserved. 2 Supplies made by the employer to employees which must be declared in the salary certificate are deemed to be made with consideration. The tax must be calculated on the amount that is also applicable for direct taxes. 3 Supplies which do not have to be declared in the salary certificate constitute supplies made without consideration and it is assumed that a business reason exists. 4 Where lump sums that are permissible for determining the wage elements applicable for direct tax purposes may also serve to assess the VAT, they may also be used for VAT purposes. 5 When applying paragraphs 2–4, it is irrelevant whether the persons concerned are closely related persons as stipulated under Article 3 letter h VAT Act.49 49 The correction of 12 Dec. 2017 only concerns the French text (AS 2017 7263). |
Art. 48 Cantonal contributions to water, sewage or waste funds
(Art. 24 para. 6 let. d VAT Act) 1 The FTA shall establish for every fund the amount of the deduction in per cent which applies to the individual affiliated waste disposal organisations and waterworks. 2 It shall take into consideration that:
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Section 1a Margin Taxation50
50 Inserted by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Art. 48a Works of art, antiques and other collectors’ items
(Art. 24a para. 4 VAT Act) 1 Works of art means the following physical works by creators as referred to in Article 21 paragraph 2 number 16 VAT Act:
2 Antiques are moveable goods that are more than 100 years old. 3 Collectors’ items are in particular also:
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Art. 48b Margin taxation of goods purchased for a total price
(Art. 24a para. 5 VAT Act) 1 Where the reseller has purchased collectors’ items for a total price, it must apply the margin taxation to the sale of all these collectors’ items. 2 The consideration from the resale of individual collectors’ items purchased for a total price must be declared in the reporting period in which it was generated. As soon as the considerations exceed the total price when added together, they become taxable. 3 Where collectors’ items are purchased with other goods for a total price the margin taxation only applies if the portion of the purchase price attributable to the collectors’ items can be estimated. |
Art. 48e Margin taxation for digital platforms 51
(Art. 24a VAT Act) A person who is deemed to be a supplier under Article 20a of the VAT Act may only apply margin taxation if the seller of the goods is domiciled on Swiss territory and is not entered in the VAT register. 51 Inserted by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Section 2 Tax Rates |
Art. 49 Medication 52
(Art. 25 para. 2 let. a no 8 VAT Act) Medication is defined as:
52 Amended by No I of the O of 18 June 2010, in force since 1 Jan. 2010 (AS 2010 2833). 54 Amended by No I of the O of 8 March 2019, in force since 1 April 2019 (AS 2019 911). 55 Amended by No I of the O of 8 March 2019, in force since 1 April 2019 (AS 2019 911). 56 Amended by No III 1 of the O of 3 June 2022, in force since 1 July 2022 (AS 2022 349). |
Art. 50 Newspapers and magazines without advertising character
(Art. 25 para. 2 let. a no. 9 VAT Act) Newspapers and magazines without advertising character are printed matter that fulfils the following conditions:
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Art. 50a Electronic newspapers and magazines without advertising character 59
(Art. 25 para. 2 let. abis VAT Act) 1 Electronic newspapers and magazines without advertising character are electronic products that:
59 Inserted by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Art. 51 Books and other printed matter without advertising character
(Art. 25 para. 2 let. a no 9 VAT Act) Printed matter which fulfils the following conditions constitutes books and other printed matter without advertising character:
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Art. 51a Electronic books without advertising character 60
(Art. 25 para. 2 let. abis VAT Act) 1 Electronic books without advertising character are electronic products that:
60 Inserted by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Art. 52 Advertising character 61
(Art. 25 para. 2 let. a no 9 VAT Act) 1 Printed and electronic products have advertising character if their content is clearly designed to promote the business activity of the publisher or of a third party behind the publisher. 2 Third parties behind a publisher are:
3 Advertising is both direct advertising, such as advertisements, and indirect advertising, such as advertorials or infomercials. 61 Amended by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Art. 53 Preparation on the premises and food service
(Art. 25 para. 3 VAT Act) 1 Preparation is the cooking, heating, mixing, preparation and blending of food62. The mere maintaining of the temperature of food ready for consumption is not considered preparation. 2 Food service is in particular the arrangement of food on plates, the setting up of cold or warm buffets, the pouring of drinks, the laying and clearing of tables, the serving of the guests, the management or supervision of the serving staff and the operation and provisioning of self-service buffets. 62 Revision of term relevant only to Swiss language versions in accordance with Annex No 1 of the Ordinance on Foodstuffs and Utility Articles of 16 Dec. 2016, in force since 1 May 2017 (AS 2017 283). |
Art. 54 Special consumption installations on the premises
(Art. 25 para. 3 VAT Act) 1 Special installations for the consumption of food on the premises (consumption installations) consist of tables, bar tables, counters and other eating surfaces provided for consumption or similar installations, in particular in means of transport. It is irrelevant:
2 The following do not constitute consumption installations:
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Art. 55 Food for takeaway or delivery
(Art. 25 para. 3 VAT Act) 1 Delivery is the supply of food by the taxable person to customers at their homes or to another place designated by them without further preparation or service. 2 Takeaway food is food which the customer takes after purchase to another place and does not consume on the premises of the supplier. The following in particular characterise takeaway food:
3 The FTA shall provide for simplifications within the meaning of Article 80 VAT Act for certain businesses and events. |
Chapter 4 Invoicing and VAT Details |
(Art. 26 para. 3 VAT Act) |
Chapter 5 Input Tax Deduction |
Section 1 General |
Art. 59 Proof
(Art. 28 para. 1it. a VAT Act) 1 The Swiss tax is deemed to be invoiced if it is recognisable to the recipient of the supply that the supplier has demanded payment of the VAT from it. 2 The recipient of the supply does not have to verify whether the VAT was rightly demanded. If, however, it knows that the person that has transferred the tax is not registered as a taxable person, an input tax deduction is not permitted. |
Art. 6063
63 Repealed by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, with effect from 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Art. 6164
64 Repealed by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, with effect from 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Section 2 Deduction of Notional Input Tax6565
65 Amended by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Art. 63 Right to deduct notional input tax
(Art. 28a para. 1 and 2 VAT Act) 1 Where exclusively individualisable moveable goods are purchased for a total price, notional input tax may be deducted.67 2 The deduction of notional input tax is not permitted if the total price covers any collectors’ items (Art. 48a) or non-individualisable moveable goods and the share of the purchase price attributable to goods referred to in Article 28a VAT Act cannot be estimated. 3 The deduction of notional input tax is not permitted where:
4In the case of payments made under the claim settlement, notional input tax may only be deducted based on the actual value of the good at the time that it is taken over. 5 Any person who is deemed to be a supplier under Article 20a of the VAT Act may only deduct notional input tax if the seller of the goods is domiciled on Swiss territory and is not entered in the VAT register.71 67 The correction of 30 Jan. 2018 only concerns the Italian text (AS 2018 521). 68 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). 69 Inserted by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). 71 Inserted by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Section 6 Reduction of the Input Tax Deduction |
(Art. 33 para. 2 VAT Act) |
Art. 75
1 The input tax need not be reduced if the funds under Article 18 paragraph 2 letters a–c VAT Act are attributable to a business activity for which no input tax is incurred or for which no claim to input tax deduction exists. 2 To the extent the funds under Article 18 paragraph 2 letters a–c VAT Act can be attributed to a specific business activity, only the input tax on the expenditures for this business activity must be reduced. 3 If the funds under Article 18 paragraph 2 letters a–c VAT Act are paid to cover an operating deficit, the input tax must be reduced in the proportion of these funds to the total income. The total income is made up of the total turnovers excluding VAT and the income that does not count as considerations.72 72 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Chapter 6 Calculation and Constitution of the Tax Claim |
Section 1 Annual Accounts |
(Art. 34 para. 3 VAT Act) |
Section 1a Annual Reporting74
74 Inserted by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 76a Annual reporting on commencement of tax liability
(Art. 35 para. 1bis let. b, 35a and 86a VAT Act) 1 Persons newly entered in the VAT register who wish to use annual reporting must apply to the FTA no later than 60 days after receiving their VAT number. 2 The FTA shall authorise the application of annual reporting if the expected turnover with VAT in the first twelve months does not exceed the threshold set out in Article 35 paragraph 1bis letter b of the VAT Act. 3 After the deadline in paragraph 1 has expired, the taxable person may apply for annual reporting after one tax period at the earliest. |
Art. 76b Change to annual reporting
(Art. 35 para. 1bis let. b, 35a and 86a VAT Act) 1 Persons who wish to change to annual reporting must apply to the FTA no later than 60 days after receiving their VAT number. 2 The FTA shall authorise annual reporting if the taxable person:
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Art. 76c End of annual reporting
(Art. 35 para. 1bis let. b, 35a,86 para. 2 and 86a VAT Act) 1 Taxable persons who no longer wish to use annual reporting must notify the FTA no later than 60 days after the start of the tax period from which the change is to take place. 2 The FTA shall revoke authorisation for the annual reporting:
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Section 2 Net Tax Rate Method |
Art. 77 Principles
(Art. 37 para. 1–4 VAT Act) 1 The taxable supplies made for consideration on Swiss territory must be considered in assessing whether the conditions under Article 37 VAT Act are fulfilled. 2 The net tax rate method may not be chosen by taxable persons who:
3 Taxable persons who report using the net tax rate method may not opt for the taxation of supplies under Article 21 paragraph 2 numbers 1–24, 27, 29 and 30 VAT Act. If the tax is nevertheless invoiced, the tax charged must be paid to the FTA with reservation of Article 27 paragraph 2 VAT Act.79 75 Amended by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). 76 Inserted by No I of the O of 15 Aug. 2018, in force since 1 Jan. 2019 (AS 2018 3143). 77 Inserted by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). 78 Inserted by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). 79 Amended by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Art. 78 Net tax rate method on commencement of tax liability 80
(Art. 37 para. 1–4 VAT Act) 1 Persons newly entered in the VAT Register who wish to use the net tax rate method must notify the FTA within 60 days of notification of their VAT number. 2 The FTA shall approve the use of the net tax rate method if in the first 12 months both the expected turnover and the expected taxes do not exceed the thresholds in Article 37 paragraph 1 VAT Act. 3 If no request is made within the period in paragraph 1, the taxable person must report for at least three full tax periods years using the effective reporting method before they may change to the net tax rate method. An earlier change of the reporting method is possible at the time of any adjustment to the net tax rate that is not due to a change in the rates of taxation under Articles 25 and 55 VAT Act. 4 Paragraphs 1–3 apply to retroactive entries analogously. 5 The tax charged on goods and services on commencement of tax liability is taken into account in applying the net tax rate method. No subsequent input tax deduction may be made. 80 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 79 Change from the effective reporting method to the net tax rate method 81
(Art. 37 para. 1–4 VAT Act) 1 Taxable persons who wish to change from the effective reporting method to the net tax rate method must notify the FTA at the latest 60 days after the beginning of the tax period from which the change is to be made. 2 The FTA shall approve the use of the net tax rate method if in the prior tax period neither of the thresholds in Article 37 paragraph 1 VAT Act was exceeded. 3 The input tax previously deducted on the fair value of the goods and services at the time of the change, including the portion corrected as a subsequent input tax deduction, must be refunded to the FTA. The declaration must be made in the last reporting period before the change. Article 31 paragraph 3 VAT Act and Article 69 paragraphs 1–3, 70 and 71 apply by analogy. 4 If simultaneously with the change to the net tax rate method the manner of reporting under Article 39 VAT Act is changed, the following corrections must also be made as per the date of the change:
81 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 81 Change from the net tax rate method to the effective reporting method 82
(Art. 37 para. 1–4 VAT Act) 1 Taxable persons who wish to change from the net tax rate method to the effective reporting method must notify the FTA at the latest 60 days before the beginning of the tax period from which the change is to be made. 2 A change is permitted before the end of the entire tax period if reporting is carried out with at least one authorised net tax rate that the FTA has adjusted, unless this is due to a change in the tax rates in accordance with Articles 25 and 55 VAT Act. The change takes place at the time of the change in the net tax rate. 3 Persons who exceed one or both thresholds laid down in Article 37 paragraph 1 VAT Act in three consecutive tax periods must change to the effective reporting method at the beginning of the following tax period. 4 The tax charged on the fair value of the goods and services at the time of the change may be deducted as input tax in the first reporting period after the change. Article 32 paragraph 2 VAT Act and Articles 72 paragraphs 1–3, 73 and 74 apply by analogy. 6 If at the same time as the change to the effective reporting method the manner of reporting under Article 39 VAT Act is also changed, the following corrections must be made as of the date of change:
82 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 82 End of tax liability
(Art. 37 para. 1–4 VAT Act) 1 If a taxable person reporting under the net tax rate method ceases its business activities or if, due to failing to reach the turnover threshold in Article 10 paragraph 2 letter a VAT Act, it is exempt from tax liability, the turnovers generated prior to being removed from the VAT Register, the work in progress and, if reporting according to collected considerations, the debtor items are also to be reported at the approved net tax rates. 2 and 3 …83 83 Repealed by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, with effect from 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 83 Takeover of assets under the notification procedure 84
(Art. 37 para. 1–4 VAT Act) 1 If a taxable person reporting under the net tax rate method using the notification procedure under Article 38 VAT Act takes over all of the assets, part of the assets or individual assets from a person using the effective reporting method, a correction must be made in accordance with Article 79 paragraph 3; paragraph 2 remains reserved. 2 No correction shall be made if all of the assets, part of the assets or individual assets have been used by the seller for an activity not entitling a deduction of the input tax. 84 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 84 Reporting using net tax rates
(Art. 37 para. 1–4 VAT Act) 1 Taxable persons must report their business activities at the net tax rates approved by the FTA. 2 If a business activity ceases or a new business activity is begun or if the turnover shares of the business activities change in such a way that a new allocation of the net tax rates becomes necessary, the taxable person must contact the FTA. 3 Taxable persons for whom two or more different net tax rates have been approved must record the revenues for each of the net tax rates separately.85 85 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 8586
86 Repealed by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, with effect from 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 86 Authorisation of net tax rates 87
(Art. 37 para. 1–4 VAT Act) 1 For each activity that accounts for more than 10 per cent of total turnover from taxable supplies, the net tax rate for this activity shall be authorised. 2 The following are decisive for determining whether the 10 per cent threshold has been exceeded:
3 The turnovers from business activities with the same net tax rate must be accumulated when determining whether the 10 per cent threshold has been exceeded. 4 If the turnover for an activity or the turnover for several activities for which the same net tax rate applies no longer exceeds the 10 per cent threshold for three consecutive tax periods, authorisation to apply the relevant net tax rate lapses at the beginning of the fourth tax period 87 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 8788
88 Repealed by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, with effect from 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 88 Taxation of individual business activities 89
(Art. 37 para. 1–4 VAT Act) 1 Turnovers from the business activities of a taxable person who has been authorised to apply more than one net tax rate must be taxed at the authorised net tax rate specified for the activity in question. 2 If the net tax rate stipulated for an activity has not been authorised, the turnover generated is taxable as follows:
3 In cases under Article 19 paragraph 2 VAT Act, the entire consideration may be reported at the approved net tax rate applicable to the predominant supply in accordance with Articles 84 and 86 and paragraphs 1 and 2. 4 If the services are all subject to the same tax rate in accordance with Article 25 VAT Act, the individual supplies must be reported at the net tax rates authorised for this purpose. 5 If the taxable person is unable to prove what proportion is attributable to the individual supplies, the total consideration must be reported at the highest net tax rate that has been authorised for these supplies. 6 The taxable person may voluntarily report the entire turnover from taxable supplies at the highest authorised net tax rate. 89 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 8990
90 Repealed by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, with effect from 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 90 Special procedures 91
(Art. 37 para. 1–4 VAT Act) The FTA provides businesses and events in accordance with Article 55 paragraph 3 with a flat-rate arrangement for the allocation of turnover to catering services and sales of take-away food in accordance with Article 55 paragraph 2. 91 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 91 Reporting of the acquisition tax 92
(Art. 37 para. 1–4 VAT Act) Taxable persons using the net tax rate method who acquire supplies under Article 45 paragraph 1 VAT Act, must pay the acquisition tax in the relevant reporting period at the appropriate statutory tax rate. 92 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 92 Own use 93
(Art. 37 para. 1–4 VAT Act) Own use is taken into account in applying the net tax rate method. 93 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 9394
94 Repealed by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, with effect from 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 94 Supplies to closely related persons and employees 95
(Art. 37 para. 1–4 VAT Act) 1 Supplies to closely related persons and employees must be reported at the authorised net tax rate applicable to the supply in question in accordance with Article 84, 86 and 88. 2 Supplies that must be included in the salary certificate for direct tax purposes always constitute supplies for consideration. The tax must be calculated on the basis of the amount that is also applicable for direct tax purposes. 95 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 95 Sales of equipment, fixed assets and capitalisable services 96
(Art. 37 para. 1–4 VAT Act) Sales of equipment and fixed assets and capitalisable services that are not used exclusively to provide supplies that are exempt from the tax without credit must be reported at the approved net tax rate for the supply concerned in accordance with Articles 84, 86 and 88. 96 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 96 Invoicing at an excessive tax rate
(Art. 37 para. 1–4 VAT Act) If a taxable person reporting using net tax rates invoices a supply at an excessive tax rate, the person must, in addition to the VAT calculated at the net tax rate, also pay the difference between the tax calculated using the tax rate disclosed and the tax calculated using the tax rate under Article 25 VAT Act. The consideration is regarded as including VAT. |
Section 3 Flat Tax Rate Method |
Art. 97 Principles
(Art. 37 para. 5 VAT Act) 1 Related institutions under Article 37 paragraph 5 VAT Act are in particular:
2 There are no monetary thresholds for the use of the flat tax rate method. 3 Taxable persons who report using the flat tax rate method may not opt for the taxation of supplies under Article 21 paragraph 2 numbers 1–24, 27 and 29–31VAT Act. If the tax is nevertheless invoiced, the tax charge must be paid to the FTA with reservation of Article 27 paragraph 2 VAT Act.99 4 Autonomous agencies under Article 12 paragraph 1 VAT Act that merge to form a single taxable entity (Art. 12 para. 2 VAT Act) may apply the flat rate tax method.100 98 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). 99 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). 100 Inserted by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Art. 98 Submission to the flat tax rate method and change of the reporting method 101
(Art. 37 para. 5 VAT Act) 1 Public authorities and related institutions under Article 97 paragraph 1 which wish to report using the flat tax rate method must notify the FTA. 2 The flat tax rate method must be retained for at least an entire tax period. If the taxable person elects for the effective reporting method, the person may change to the flat tax rate method at the earliest after an entire tax period. 3 An earlier change to the effective method or the flat-rate method is permitted whenever the flat-rate tax rate concerned is adjusted, unless this is due to a change in the rates of taxation under Articles 25 and 55 VAT Act. 4 Changes to the reporting method are possible at the beginning of a tax period. They must be notified to the FTA at the latest 60 days after the beginning of the tax period from which the change is to be made. 101 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 99 Flat tax rate
(Art. 37 para. 5 VAT Act) 1 When using the flat tax rate method, the tax claim is determined by multiplying the total of the considerations generated in a reporting period, including tax, by the flat tax rate approved by the FTA. 2 The FTA establishes the flat tax rates taking account of the input tax amounts usual in the relevant branch of the industry. A business activity for which no flat tax rate has been established must be reported at the rate applicable for the net tax rate method. 3 The taxable person must report each of its business activities with the appropriate flat tax rate irrespective of the amount of turnover generated. The taxable person may voluntarily report the entire turnover from taxable supplies at the highest authorised flat tax rate.102 102 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 99a103
103 Inserted by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017 (AS 2017 6307). Repealed by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, with effect from 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Section 5 Form of Reporting and Assignment of the Tax Claim |
Art. 106 Change in the form of reporting under the effective method
(Art. 39 VAT Act) 1 On changing from reporting under the collected considerations to reporting under the agreed considerations method, the taxable person must in the reporting period following the change:
2 On changing from reporting under the agreed considerations to the collected considerations method, the taxable person must in the reporting period following the change:
3 If simultaneously with the change in the form of reporting the reporting method under Articles 36 and 37 VAT Act is also changed, Article 79 paragraph 4 or Article 81 paragraph 5104 applies. 104 The reference was amended in application of Art. 12 para. 2 of the Publications Act of 18 June 2004 (SR 170.512). |
Art. 107 Change in the form of reporting when reporting under the net tax rate method or the flat rate tax method
(Art. 39 VAT Act)105 1 If the taxable person changes from reporting on the basis of the collected considerations to reporting on the basis of the agreed considerations, they must, in the reporting period following the change, account for the debtor items existing at the time of the change at the authorised net tax rates or flat tax rates that apply in accordance with Articles 84, 86 and 88 for the activities from which these debtor items arise.106 2 If the taxable person changes from reporting on the basis of the agreed considerations to reporting on the basis of the collected considerations, they must, in the reporting period following the change, deduct the debtor items existing at the time of the change from the considerations collected in this reporting period in respect of the relevant activities.107 3 If at the same time as changing of the form of reporting the reporting method is also changed, Article 79 paragraph 4 or Article 81 paragraph 5108 applies. 105 Amended by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). 106 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). 107 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). 108 The reference was amended in application of Art. 12 para. 2 of the Publications Act of 18 June 2004 (SR 170.512). |
Title 3 Acquisition Tax |
Art. 109 and 110109
109 Repealed by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, with effect from 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Art. 111 Data storage media without market value
(Art. 45 para. 1 let. b and 52 let. 2 VAT Act) 1 Regardless of the storage device or the method of data storage, a data storage medium without market value is considered to be any device for storing data, which in the manner and nature and condition in which it is imported:
2 The data storage medium may in particular carry computer programmes and files, their updates and upgrades and sound and image data. 3 Crucial for the assessment of whether a data storage medium is a data storage medium without market value is the medium itself with the services included therein and the related rights not considering the legal transaction leading to the import. 4 The following goods are in particular deemed equivalent to data storage media without market value, provided the goods are acquired by the customer as a result of an independent legal transaction:
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Art. 111a Transfer of emission allowances and similar rights 110
(Art. 45 para. 1 let. e VAT Act) 1 The transfer of emission allowances and other rights in accordance with Article 45 paragraph 1 letter e of the VAT Act is not subject to domestic tax. 2 If domestic tax is invoiced on the transfer, it cannot be deducted as input tax unless the tax has been reported and paid. 110 Inserted by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Title 4 Import Tax |
Chapter 1 Mail-Order Company instead of the Platform as a Person liable for Import Tax111
111 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
(Art. 51 VAT Act) |
Chapter 1a Plurality of Supplies and Exemption from the Import Tax 112
112 Inserted by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 112 Aggregations and combinations of supplies
(Art. 52 para. 3 and 19 para. 2 VAT Act) 1 If an import assessment under Article 19 paragraph 2 VAT Act is requested, a cost calculation must be submitted at the time of customs clearance. 2 The cost calculation must show:
3 Cost elements that cannot be fully allocated to the individual supplies, such as overheads, profit or transport costs, must be allocated to the individual supplies by value. 4 The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS)113 may from case to case demand further documentation in order to review the calculation. 113 The name of this administrative unit was changed on 1 January 2022 in application of Art. 20 para. 2 of the Publications Ordinance of 7 Oct. 2015 (AS 2015 3989). This change has been made throughout the text. |
Art. 113 Exemption from value added tax
(Art. 53 para. 2 VAT Act)114 Exempt from the import tax are:
114 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). 116 Repealed by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, with effect from 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Chapter 2 Establishment of and Security for the Import Tax Debt |
Art. 114 Security for payment of the tax over the FOCBS’ centralised settlement procedure
(Art. 56 para. 3 VAT Act) If the tax is paid via the centralised settlement procedure (CSP), the FOCBS may require a lump-sum security based on its risk assessment. It is calculated as follows:
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Art. 115 Amount of the security for a conditional tax claim and for payment reliefs
(Art. 56 para. 3 VAT Act) 1 The amount of the security for conditional tax claims or in cases, in which payment reliefs under Article 76 paragraph 1 CustA117 are granted:
2 For international transits, the amount of the security is governed by international treaties. 118 Inserted by Annex No 2 of the O of 18 Nov. 2015, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 2015 4917) |
Art. 116 Subsequent adjustment of the considerations
(Art. 56 para. 5 VAT Act) 1 The notification of a subsequent adjustment of the considerations must contain the following information:
2 Price and value details in foreign currency adduced for the determination of the adjustment of the considerations must be converted into Swiss francs at the average exchange rate (selling) for the period. 3 The FOCBS may from case to case demand further documentation in order to determine the import tax liability. |
Chapter 3 Transfer of the Tax Payment |
Art. 117 Transfer of the import tax payment
(Art. 63 VAT Act) 1 Persons who wish to pay taxes under the transfer procedure require authorisation from the FTA. 2 If doubt exists as to whether the requirements for the transfer of the import tax are fulfilled, the FOCBS shall levy the tax. 3 The prescription of import tax liability that has been transferred is governed by Article 42 VAT Act. 4 The FTA shall regulate execution in consultation with the FOCBS. |
Art. 118 Conditions for authorisation
(Art. 63 VAT Act) 1 Authorisation is granted if the taxable person:
1bis Suppliers under Article 20a VAT Act who have been subject to an administrative measure under Article 79a VAT Act may be granted authorisation to use the transfer procedure on request from the day after the ruling is lifted.120 2 The grant or extension of the authorisation may be made conditional on the provision of security in the amount of the anticipated claims. 119 Amended by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). 120 Inserted by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 120 Withdrawal of the authorisation 121
(Art. 63 VAT Act) 1 Authorisation is withdrawn if the taxable person no longer guarantees the correct functioning of the procedure. 2 Suppliers under Article 20a of the VAT Act who are subject to an administrative measure under Article 79a of the VAT Act shall have their authorisation withdrawn with effect from the day after the ruling is issued. 121 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Title 5 Procedural Law for Domestic and Acquisition Tax |
Chapter 1 Rights and Obligations of the Taxable Person |
Section 1 … |
Art. 121a122
122 Inserted by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017 (AS 2017 6307). Repealed by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, with effect from 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). |
Section 1a Paperless Receipts, Electronic Procedures 123
123 Inserted by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017 (AS 2017 6307). Amended by No I of the O of 16 June 2023, in force since 1 Jan. 2024 (AS 2023 312). |
Art. 122 Paperless receipts 124
(Art. 70 para. 4 VAT Act)125 Articles 957–958f of the Code of Obligations126 and the Accounts Ordinance of 24 April 2002127 apply to the transmission and retention of paperless receipts. 124 Amended by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). 125 Inserted by No I of the O of 16 June 2023, in force since 1 Jan. 2024 (AS 2023 312). |
Art. 123 Electronic procedures 128
(Art. 65a VAT Act) 1 If the electronic procedure is mandatory, all submissions to the FTA must be made electronically via the portal provided for this purpose. 2 The electronic procedure is mandatory for:
128 Amended by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025, para. 2 lets a, c, d and f come into force on 1 Jan. 2027 (AS 2024 485). |
Art. 124 and 125129
129 Repealed by No I of the O of 18 Oct. 2017, with effect from 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2017 6307). |
Section 2 Reporting |
Art. 126 Effective reporting method
(Art. 71 and 72 VAT Act) 1 When using the effective reporting method, the taxable person must for reporting to the FTA record the following figures in a suitable manner:
2 The FTA may consolidate several figures under paragraph 1 into one field of the reporting form or refrain from requiring them in the periodic reporting. |
Art. 127 Reporting under the net tax rate or the flat tax rate method
(Art. 71 and 72 VAT Act) 1 When using the net tax rate or flat tax rate method, the taxable person must record the following figures in a suitable manner for reporting to the FTA:
2 The FTA may consolidate several figures under paragraph 1 under one field of the reporting form or refrain from requiring them in the periodic reporting. 132 Repealed by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, with effect from 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). 133 Inserted by No I of the O of 21 Aug. 2024, in force since 1 Jan. 2025 (AS 2024 485). 134 The reference was amended in application of Art. 12 para. 2 of the Publications Act of 18 June 2004 (SR 170.512). |
Art. 128 Additional documentation
(Art. 71 and 72 VAT Act) 1 The FTA may require the taxable person to submit, in particular, the following documentation:
2 From the turnover reconciliation it must be apparent how the declaration for the tax period, taking account of the different tax rates or the net tax rates and flat tax rates can be reconciled with the annual accounts. To be considered in particular are:
3 From the input tax reconciliation it must be apparent that the input taxes according to the input tax accounts or to other records have been reconciled with the input taxes declared. 4 The demand for additional documentation under paragraphs 1–4 does not represent a demand for comprehensive documentation within the meaning of Article 78 paragraph 2 VAT Act. |
Chapter 3 Rights and Obligations of the Authorities |