Swiss VAT Calculator — free & up to date
Calculate Swiss VAT for all three rates: 8.1% standard, 3.8% hospitality, 2.6% food and books. Stand: 01.01.2024.
Swiss VAT Calculator
Add or remove VAT — 8.1%, 3.8%, 2.6%.
Three rates — everything at a glance
Switzerland has three VAT rates (as of 01.01.2024). The applicable rate depends on the specific product or service.
8.1% — Standard rate
The standard rate applies to most goods and services: consulting, software, marketing, trades, electronics and more.
- Consulting and freelance services
- Software and digital products
- Electronics and non-food goods
- Most B2B services
3.8% — Special rate (hospitality)
The special rate generally applies to accommodation services (e.g. hotels, guesthouses, holiday apartments). The exact scope depends on the specific service.
- Hotels and guesthouses
- Holiday apartments and chalets
- Campsites and accommodation
- Typically for overnight stays only
2.6% — Reduced rate (food & more)
The reduced rate typically applies to food, books, newspapers, medicines (depending on product category), animal feed and water.
- Food and beverages (excluding alcohol)
- Books, newspapers, magazines
- Medicines (depending on product category)
- Animal feed and water
Note: The correct VAT rate depends on the specific product or service. When in doubt, check with the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA / ESTV).
Frequently Asked Questions about Swiss VAT
When do I need to register for Swiss VAT?
Once your annual revenue from taxable services exceeds CHF 100,000, you must register for VAT with the Federal Tax Administration (FTA). Below this threshold you are exempt — but you can opt in voluntarily.
How do I calculate Swiss VAT correctly?
Adding VAT (net to gross): net amount × 1.081 (at 8.1%) = gross amount. Removing VAT (gross to net): gross amount ÷ 1.081 = net amount. The difference is the VAT. Our calculator does this automatically for all three rates.
How often do I file my VAT return in Switzerland?
VAT-registered businesses typically file quarterly — by the 60th day after the end of the quarter. The effective method and the net tax rate method are the two common filing approaches.
Does VAT apply to freelancers in Switzerland?
Yes. Once you exceed CHF 100,000 annual revenue as a freelancer, you are subject to VAT. Magic Heidi automatically calculates VAT on every invoice.
Automatic VAT on every invoice with Magic Heidi
This calculator helps with quick calculations. In Magic Heidi, VAT is automatically calculated and tracked on every invoice — no manual number-crunching needed.