Set up the accounts of the ledger

To set up the Customers / Suppliers register consult the  Customers setup with the accrual method page.

VAT registration on turnover

With the system of VAT on turnover, the Customers / Suppliers register will be kept. Therefore, the invoices issued and received are recorded, posting the costs and revenues and entering the corresponding VAT code.

With the system of the VAT on cash received, there is no provision for entering transactions on the clients/suppliers accounts, for the expenses and income are being entered at the moment the payment is made or received. Only at that moment, the VAT code is being entered. However, in spite of this rule, it is still possible to enter the issued and received invoices by using the cost centers.

Procedure:

• Insert the clients' and suppliers' accounts as cost center CC3, defined with the semicolon in two different groupings, one for clients, another one for suppliers.

Entering the invoices of clients and suppliers

For the issued and received invoices:

1. Position yourself in the Transactions table, Cost centers view;
2. Enter the date, the document number and the invoice number in the respective columns;
3. Enter the description;
4. Enter the amount of the issued or received invoice in the Amount column, the Debit and Credit columns have to remain empty.
5. Enter the cost or profit center in the CC3 column: in positive when it concerns an invoice issued to a client; preceded by the minus sign (in negative)  when it is an invoice received from a supplier.

When the payment for an invoice is received or made:

1. Position yourself in the Transactions table, Cost centers view;
2. Enter the date, the document number and the invoice number in the respective columns;
3. Enter the description;
4. If it concerns a payment received, enter a liquidity account in the Debit column and a revenue account in the Credit column;
   When it's about a payment that has been made, enter an expense account in the Debit column and a liquidity account in the Credit column;
5. Enter the amount;
6. Enter the appropriate VAT code;
7. Enter the cost or profit center in the CC3 column, preceded by the minus sign (in negative) when it is a payment received (customer) and in positive when it concerns a payment made to a supplier.
    

In the Account card of the cost center, the transactions of the customer or supplier are being displayed.

Related documents

• Cost and Profit Centers
• Membership list

There are cases where you only need to record the VAT amount, such as when you receive compensation from your car insurance.

You record as follows:

• Enter the date, document number and the description in the columns provided.
• In the Credit column, enter the account with which the VAT amount is paid (the Debit account remains empty)
• In the Amount column, enter the VAT amount to be paid
• In the VAT code column, enter the VAT code I77-2 (VAT code relating to the VAT amount 100%)

Eine Vorauszahlung buchen

Wenn Sie eine Vorauszahlung (Akonto) leisten, sollte diese korrekt in Ihrer Buchhaltung erfasst werden, um die Übersicht über bereits geleistete Zahlungen an die ESTV zu behalten. Es wird empfohlen, ein separates MWST-Konto zu verwenden, das nicht mit dem automatischen MWST-Konto verknüpft ist.

Die Buchung sollte wie folgt erfolgen:

• Geben Sie das Datum und eine Beschreibung ein.
• In der Spalte Soll tragen Sie das MWST-Konto ein.
  Es wird empfohlen, ein spezielles MWST-Konto für Akontozahlungen und den Zahlungsausgleich zu verwenden.
• In der Spalte Haben geben Sie das Bankkonto an, über das die Zahlung erfolgt.
• In der Spalte Betrag erfassen Sie den überwiesenen Betrag.

Beispiel für die Buchung einer Akontozahlung:

Abschlussbuchung und Zahlung

Beispiel einer Abschlussbuchung unter Berücksichtigung der Akontozahlungen:

Kontoauszug - MWST 'Konto'

Vorauszahlung buchen

Wenn Sie eine Vorauszahlung (Akonto) leisten, sollte diese korrekt in Ihrer Buchhaltung erfasst werden, um die Übersicht über bereits geleistete Zahlungen an die ESTV zu behalten. Es wird empfohlen, ein separates MWST-Konto zu verwenden, das nicht mit dem automatischen MWST-Konto verknüpft ist.

Die Buchung sollte wie folgt erfolgen:

• Geben Sie das Datum und eine Beschreibung ein.
• In der Spalte Soll tragen Sie das MWST-Konto ein.
  Es wird empfohlen, ein spezielles MWST-Konto für Akontozahlungen und den Zahlungsausgleich zu verwenden.
• In der Spalte Haben geben Sie das Bankkonto ein, über das die Zahlung erfolgt.
• In der Spalte Betrag erfassen Sie den überwiesenen Betrag.

Beispiel für die Buchung einer Akontozahlung:

• In der ersten Zeile wurde der Gesamtbetrag der ausgestellten und bereits bezahlten Rechnungen erfasst. Der MWST-Code F1 kennzeichnet den MWST-Betrag, der im Formular berechnet wird.
• In der zweiten Zeile wurde die Akontozahlung erfasst, die von der Eidgenössischen Steuerverwaltung (ESTV) festgelegt wurde. Diese Akontozahlung wird nicht im MWST-Formular ausgewiesen.

Abschlussbuchung und Zahlung

Für die Abschlussbuchungen verweisen wir auf die entsprechende Dokumentation:

• Abschlussbuchungen ohne MWST-Zerlegung
• Abschlussbuchungen mit MWST-Zerlegung

Beispiel einer Abschlussbuchung ohne MWST-Zerlegung unter Berücksichtigung der Akontozahlungen:

Kontoauszug - Geschuldete MWST

Reset of Account 2201, VAT Return

At the end of the period, the balance of account 2201 VAT Return (automatic VAT account) must be reset with a reversal entry by entering:

• In the Debit column: account 2201 VAT Return
• In the Credit column: account 2200 VAT Payable
   

This operation involves:

• Reset of the balance of account 2201, VAT Return (automatic VAT account).
• Transfer of the VAT balance to the VAT due account (or Treasury VAT account).
  • If this results in a VAT debit, the VAT balance is posted in Credit of the VAT due account; in Debit of the "VAT according to VAT report" account, the balance is set to zero.
  • If this results in a VAT credit, the VAT balance is posted in Debit of the VAT due account; in Credit of the "VAT according to VAT report" account, the balance is set to zero.

Transaction for charging the quarter balance to the Due VAT account

VAT balance payment

When the VAT amount is paid to the FTA (Federal Tax Administration), the balance in the VAT Due account resets to zero.

For the transaction:

• Enter the Date, Document number, and Description in the respective columns.
• In the Debit column, enter the VAT Due account.
• In the Credit column, enter the liquidity account.
• In the Amount column, enter the VAT Due amount paid.

With this system, it is possible to monitor the balance for each quarter, and in case of an error, identify the period in which the balance no longer matches.

Ledger of account 2200 VAT Payable after the payment entry

Note

The procedure explained refers to the payment of VAT recorded using the effective method and also applies to the flat-rate VAT method with VAT breakdown.
For those who have recorded VAT using the balance rate method without VAT breakdown, specific information can be found on the web page Accounting Adjustment and VAT Payment.

 VAT due account card after the payment

How to register a VAT credit (Switzerland)

If at the end of a period, when calculating the VAT declaration, the previous VAT is bigger than the due VAT, your VAT report has a Debit balance.

To reset the "VAT according to VAT report" account to zero, you need to enter a transaction as follows:

• put in Debit A/C the VAT Due account
• put in Credit A/C the "VAT according to VAT report" account

Usually, in Switzerland the VAT credit is reimbursed to the company, without having to move the credit to the following period.

When your VAT is reimbursed, you need to enter a transaction as follows:

• put in Debit A/C your liquidity account
• put in Credit A/C your Due VAT account (where the balance should go to zero).

VAT paid in cash at import

Goods purchased abroad must be declared at customs and paid for in cash on the spot.

Customs issues a customs clearance document indicating the taxable amount and the VAT amount paid. VAT paid at customs can be recovered by VAT payers.

In order to recover the VAT paid at customs, the user needs to operate as follows:

To recover the VAT, register as follows:

• In the Debit column the cash account. The Debit column remains empty.
• In the Amount column, the amount paid in customs is recorded.
• In the VAT Code column, a VAT code type 2 (M77-2) is entered, which allows the VAT amount to be recorded at 100%.

Note

New codes can be added to the VAT Codes table. If you need the 2.5% VAT code, for customs VAT recovery, simply add a new code, e.g. M25-2, completing the same grouping in the column Sum in, GR1, the amount type 2 and entering 2.5 as the rate.

In the Transactions table, enter the cash account in credit, the paid VAT amount and the corresponding VAT code.

The program calculates the VAT amount at 100%, without creating differences in the recordings.

VAT paid at import by the shipping company

The procedure is the same as the previous one, except for the fact that the transaction extends itself over several rows, since, at the moment the shipper's invoice is being paid, the shipping costs and/or the customs clearance may be included.

Example:

Payment of the shipper's invoice for a total of CHF 359.- CHF 150 of which shipping costs, and CHF 209 for VAT advanced at customs.

VAT on goods purchased abroad must be paid directly at customs. After payment, customs issues a clearance document that shows the taxable amount and the VAT paid. VAT-registered businesses can reclaim this amount.

VAT codes for VAT paid at customs

All preconfigured accounting templates with VAT include a specific code for recording VAT on imported goods:

• M81-2 Purchase of goods and services 8.1% (VAT amount)
  By using this code, the program considers the amount entered in the Amount column as 100% VAT. As a result, the full amount paid at customs is correctly recorded in the VAT return.
   
• Adding custom VAT codes
  In the VAT Codes table, you can add new codes, for example to manage a different rate.
  To reclaim customs VAT at 2.6%, simply:
  • create a new code, for example M26-2
  • set the GR1 group in the Sum in column
  • set amount type 2
  • indicate 2.6% as the rate

Customs VAT paid in cash

When VAT on imported goods is paid in cash, to reclaim the VAT proceed as follows:

• In the Transactions table:
  • enter the date, document number, and description in the respective columns
  • in the Expenses column, enter the amount paid in cash
  • in the Account column, enter the Cash account
  • in the Category column, enter the shipping expense category
  • in the VAT Code column, enter the M81-2 code, which calculates and automatically enters the full VAT amount into the VAT account.

The program posts the full VAT amount without creating discrepancies in the entries.

Customs VAT paid by the freight forwarder

In this case, VAT is advanced by the freight forwarder, who handles the transport and customs clearance of the goods. The freight forwarder’s invoice will include transport costs, customs charges, and the advanced VAT on the imported goods.

The process is similar to the previous case, but the entry is made over several rows, as the forwarder's invoice may include both transport expenses and customs VAT.

Example

Forwarder's invoice paid for a total of CHF 250, of which CHF 200 is for transport and CHF 50 is for VAT advanced at customs.

In the Transactions table:

• In the first row, record in the appropriate columns:
  • the date, document number, description
  • in the Expenses column, the total amount of the forwarder's invoice
  • in the Account column, the bank account. The Category column remains empty
• In the second row, record in the appropriate columns:
  • the date, document number, description
  • in the Expenses column, the amount of transport costs with VAT code M81
  • in the Category column, the shipping expense account or similar
  • in the VAT Code column, enter M81 to calculate VAT on the transport costs
• In the third row, record in the appropriate columns:
  • the date, document number, description
  • in the Expenses column, the amount of VAT paid at customs by the forwarder
  • the Account and Category columns remain empty
  • in the VAT Code column, enter the code M81-2, which calculates and automatically posts the full VAT amount to the VAT account

Nachfolgend listen wir die wichtigsten Praxisfälle zur Erfassung eines Vorsteuerabzugs oder einer Korrektur der Vorsteuer für die schweizerische Mehrwertsteuer auf. Es ist wichtig, den korrekten MWST-Code zu verwenden, da jede Korrektur in eine spezifische Ziffer des Abrechnungsformulars (400, 405, 415, 420…) fliesst, je nach verwendetem MWST-Code.

Stornierung von Wareneinkäufen oder Betriebsaufwand

Buchung einer Gutschrift, die von einem Lieferanten für retournierte Ware ausgestellt wurde.

• Sie müssen die ursprünglich abgezogene MWST reduzieren, indem Sie denselben MWST-Code wie bei der Rechnungsbuchung verwenden, jedoch mit negativem Vorzeichen.
• Auf diese Weise wird die Vorsteuer auf Materialkosten und Dienstleistungen (Ziffer 400) oder auf Investitionen oder Betriebskosten (Ziffer 405) korrigiert.

• MWST-Code verwendet für die Erfassung der Rechnung:
  M81 Wareneinkauf und Dienstleistungen 8.1 % (inkl. MWST), zugeordnet zur Ziffer 400
• MWST-Code verwendet für die Buchung der Gutschrift:
  -M81 Wareneinkauf und Dienstleistungen 8.1 % (inkl. MWST), negativ zugeordnet zur Ziffer 400
• Falls die Korrektur in einer anderen Abrechnungsperiode erfolgt, kann die Berichtigung auf die gleiche Weise übermittelt oder ein spezifisches Korrekturformular verwendet werden – dies ist mit der Eidgenössischen Steuerverwaltung abzuklären.

Beispiel einer Stornobuchung für eine Investition

• MWST-Code verwendet für die Erfassung der Rechnung:
  I81 Investition und Betriebsaufwand 8.1% (inkl. MWST), zugeordnet zur Ziffer 405
• MWST-Code verwendet für die Buchung der Gutschrift:
  -I81 Investition und Betriebsaufwand 8.1% (inkl. MWST), negativ zugeordnet zur Ziffer 405
• Falls die Korrektur in einer anderen Abrechnungsperiode erfolgt, kann die Berichtigung auf die gleiche Weise übermittelt oder ein spezifisches Korrekturformular verwendet werden – dies ist mit der Eidgenössischen Steuerverwaltung abzuklären.

Eigenverbrauch oder interner Verbrauch von eingekauften Waren

Wenn Güter vom steuerpflichtigen Bereich in den privaten Gebrauch oder in von der Steuer ausgenommene Bereiche überführt werden, müssen Sie den Vorsteuerabzug korrigieren: Die MWST muss in derselben Höhe zurückerstattet werden, wie sie beim Einkauf abgezogen wurde. Die MWST wird unter der Ziffer 415 «Korrekturen der Vorsteuer: Doppelverwendung, Eigenverbrauch (Art. 31 MWSTG)» verbucht.

• Buchen Sie die Lieferantenrechnung mit dem üblichen MWST-Code für Einkäufe
• Buchen Sie den Eigenverbrauch der Ware, wodurch die Warenkosten reduziert werden, da die Ware nicht für den Geschäftsbetrieb verwendet wurde
• Als Gegenkonto verwenden Sie ein Privatkonto oder ein ähnliches Konto

• MWST-Code verwendet für die Erfassung der Rechnung:
  M81 Wareneinkauf und Dienstleistungen 8.1 % (inkl. MWST), zugeordnet zur Ziffer 400
• MWST-Code verwendet für die Buchung des Eigenverbrauchs:
  K81-B Korrekturen der Vorsteuer 8.1 % zugeordnet zur Ziffer 415

Reduktion aufgrund von Subventionen

Wenn ein Unternehmen eine Subvention (zum Beispiel kantonal oder vom Bund) erhält, ist dieser Betrag in der Regel nicht der Mehrwertsteuer unterstellt. In bestimmten Fällen kann jedoch die Pflicht zur Berichtigung der Vorsteuer entstehen, wenn mit dieser Subvention finanzierte Güter oder Dienstleistungen für mehrwertsteuerpflichtige Tätigkeiten verwendet wurden.

In solchen Fällen ist eine Korrektur der ursprünglich abgezogenen Vorsteuer erforderlich. Diese ist unter der Ziffer 420 der MWST-Abrechnung zu erfassen, wobei der entsprechende Korrektur-Mehrwertsteuercode zu verwenden ist.

• MWST-Code verwendet für  die Buchung des Zahlungseingangs:
  Z0-A Subventionen, durch Kurvereine eingenommene Tourismusabgaben, Entsorgungs-und Wasserwerkbeiträge 0% zugeordnet zur Ziffer 900
• MWST-Code verwendet für die MWST-Erfassung:
  K81-C Reduktion des Vorsteuerabzugs 8.1 % zugeordnet zur Ziffer 420
• Die Erfassung des Zahlungseingangs erfolgt ohne effektive Mehrwertsteuer, muss jedoch aus Gründen der steuerlichen Transparenz trotzdem dokumentiert werden.
• Die zweite Buchung dient der fiktiven Besteuerung der Subvention (sogenannte stille Besteuerung), um den ursprünglich abgezogenen Vorsteuerbetrag anteilsmässig zu korrigieren.
• Es ist wichtig, bei der Korrektur den Steuertyp „2“ (MWST-Betrag) zu verwenden, damit der Betrag korrekt unter der Ziffer 420 der MWST-Abrechnung ausgewiesen wird.
• Für die zweite Buchung muss der MWST-Betrag manuell berechnet werden.

Weitere Korrekturbuchungen

• Reverse-Charge-Buchungen
• Wechsel von der Saldomethode zur effektiven Methode
• Wechsel von der effektiven Methode zur Saldomethode

All services obtained abroad must be included in the Swiss VAT report. Unlike the import of goods that are being cleared at customs, for services obtained abroad there are no customs papers, but the VAT for this type of operation must be calculated and recovered. This self-imposition and recovery operation is called Reverse Charge.

The simplified Reverse Charge operation is a new feature of Banana Accounting Plus. Thanks to the possibility of inserting in the same cell of the VAT code both the code for self-imposition and the code for recovery, it is very easy to register.

Codes to be used

In the VAT codes table, there are specific codes to be used for services obtained abroad: codes B81-1 and M81-1 or I81-1.
They are two codes with Amount type 1, where the VAT is calculated on the Net amount (without VAT).

In detail:

• the B81-1 code calculates a VAT debit amount
  It is important that in the Complete view>  the column Don't Warn is activated "Yes", otherwise you get an error message.
• the M81-1 or I81-1 code calculates a VAT credit amount

How to enter a transaction

The entry is made by applying in the VAT code column, a double code B81-1 (self input) and I81-1 (or M81-1).

By entering the double code, the programme registers both the VAT due and the recoverable VAT in the account 2201 VAT return.

VAT on services obtained in a foreign currency

When the recording of services abroad involves a foreign currency account, the Reverse Charge must be registered onto two lines:

• Register foreign purchases in foreign currency without entering any VAT code.
• On the next line, to be able to register the Reverse Charge, register:
  • In the Currency column register the amount converted to base currency.
  • In the Debit and Credit column a giro account (1090) is registered.
  • In the VAT Code column apply the double code B81-1 for self-imposition and M81-1 or I81-1 for recovery.
• At the end of the entries the claering account must be zero.

VAT on services obtained abroad with the Swiss flat tax rate VAT method

When adopting the Swiss flat tax rate VAT method, you need to register the purchase with the B81-1 VAT code for self-imposition.

You don't need to enter the VAT recovery transaction, as this method doesn't allow any deduction on purchases, including those occurred abroad.

There are two methods established by the Federal Tax Administration for collecting Value Added Tax (VAT):

• In the invoice-based method, VAT is recorded when the invoice is issued or received, regardless of when payment is made or received.
• In the cash-based method, VAT is recorded only when the payment is received (for customers) or made (for suppliers).

The cash-based method is often chosen by small businesses and professionals because it avoids paying VAT in advance on amounts that have not yet been actually collected.

This page provides a general overview of the VAT cash-based method and refers to detailed pages for operational entries.

VAT on a cash basis: the basic principle

In the VAT cash-based method, the focus is not on the invoice date, but on the moment the financial transaction occurs. This approach is designed to simplify daily management and to avoid paying VAT in advance when the money has not yet actually been collected or paid. With the cash-based method:

• VAT becomes due only at the time of collection (for customers)
• VAT becomes deductible only at the time of payment (for suppliers)

Therefore, during the year, issued or received invoices do not affect VAT until the payment or receipt actually occurs.

Setting up customer and supplier accounts with VAT on a cash basis

With VAT under the cash-based method, during the year it is not necessary to manage customers and suppliers. However, if you still wish to manage invoices and due dates, customer and supplier accounts can be set up using cost and profit centers. 

For more information, see: 

• Setting up customers on a cash basis
• Setting up suppliers on a cash basis.

Why accruals are needed at year-end

Even if operations are based on the cash principle during the year, at year-end it is necessary to apply the accrual principle. This allows costs and revenues to be properly attributed to the year they belong to, providing an accurate financial picture of the activity. At the end of the fiscal year, it is essential to determine the correct economic result for the year.

This means that:

• the revenues of the year must also include invoices issued but not yet collected
• the costs of the year must also include invoices received but not yet paid

For this reason, outstanding invoices are recorded as accrual invoices, without anticipating VAT.

Recording outstanding customer invoices

At year-end, with the VAT cash-based method, it is necessary to record customer invoices that have been issued but not yet collected, in order to correctly allocate revenues to the fiscal year. On the dedicated page, you will find the entries to be made on 31.12 and the reversal to be recorded at the beginning of the new year.

• Recording outstanding customer invoices.

Recording outstanding supplier invoices

At year-end, with the VAT cash-based method, it is necessary to record supplier invoices that have been received but not yet paid, in order to correctly allocate costs to the fiscal year. On the dedicated page, you will find the entries to be made on 31.12 and the reversal to be recorded at the beginning of the new year.

• Recording outstanding supplier invoices.

VAT calculation and rounding on the Invoice

In the printing of invoices integrated into accounting, the total VAT amount corresponds to the sum of the individual VAT transactions that make up the same invoice. Since each VAT entry is rounded to the nearest cent, there may be a difference compared to the VAT calculated on the total invoice amount.

To better understand, let's consider the following example:

• Line 1: 7.7% of CHF 187.50 = CHF 14.4375 -> Rounded: CHF 14.44
• Line 2: 7.7% of CHF 875.00 = CHF 67.375 -> Rounded: CHF 67.38
• Total: 7.7% of CHF 1062.50 = CHF 81.8125 -> Rounded: CHF 81.81

On the invoice, a VAT amount of CHF 81.82 is printed instead of CHF 81.81. In fact, the amount of CHF 81.82 corresponds to the sum of the VAT calculated individually for each item (CHF 14.44 + CHF 67.38).

This logic is adopted to avoid discrepancies between the VAT amounts recorded in accounting and those shown on the invoice. In this way, the total VAT in accounting matches that reported on the invoice.

Net VAT and VAT management on a cash basis

In Banana Accounting it is possible to manage customers using both the turnover and the cash received method. However, as far as invoice printing is concerned, there are some limitations if in accounting you record the amounts net and at the same time use the cash received method.

If we want to create invoices, it is not possible to enter amounts net of VAT with the method on the cash received because, when the invoice is issued, the VAT codes must be written between square brackets and the VAT is not calculated but is only an indication for the printing of the document.

Examples with transactions to create invoices and enter them into the accounting for both the effective VAT method and the VAT Flat tax rate method:

• ac2 file example with Clients based on the turnover method, net amounts
• ac2 file example with Clients based on the turnover method, gross amounts
• ac2 file example with Clients based on the Cash received method, gross amounts

Companies that have to make VAT/Sales tax declarations in Switzerland and the EU must keep two accounting files.

• One main file for Switzerland/Liechtenstein with all accounting transactions.
  More information under Swiss VAT management
  • Purchases and sales in Europe must be registered with the VAT codes for export or import.
  • At the time of the periodic VAT calculation for the EU (with the auxiliary file), the VAT debt is also registered in this main accounting file using no VAT code.
• An auxiliary file for European VAT management
  • The basic currency is EUR
  • The chart of accounts corresponds to that of the main file (this allows you to copy and paste records).
  • VAT/Sales tax table with the VAT codes and rates necessary for your own situation in Europe.
    When doing business with only a single nation, the VAT/Sales tax table for that nation and the automatic VAT accounting scripts can be used.
    See our web pages: Germany, Austria, Italy, Holland and our webpages with templates for various other nations.
  • Enter the appropriate amount and VAT code in the transactions
  • For the periodic VAT declaration in the EU, use the VAT/Sales tax report command (Reports Menu; Account1 menu in the old version) and total the amounts as necessary on the VAT form of the European nation in which the VAT declaration is made.

Please consult your tax advisor to ensure that this solution meets all the specific requirements of the tax authority in the EU

As of January 1, 2025, important changes to VAT regulations have come into effect. Below are the key points.

Main regulatory changes

• Mandatory electronic submission of VAT return data.
• Extension of the number of allowed rates for the net/flat rate method (beyond the previous two).
• Option to choose an annual VAT return.

For detailed information, please refer to the official documentation from the FTA.

Changes to the net/flat rate VAT method

For fiscal years starting from 2025

• It is permitted to indicate multiple net rates in the same return, provided each covers at least 10% of the total taxable turnover.
• The treatment is unified: there is no longer a distinction between "net rate" and "flat rate".
• For each rate, the type of activity must be indicated using an activity code provided by the FTA; only authorized codes may be used.

Transmission formats (eCH-0217)

The FTA has published the draft of the new standard eCH-0217 E-VAT 2.0 which, once finalized, will replace the current version 1.0.

Elements/methods included in 2.0:

• Effective VAT method
  • effectiveReportingMethod – valid for all fiscal years (the XML element indicates the supported method for submission).
• Net/flat rate VAT method
  • Until fiscal year 2024: netTaxRateMethod and flatTaxRateMethod – XML elements supported for submission only until 2024.
  • From 2025: simpleTaxRateMethod – XML element valid starting from 2025.

This page is not available in English at the moment.
Please consult the relative pages in German, French or Italian.

This page is not available in English at the moment.
Please consult the relative pages in German, French or Italian.

The Swiss VAT report uses specific references to include the different tax rates and types of transactions. These references are defined in the VAT Codes table and it is essential that they are set correctly to ensure accurate calculation and completion of the VAT report. For this reason, it is essential that the VAT Codes table is up to date.

Once the VAT Codes table has been updated, it will appear as follows:

• V =   Sales (200)
• VS = Discount sales and services (235)
• B =   Acquisition tax  (38x)
• M =   Expenses for material and services (400)
• I =    Investments and other operating expenses (405)
• K=    Corrections  (410, 415, 420)
• Z =   Not considered (910)

Gr1 Grouping

The GR1 column in the VAT Codes table shows the figures of the VAT form, where the amounts are grouped according to the relevant VAT code.
For the programme, these indications are essential for the preparation of the VAT form (facsimile) and the Xml file for the electronic submission of VAT data on the portal of the Federal Administration.

There are VAT codes that must appear in several boxes for the figures on the form. For example, the sales taxable amount must appear in digit 200 (Turnover figure) and also in digit 303 (Tax calculation). In these cases, the figures separated by a semicolon (200;303) are entered in column Gr1.
If a VAT code, which is present in the table VAT Codes, is used in the table Recording and does not have a grouping in the column GR1, when printing the VAT form, the programme will report an error. If a VAT code is not to appear in any figure on the VAT form, 'xxx' must be indicated in column Gr1; thus no error is reported.

Gr1 codes till end of 2023 and from 2024

In the VAT form with the Effective method, in the Calculation of tax part, there are boxes up to 31.12.2023 (302, 312, 342, 382) and boxes from 1.1.2024 (303, 313, 343, 383).

In the VAT Form for Flat Tax Rate method, there are boxes up to 31.12.2023 (321, 331, 381) and boxes from 1.1.2024 (322, 332, 382) in the Calculation of tax part.

The Print VAT Form command inserts the values of the boxes according to the figure contained in Gr1. If a new code is added, the VAT form reference figure must therefore be entered correctly.

Turnover / Taxable Amount

Initial letter V is used for codes relating to Turnover.

Reference 200 - Total amount of agreed or collected consideration
All transactions related to turnover, whether subject or not to VAT, must be reported here. Exempt sales are to be indicated with the appropriate VAT code.
Codes for exempt transactions or supplies provided abroad must be grouped in reference 200 and simultaneously reported in the relative deduction reference number.
The VAT codes related to turnover are:

• V81, V26, V38 (valid from 01.01.2024)
• V77, V25-N, V37 (valid until 31.12.2023).

Sales subject to VAT must be grouped not only in the figure 200 but also in the respective positions according to the rate (302, 303, 312, 342, 343, 382, 383).

Reference 205 - Consideration exempt from tax where option for taxation has been exercised
These transactions must be indicated under reference number 200, but must also figure under reference no 205.
They carry a VAT code that is identical to a VAT sales code, with the additional indication in the Gr1 column that they also must be grouped in the ref 205.
In order to be able to use this position, VAT codes must be replicated from reference number 200. For simplicity, the letter B has been added to the existing VAT codes.
The following codes must be used in the VAT codes tab:

• V77 (valid until 31.12.2023)
• V81 (valid from 01.01.2024).

Reference 299 - Taxable turnover
The taxable turnover is constituted by the turnover minus the non-taxable turnover (Deductions) (221, 225, 230, 235, 280).

Decrease in Turnover

For each non-taxable or non-VATable position, there is a VAT code with a percentage of 0 (due).

Reference 220 - Tax-exempt services
Use the following code:

• V0

Reference 221 - Services provided abroad
Purchase of goods and services abroad are intended (Article 23) or when the beneficiary is not subject to tax(Article 107).
Use the following code:

• V0-E

Reference 225 -  Transfers via Notification Procedure
Transfers via notification procedure (Article 38; to be submitted with form No. 764).
The code to use is the following:

• V0-T

Acquisition tax (Art. 45)

Reference 381 - 382 - Acquisition tax
Services that are obtained abroad, that do not carry any customs documents, must be subject to VAT as if they were sales.

For these cases, special VAT codes are needed to calculate VAT both as VAT due and as recoverable VAT.
The VAT codes to be used are:

• B81 for transactions with VAT code type 0 (VAT amount included), valid from 01.01.2024
• B81-1 for transactions with VAT code type 1 (VAT amount excluded), valid from 01.01.2024
• B81-2 for transactions with VAT code type amount 2 (VAT amount 100%), valid from 01.01.2024
• B77 for transactions with VAT code type 0 (VAT amount included), valid until 31.12.2023
• B77-1 for transactions with VAT code type 1 (VAT amount excluded), valid until 31.12.2023
• B77-2 for transactions with VAT code type amount 2 (VAT amount 100%), valid until 31.12.2023

Recoverable taxation

Recoverable VAT is reported in this part of the (refundable VAT).

Reference 400 -  Input tax on Purchase of material and services
These are purchases of goods and services that are part of the company's core business.
The codes for recoverable taxation are:

• M81, M26, M38 (valid from 01.01.2024)
• M77 (valid until 31.12.2023)

In cases where VAT has been paid at customs and there exists an invoice with the VAT amount only, VAT code type 2 (Registration Amount = VAT amount) must be used. For these cases, the following code was set up:

• M81-2 (valid from 01.01.2024)
• M77-2 (valid until 31.12.2023).

For Amount type 1 (Amount of registration = Net Amount) use the following code:

• M81-1 (valid from 01.01.2024)
• M77-1 (valid until 31.12.2023)

Reference 405 - Input tax on Investment and operating costs 
These are purchases for investments and operating costs that are not part of the 400 figure.
The VAT codes are:

• I81, I26, I38 (valid from 01.01.2024)
• I81-2 to be used for obtaining services abroad, in conjunction with the codes designated for calculating the purchase tax (see page VAT on foreign services)
• I77, I37 (valid until 31.12.2023).

It might be necessary to add further codes of Amount type 2, or Amount type 1 with different rates.

Purchases without VAT should not be included in the VAT return.
In some cases (eg clarity of the review) it may be useful to identify specific transactions without VAT.
The VAT codes are:

• M0 and I0, grouped with "xxx" in order to avoid generating an error message.

Corrections and reductions (recoverable tax)

It might not be necessary for the taxpayer to use these positions. If needed, use one of the codes grouped in the Correction and adjustments Group.

From an accounting point of view, correction transactions may essentially result in a reduction of VAT deductibility. 

A registration must therefore be made for the deductible VAT adjustment (as a plus or minus).

Reference 410 - De-taxation (art. 32)
You can deduct the recoverable VAT paid in previous years. 
The codes are:

• K81-A (valid from 01.01.2024)
• K77-A (valid until 31.12.2023).

Reference 415 Corrections of the input tax deduction, mixed use
In cases where merchandise has not been used for corporate or taxable purposes, it is not possible to recover all previous input tax VAT. 
You can do this by always using the same purchase account (both credit and debit); in this way the purchase account will be increased by the amount of non-deductible VAT.
The codes are :

• K81-B (valid from 01.01.2024)
• K77-B (valid until 31.12.2023).

Reference 420 - Reduction of the input tax deduction
These are the transactions to be deducted from deductible VAT, such as subsidies.
This position must contain the same elements as the ones in reference 900.
The codes are:

• K81-C (valid from 01.01.2024)
• K77-C (valid until 31.12.2023).

Other cash flows of financial resources

In this part, the amounts relating to the base for the calculation for VAT must be reported..

These are transactions that are not part of the turnover and are not countervailing duties.

Reference 900 - Subsidies, tourist taxes and similar
Operations in reduction the deductible VAT, such as subsidies. 
The code to use in these cases is:

• Z0-A

Reference 910 - Donations, dividends, compensation for damages etc.
Out of scope transactions. Donations, dividends and all other "receipts" that do not lead to a reduction of deductible VAT.
The code to use in these cases is:

• Z0

Note: VAT codes falling within references 900 and 910 have a 0% rate; therefore, amount type 2 (VAT amount) must not be used, since the tax is always zero. Instead, use only amount type 0 (amount including VAT) or amount type 1 (amount excluding VAT).

VAT Codes - Flat tax rate

As a result of the VAT rates for 2024, in Banana Accounting, the VAT rates have also been updated using the flat tax rate method.

Column GR1 shows the figures of the VAT form where the amounts are totalled. If the amounts are to be totalled in several digits, these are separated by a semicolon.

• F1 - sales subject to 1st rate (reference 200, 323), to be used from 01.01.2024; also valid in 2025
• F2 - sales subject to 2nd rate (reference 200, 333), to be used from 01.01.2024; also valid in 2025
• F3 - sales subject to 1st rate (reference 200, 322), to be used until 31.12.2023; from 01.01.2025 used for the 3rd rate
• F4 - sales subject to 2nd rate (reference 200, 332), to be used until 31.12.2023; from 01.01.2025 used for the 4th rate
• F5 - sales subject to 5th rate (reference 200, 324), to be used from 01.01.2025
• F6 - sales subject to 6th rate (reference 200, 334), to be used from 01.01.2025
• F7 - sales subject to 7th rate (reference 200, 325), to be used from 01.01.2025
• F8 - sales subject to 8th rate (reference 200, 335), to be used from 01.01.2025
• F9 - sales subject to 9th rate (reference 200, 326), to be used from 01.01.2025
• FS1 - discount on sales subject to 1st rate (reference 235, 323), to be used from 01.01.2024; also valid in 2025
• FS2 - discount on sales subject to 2nd rate (reference 235, 333), to be used from 01.01.2024; also valid in 2025
• FS3 - discount on sales subject to 1st rate (reference 235, 322), to be used until 31.12.2023; from 01.01.2025 used for the 3rd rate
• FS4 - discount on sales subject to 2nd rate (reference 235, 332), to be used until 31.12.2023; from 01.01.2025 used for the 4th rate
• FS5 - discount on sales subject to 5th rate (reference 235, 324), to be used from 01.01.2025
• FS6 - discount on sales subject to 6th rate (reference 235, 334), to be used from 01.01.2025
• FS7 - discount on sales subject to 7th rate (reference 235, 325), to be used from 01.01.2025
• FS8 - discount on sales subject to 8th rate (reference 235, 335), to be used from 01.01.2025
• FS9 - discount on sales subject to 9th rate (reference 235, 326), to be used from 01.01.2025
• F1050 - exports which have been annotated and declared using form 1050 (reference 470) until 31.12.2024
• F1055 - exports which have been recorded and declared by means of form No. 1055 (reference 471) until 31.12.2024

Those who run previous versions, can download the updated file of the new VAT Codes table, or enter the missing codes.

VAT account in the basic accounting data

All default Banana Accounting templates have the VAT account (2201) already set up in the File properties (File menu, VAT section). This allows the VAT calculations to be automated, so that all VAT amounts are accounted for in this account.

At the end of the quarter, the balance of this account represents the amount to be paid to the FTA (or to be recovered).

When the VAT Return account (2201) is set in the file properties, in the VAT Codes table, the VAT Account column must be empty.

If account 2201 is not set in the file properties, the previous VAT account 1, 2 and the VAT account due to each individual code can be set. In this case, the VAT is spread over three different accounts and at the end of the quarter the VAT accounts must be closed in order to determine the VAT payable to the FTA.

Starting in 2025, it will no longer be possible to submit the VAT statement in paper format: the data must be transmitted exclusively via the FTA portal. The transmission can take place using one of the following methods:

Manually enter the VAT data in the AFC portal

• View and print out the VAT return facsimile and check that the data is correct.
• Log in to the Federal Tax Administration portal with your account details.
• Manually enter the data from the VAT Facsimile in the online VAT report.
• Check all data before sending.
• Proceed with the submission.

Online submission of VAT data with Xml file

For the creation of Xml files, please refer to the information at 

• Swiss VAT Report effective method
• Swiss VAT Report net tax rate method

Before entering the data on the FTA portal, proceed as follows:

• View and print the VAT Return facsimile and check that the data is correct.
• Create the XML file for the VAT for the quarter or the semester you are interested in. Ensure that the transmitted period is correct (see the next section).
• Log in to the Federal Tax Administration portal with your account data.
• Choose to import the data in XML format.
• Check the data automatically displayed in the online form against the data in the VAT facsimile.
• Validate the data and proceed with the submission.

Verification of the Transmitted Period

• If an invalid period is transmitted, the file will be rejected.
  The valid periods, divided by method, are as follows:
  • Vat Net/Flat Rate Method: semi-annual and annual.
  • Vat Effective Method: quarterly, semi-annual, and annual.
• If you recently registered as a VAT taxpayer, the reporting period does not necessarily start on 1st MM.YYYY but could, for example, start on 16th MM.YYYY.
• Submitting a report for a period from 01.01.20YY to 30.09.20YY, thus covering multiple periods, will result in the file being rejected.

Net or gross sales

In the effective method, when manually entering the data in the FTA portal, it is important to correctly select the net setting at the top of the form.

If, on the other hand, you directly submit the XML file generated by Banana Accounting Plus, the information is already included in the file itself through the <eCH-0217:grossOrNet> tag.

To correctly transition from the net tax rate method to the effective method in Banana Accounting, follow these steps:

Verify the VAT Codes table

• Ensure that the VAT Codes table is the default one provided by the program.
  The default table contains all the necessary codes for both thenet tax rate method and the effective method.
• If the table is not updated, it must be updated following the instructions on the webpage: Update VAT Codes Table 2024.

Update the Accounts table

• Add the following accounts:
  • 2201 VAT Report (automatic VAT account).
  • 2200 VAT Due (VAT to be paid to the AFC).

Update File Properties 

• Set account 2201 VAT Report in the following path:
  File > File and accounting properties (Basic data) > VAT.
   

Transactions Table 

• For transactions with VAT, use the VAT codes provided for the effective method.

For the quarterly VAT declaration, use the extension VAT Effective Method (available only with the Advanced plan).

Gemäss den Bestimmungen der Eidgenössischen Steuerverwaltung (ESTV) ist ein Wechsel von der effektiven Abrechnungsmethode zur SSS-Methode grundsätzlich möglich:

• frühestens nach drei ganzen Steuerperioden
• immer nur auf Beginn einer Steuerperiode

Die Meldung an die ESTV muss spätestens 60 Tage nach Beginn der Steuerperiode erfolgen, ab der mit den Saldosteuersätzen abgerechnet werden soll.

Beim Wechsel der Abrechnungsmethode ist eine Korrektur der Vorsteuer vorzunehmen.

Die bereits geltend gemachte Vorsteuer auf steuerlich relevanten Aufwendungen und Investitionen ist nach dem Zeitwert im Zeitpunkt des Wechsels zu korrigieren.

Die Korrektur:

• wird in der letzten Abrechnung nach der effektiven Methode, unmittelbar vor dem Wechsel vorgenommen
• betrifft Gegenstände, Vorräte, Betriebsmittel sowie Dienstleistungen, die noch nicht vollständig abgeschrieben oder verbraucht sind
• stellt eine Vorsteuerkorrektur dar

Der Betrag der Korrektur ist in der MWST-Abrechnung unter der Ziffer 415 (Vorsteuerkorrekturen) zu deklarieren.

Nachfolgend wird gezeigt, wie die Vorsteuerkorrektur beim Wechsel zur Saldosteuersatzmethode in Banana erfasst wird.

Tabelle MWST-Codes prüfen

Stellen Sie sicher, dass die verwendete MWST-Codetabelle die Standardtabelle des Programms ist und auf dem neuesten Stand ist.

Die Standardtabelle enthält alle notwendigen Schweizer MWST-Codes sowohl für die Saldosteuersatzmethode als auch für die effektive Methode und ist mit der Erweiterung MWST-Abrechnung kompatibel, welche die korrekte Auswertung und Kontrolle der MWST-Beträge ermöglicht. 

Ist die Tabelle nicht aktuell, muss sie gemäss den Anweisungen auf der Webseite aktualisiert werden: Tabelle der MWST-Codes aktualisieren.

Tabelle Konten prüfen

Stellen Sie sicher, dass die folgenden MWST-Konten im Kontenplan vorhanden sind und sowohl für die Saldosteuersatzmethode als auch für die effektive Methode verwendet werden:

• 1170 Vorsteuer (Aktivkonto)
• 2200 Geschuldete MWST (Passivkonto)
• 2201 MWST-Abrechnung (Passivkonto)
• 3809 MWST Saldosteuersatz (Ertragskonto)

Beispiel: Wechsel zur Saldosteuersatzmethode

Die folgenden Buchungen zeigen die Vorsteuerkorrektur beim Wechsel von der effektiven Abrechnungsmethode zur Saldosteuersatzmethode.

Die Korrektur betrifft die bereits geltend gemachte Vorsteuer auf Gegenständen und Investitionen, die zum Zeitpunkt des Wechsels noch nicht vollständig genutzt oder abgeschrieben sind.

Der Betrag der Korrektur ist in der MWST-Abrechnung unter der Ziffer 415 (Vorsteuerkorrekturen) zu deklarieren.

Anwendungsperiode der Methoden

• 01.01.2025–31.12.2025: effektive Methode
• 01.01.2026–31.12.2026: Saldosteuersatzmethode

Verwendete Konten

• 1020 Bank
• 2200 Geschuldete MWST
• 2201 MWST-Abrechnung
• 3000 Erlöse aus Fabrikaten
• 3809 MWST Saldosteuersatz
• 4000 Materialaufwand

In der MWST-Abrechnung der letzten Periode mit der effektiven Methode erscheint die Korrektur von CHF 24.30 unter der Ziffer 415 (Vorsteuerkorrekturen).

The extension generates and displays a report with four types of checks:

1. Comparison between the turnover declared in the VAT Return and the turnover recorded in the accounting file.
2. Turnover declared in the VAT form, grouped by VAT code.
3. Taxable VAT declared in the VAT form.
4. Transactions for accounts with differences.

To generate the VAT Reconciliation report:

• Open the accounting file.
• From the Extensions menu, select Swiss Annual VAT Reconciliation > 1. Print report.

• The extension Settings dialog will open. Here you can define the information required to create the VAT Reconciliation report:

  
   

  • Income accounts group.
    Enter the main income group that includes all income accounts, as defined in the chart of accounts in the Accounts or Categories table (for Income & Expense accounting and Cash Manager). The default value is 3. In our example, the income group is 30.
    If the turnover totalization group in your chart of accounts is different, you must change this value.
  • Taxable group in the VAT form.
    Enter the group shown in the Gr1 column of the VAT Codes table that represents the value of box 200 of the VAT Return. The default value is 200.
  • VAT codes grouping for sales.
    Enter the group shown in the Sum in column of the VAT Codes table that totals the sales VAT codes. The default value is 1.1.
• Click OK to run the extension.

1. Comparison between the turnover declared in the VAT Return and the turnover recorded in the accounting file

This check compares the declared turnover with the turnover recorded in the accounting file and identifies any differences.

The following example is based on an accounting file where the displayed turnover is CHF 5'800.28.

The report generated by the extension contains tables divided by period, including an overall annual period.
Each table displays all the accounts that generate turnover, including accounts with transactions that do not have a VAT code.
Each table contains the following columns:

• Account
  List of the accounts included in the turnover or with VAT transactions (including any balance sheet accounts).
• Turnover with VAT code
  Amount of turnover for each account where the transactions have a VAT code.
• Turnover without VAT code
  Amount of turnover for each account where the transactions do not have a VAT code.
• Total turnover
  Total turnover for each account, including both transactions with and without a VAT code.
• Declared net amount
  Net amounts declared in the VAT Return.
• Differences
  Differences between the turnover recorded in the accounting file and the declared turnover.

In the example, the report shows the calculation for account 3000 (Sales account), which represents the turnover:

• In the first quarter (1Q), there is a turnover difference of CHF 100.00 (Differences column).
  • Turnover recorded in the accounting file = CHF 1'025.07 (Total turnover column).
  • Turnover declared in the VAT Return = CHF 925.07 (Declared net amount column).
• In the fourth quarter (4Q), there is a turnover difference of CHF 2'000.00 (Differences column).
  • Turnover recorded in the accounting file = CHF 2'000.00 (Total turnover column).
  • Turnover declared in the VAT Return = CHF 0.00 (Declared net amount column).
• For the annual period, the differences from each period are added together and displayed:

• Turnover recorded in the accounting file = CHF 5'800.28 (Total turnover column).
• Turnover declared in the VAT Return = CHF 3'700.28 (Declared net amount column).
• Total turnover difference = CHF 2'100.00 (Differences column).

2. Turnover declared in the VAT form, grouped by VAT code

This check compares the turnover for each VAT code relating to income accounts with VAT.

• Description
  Description of each VAT code used in the turnover transactions.
• Taxable amount Y
  Taxable amount for the year.
• Taxable amount 1Q
  Taxable amount for the first quarter.
• Taxable amount 2Q
  Taxable amount for the second quarter.
• Taxable amount 3Q
  Taxable amount for the third quarter.
• Taxable amount 4Q
  Taxable amount for the fourth quarter.

3. Taxable VAT declared in the VAT form

The report provides a summary of the VAT amounts declared to the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) for each quarter, without checking for any differences.

4. Transactions for accounts with differences

For each account, all transactions that generated differences in the various VAT Returns are grouped together.
The list of all transactions that generated differences allows you to quickly identify possible errors, such as a transaction subject to VAT that is missing the related VAT code, or to identify transactions that are correct but, although they have a VAT code, are not included in the turnover calculation (such as purchase tax or reverse charge transactions).

The following columns are displayed:

• Row
  The row number of the transaction in the Transactions table.
• Date
  The transaction date.
• Description
  The transaction description. The description text is truncated to 20 characters to keep the table tidy and easy to read.
• Account
  The account with the transaction difference.
• Contra account
  The contra account of the transaction.
• Debit
  The debit amount of the transaction.
• Credit
  The credit amount of the transaction.
• VAT code
  The VAT code of the transaction.
• VAT amount type
  The VAT amount type of the transaction.
• Taxable VAT amount
  The taxable VAT amount of the transaction.
• VAT amount
  The VAT amount of the transaction.
• Posted VAT amount
  The posted VAT amount of the transaction.

In the example:

• The difference between the turnover recorded in the accounting file (CHF 5'800.28) and the turnover declared (CHF 3'700.28), amounting to CHF 2'100.00, is shown.
• The transactions in the Transactions table that generated this difference are also listed.

Looking at the Transactions table, at the indicated rows (2 and 5), you can see that the transactions do not have a VAT code even though they were posted to sales account 3000 (the VAT code is missing).

In these cases, once the error has been identified, the VAT Return for the affected quarter must be generated again using the VAT Return extension, and the corrected figures must then be submitted in the correction return on the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) portal.

The details of the differences between the declared turnover and the turnover recorded in the accounting file can be saved.

• From the Extensions menu, select Swiss Annual VAT Reconciliation > 2. Accounting/VAT Differences.
• The extension Settings dialog opens, where you can choose between two methods of saving the data:
  • 1) Show in dialog.
    All details of the differences, which are also included in the report, are displayed in a dedicated dialog. The data is shown in tabular format and can be copied or saved directly using the available commands.
  • 2) Save to table.
    All details of the differences, which are also included in the report, are automatically inserted into a table in the accounting file. A new table must be added beforehand.
  • Table name (XML name).
    The name of the table (XML name) where the difference details will be inserted.

1. Display in the dialog

In the extension settings, by enabling the Display in the dialog option, a new dialog appears showing the transactions with the differences, which can be exported to a text file.

• The generated text can be copied by clicking the Copy button.
• Afterwards, the text can be pasted into Excel using the Paste Special > Text command (this way the data is saved in separate columns).
• Alternatively, the text can also be pasted directly into a table in the accounting file.

If you want to paste the text into the accounting file, you need to:

• Add a simple table 
  using the Tools > Add/Remove functionalities > Add simple table command. You can choose any name for the table.
• Add the columns to the simple table
  Using the Data > Columns setup command, add the following columns in the exact order and with the correct data type, as shown below:
  • Account (data type: Text)
  • Row (data type: Number)
  • Date (data type: Date)
  • Doc (data type: Text)
  • Description (existing column)
  • Debit (data type: Amount)
  • Credit (data type: Amount)
  • VAT Code (data type: Text)
  • VAT Amount Type (data type: Text)
  • VAT Taxable Amount (data type: Number)
  • VAT Amount (data type: Number)
  • Posted VAT Amount (data type: Number)
  • Notes (existing column).

After configuring the columns, the table is ready for data entry. To copy the data generated by the extension and insert it into the table:

• Run the extension from the Extensions > Swiss Annual VAT Reconciliation > 2. Accounting/VAT Differences menu.
• Select the Display in the dialog option and confirm with OK.
• In the window that appears, select Copy.
• Close the window by clicking Close.
• Open the table created in the accounting file.
• Place the cursor in the first cell of the added table.
• Paste the copied text.
• All data is automatically inserted into the corresponding columns.

2. Save to table

By enabling the Save to table option in the extension settings, the table containing the transactions with differences can be imported directly into the accounting file, into the table specified in the Table name (XML name) field.

In this case, you must:

• Before running the extension, add a new table using Tools > Add/Remove Features > Add Simple Table. You can choose any name for the table.
• After adding the table, run the extension from Extensions > Swiss Annual VAT Reconciliation > 2. Accounting/VAT Differences.
• Select the Save to table option.
• Enter the XML name of the table you created (to view the XML name, use Data > Tables setup, Table settings).
• Click OK.
• The extension displays the changes that will be made to the selected table. Click OK to confirm.
• The extension automatically adds the required columns to the selected table and inserts all the data into the corresponding columns.

The Id (RowId) column is not used and can safely be hidden using the appropriate option in Data > Columns setup.

Error messages
When saving the difference data to the table, the extension checks for possible errors and displays the corresponding messages.

• "Missing XML table name. You must create a new table using Tools > Add/Remove Features > Add Simple Table."
  • The extension checks that the name of the table where the data will be saved has been entered in the extension settings.
  • Solution: Enter the XML name of the table.
• "The table XXX does not exist. You must create a new table using Tools > Add/Remove Features > Add Simple Table."
  • The extension checks that the table specified in the extension settings exists in Banana Accounting.
  • Solution: Add the table using Tools > Add/Remove Features > Add Simple Table.
• "The table XXX cannot be used. You must create a new table using Tools > Add/Remove Features > Add Simple Table."
  • The extension checks that the table specified in the extension settings is not a predefined Banana table. Differences cannot be saved in predefined tables.
  • Solution: Add a new table using Tools > Add/Remove Features > Add Simple Table.

Structure of the Differences table

For both modes, 1. Show in dialog and 2. Save to table, the generated table has the following structure:

• Update date row.
  This row displays the date when the data was inserted into the table.
  New data is always appended at the end of the table.
• Account row.
  This row summarizes the total difference for the account.
  • The Account column contains the account of the transaction with a difference.
  • The Description column displays the total difference amount for the account.
  • All other columns are left empty.
• Transaction detail rows.
  These rows display the transactions from the Transactions table that generated the difference.
  • The Account column is empty.
  • The Row column contains the transaction row number.
  • The Date column contains the transaction date.
  • The Doc column contains the transaction document.
  • The Description column contains the transaction description.
  • The Debit column contains the transaction debit amount.
  • The Credit column contains the transaction credit amount.
  • The VAT Code column contains the transaction VAT code.
  • The VAT Amount Type column contains the transaction VAT amount type.
  • The Taxable VAT Amount column contains the transaction taxable VAT amount.
  • The VAT Amount column contains the transaction VAT amount.
  • The Posted VAT Amount column contains the posted VAT amount of the transaction.
  • The Notes column contains "[...]" so that you can add your own notes. This is useful for explaining the reason for the difference.

Below you will find the 2018 VAT rates (valid for the years 2018-2023), both for the effective method and for the net tax rate method. From January 1. 2024 new VAT rates will be introduced.

VAT rates for the effective method

The accounting templates available on our website already contain the new VAT codes, with both the rates before and after the 2017 vote.

Billing

• Bills issued in 2017:
  • For sales, services or supplies concerning 2017, that year's rates are used (8% normal rate, 3.8% for hotel sector, 2.5% reduced).
  • For sales, services or supplies concerning 2018, that year's rates are used (7.7% normal rate, 3.7 for hotel sector, 2.5% reduced). 
• Bills issued in 2018:
  • For sales, services or supplies concerning 2017, that year's rates are used (8% normal rate, 3.8% for hotel sector, 2.5% reduced).
  • For sales, services or supplies concerning 2018, that year's rates are used (7.7% normal rate, 3.7 for hotel sector, 2.5% reduced).

VAT Codes from 2018

At the end of 2017 and for 2018 the different rates should be used in parallel.

• The VAT Codes table already contains the VAT codes with the relative rates for both 2017 and 2018.
  Simply import the VAT codes into your accounting.
• At the latest, when starting the 2018 fiscal year, the new VAT codes must be imported

VAT rated 2018 for the net rate method

The list of VAT codes is already provided with the relative codes for the final rates.

• F1 and F2 VAT Codes remain unchanged and relate to services invoiced with the 2017 rates.
• F3 and F4 VAT Codes must be set up for services invoiced with 2018 rates.

Two methods are used for calculation:

• Registration without VAT breakdown.
• Registration with VAT breakdown.

Further information is available at the following link: reduced VAT rates as per 1st of January 2018.

Please visit the relative page in German, French or Italian.

Content not available in English as there is no official documents by the Swiss Federal Tax authorities posted as per 31/12/2017
This content is available in German, French and Italiano.