Magic Heidi Your VAT return, already prepared
Magic Heidi does the maths on every invoice and every receipt, effective method or net tax rate. When the quarter ends, your figure for the FTA ePortal is already there.
No more VAT weekends
Digging invoices out of your inbox, retyping receipts, working out input VAT in Excel and hoping the number you enter in the FTA portal is right.
Hunting for receipts
In a shoebox, your inbox, your phoneChecking Excel formulas
One wrong cell, one wrong returnForgetting input VAT
Every missing receipt costs you moneyYour VAT return in three steps
Example Q3: CHF 1,992.60 VAT on your revenue, minus CHF 412.35 input VAT. Amount due: CHF 1,580.25. That figure is already waiting for you.
Set it up once
Enter your VAT number, pick your method (effective or net tax rate) and whether prices are VAT-exclusive or inclusive. Two minutes, then never again.
Heidi does the maths
You choose the VAT rate per line item. The AI reads receipts including the VAT rate, so input VAT is captured right away.
Close the period
Pick the quarter (on the net tax rate, you add two quarters together), agreed or received consideration. You see revenue, VAT, input VAT and the amount for the FTA ePortal, plus an Excel export.
Built for Swiss VAT
No journal entries, no chart of accounts. Just the VAT features freelancers actually need.
All VAT rates
8.1 %, 2.6 % and 3.8 %, even mixed on one invoice.
Net tax rate
Enter your FTA rate and Heidi works out the tax you owe.
Input VAT via AI
Snap a receipt, the AI picks up the amount and VAT rate.
Foreign clients
Invoices without Swiss VAT, in CHF, EUR, USD and more.
Accountant access
One-click access or an Excel export for your accountant.
Effective method or net tax rate?
Magic Heidi handles both. Which one is cheaper for you depends mostly on your expenses. You apply for the net tax rate with the FTA, and the VAT guide covers all the rules.
Effective method
You pay VAT on revenue minus input VAT and file quarterly. Right for you if you buy or invest a lot. Magic Heidi pulls the input VAT from your receipts.
Net tax rate
You pay gross revenue × your net tax rate, with input VAT built in, and file every six months. Right for you if you have few expenses, e.g. in consulting or design. Magic Heidi works out the tax owed.
VAT software compared
Monthly prices on annual plans, as of September 2026, from public price lists: bexio Advanced, Banana Advanced (CHF 179 per year). bexio and KLARA excl. VAT, Banana without VAT details, Magic Heidi incl. VAT. More in the bexio comparison and the KLARA comparison.
| Feature | Magic Heidi | bexio | KLARA | Banana |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per month | CHF 24.99 | CHF 42 | from CHF 55 | CHF 15 |
| Effective & net tax rate | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ in Advanced |
| Free to try | ✓ 3 invoices & 3 receipts, no time limit | ⚠ 30-day trial | ⚠ 30-day trial | ✓ Free up to 70 entries |
| No accounting knowledge | ✓ Simple income and expenses | ⚠ Double-entry bookkeeping | ⚠ Double-entry bookkeeping | ✗ Chart of accounts needed |
| Built for | ✓ Freelancers & sole proprietors | SMEs with a team | SMEs, local businesses | SMEs, NGOs, associations |
VAT, finally simple
4.8 out of 5 from more than 200 public reviews.
“Great if you're in Switzerland, I recommend this platform. Everything is simple, and you get your complete statistics and even the figures you need to deduct for VAT.”
“This is the first accounting software I've used as a freelancer. … Invoicing, expenses and VAT, all exportable in one click. I'm really glad I've finally found a clean, simple platform at a good price.”
“Until now I did everything with Excel and binders and spent a huge amount of time on it. Then I came across Magic Heidi, and I have to say it's a must-have for anyone who's self-employed.”
“Since we started using Magic Heidi for our Geneva-based company, invoicing has become child's play. The interface is clear, intuitive and perfectly suited to Swiss requirements (VAT, currencies, addresses, etc.).”
“The program is clear, easy to use and makes recording invoices and expenses much less complicated. What I find especially handy is that everything is neatly structured and you keep track of things quickly.”
“As a newly self-employed person, Magic Heidi made getting started so much easier. My bookkeeping is far less complicated now and I no longer lose time to needless stress.”
Questions about your VAT return
Does Magic Heidi support the net tax rate method?
Yes. In your settings you enter the net tax rate the FTA approved for you, and Magic Heidi calculates the VAT you owe from it. You keep charging your clients the standard 8.1 %. If you have two net tax rates, a small workaround covers it.
Does Magic Heidi file my VAT return with the FTA?
No, you file it yourself in the FTA ePortal. For the period you choose, Magic Heidi shows your revenue, VAT, input VAT and the amount due, and you copy the figures over in a few minutes. That way you always know exactly what you are submitting.
When is my VAT return due?
Within 60 days of the end of the reporting period, so after the quarter (effective method) or the half-year (net tax rate). You also have to pay the VAT within those same 60 days. In Magic Heidi you see your figures as you go, so you don't have to wait for the quarter to end. All deadlines are in the VAT guide.
Can I report on agreed or received consideration?
Both work. In the VAT return you choose whether VAT counts by invoice date (agreed consideration) or by payment date (received consideration). Use the option you registered with at the FTA.
Can I switch method later?
In Magic Heidi, yes: you change the method in your settings. The FTA does set minimum periods before you're allowed to switch, though, and you have to notify them of the change. The VAT guide explains the current rules.
How do I invoice clients abroad?
Services to businesses abroad are usually invoiced without Swiss VAT. In Magic Heidi you set the invoice to «no VAT» and add a note such as «reverse charge». You still report the revenue in your return, in box 221 (services abroad). If in doubt, ask your accountant.
How does input VAT from my receipts get into the return?
Snap the receipt or upload the PDF. The AI reads the merchant, date, amount and VAT rate and calculates the input VAT. It flows straight into your VAT return, with unlimited AI receipt scanning on Pro (fair use).
I'm not VAT-registered yet. Is Magic Heidi still for me?
Yes, most people start without VAT. Below CHF 100,000 in annual revenue you are exempt, and Magic Heidi creates invoices without VAT. Once you reach the threshold or register voluntarily, you add your VAT number and every VAT feature switches on. When you have to register is explained in the VAT guide.
How much does Magic Heidi cost?
You start free with 3 invoices and 3 receipts in total, no credit card, with every VAT feature. After that, Pro costs CHF 24.99 per month on the annual plan (CHF 299 a year) or CHF 39 monthly, VAT included. Every paid plan has a 30-day money-back guarantee. Full details on the pricing page.
Where is my data stored?
Your invoices, receipts and VAT data are stored encrypted on servers in Zurich. Some features, such as AI receipt scanning, use specialised services that partly process data outside Switzerland. More on the security page. And you can export all your data at any time, so you're never locked in.
Your next VAT return, minus the lost weekend
Start free with 3 invoices and 3 receipts, no credit card. Add your VAT number, and Heidi does the maths from today.
