Practical guide
Self-employed in Switzerland: taxes and AHV in year one
The first year of activity is decisive for building a clean tax and social foundation.
Reliability note
Information provided for administrative guidance. Final verification on official portals is recommended.
4-step action plan
- Set up strict separation between personal and business finances.
- Calculate monthly provisions for taxes and AHV.
- Organize accounting supporting documents from month one.
- Check VAT obligations and periodic filings.
Document checklist
- Business account
- Cash-flow plan
- Self-employed AHV file
- Income/expense journal
Mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating tax provisions
- Mixing personal and business expenses
- Postponing AHV/VAT obligations
Trust
Official sources to verify
kmu.admin.ch - Creation PME
kmu.admin.ch - Inscrire son entreprise
EasyGov
ch.ch - Portail officiel des demarches
Informations administratives officielles Confedereation/Cantons/Communes.
SEM - Secretariat d Etat aux migrations
Permis, regroupement familial, naturalisation.
OFSP - Assurance maladie
Regles LAMal et informations de sante publique.
Go further
Related detailed page
Business creation and self-employed status
Launching an activity in Switzerland
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Frequently asked questions
Is this guide enough for my case?
This guide gives structure and common mistakes. For sensitive or urgent cases, personalized support is recommended.
How often is this content updated?
Our guides are regularly updated according to federal and cantonal changes.
Are official sources included?
Yes. The official sources section links to relevant Swiss public portals.
Can I request a simplified version of this guide?
Yes. We can convert this guide into a short checklist and a simplified AI action plan.
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