Switzerland introduced VAT in 1995, a general consumption tax targeting domestic consumption. It has undergone revisions since 2010, with increased rates in 2024 to support social insurance and simplify regulations.
VAT in the Swiss Tax System: An Overview
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Author: Ema Stamenković
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General information
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2016
Content accuracy validation date:
04.07.2025
Content accuracy validation time:
08:28h
Overview of Value Added Tax (VAT): Switzerland moved from a turnover tax to conform to EU standards by implementing VAT on January 1, 1995. In 2010, the VAT system was completely redesigned to improve user-friendliness and simplify regulations. In order to fund social insurance, VAT rates were increased as of January 1, 2024.
Principles of Taxation: VAT is a general consumption tax that targets domestic consumption and is imposed at every stage of production and service. It is imposed on imports as well as on goods and services rendered by Swiss companies. To avoid cumulative taxation, taxpayers can deduct input tax on purchases from their VAT liability.
Tax Rates and Collection: The standard VAT rate is 8.1%; however, for lodging services, the rate is 3.8%, and for necessities like food and medicine, it is 2.6%.
The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) is in charge of managing customs duties, while the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) is in charge of collecting VAT. Social insurance and other public services receive about 20% of VAT revenue.
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