Keeping accounts in Switzerland: your obligations by legal form

Keeping accounts is not optional in Switzerland — but the rules depend on your legal form and your turnover. Here is what a sole proprietorship, a limited liability company (Sàrl) and a public limited company (SA) each have to do.

Sole proprietorship: light accounting below CHF 500,000

If your sole proprietorship generates less than CHF 500,000 in annual turnover, you may keep simplified "milk-book" accounting: a record of income, expenses and your asset position. Above that threshold, full double-entry bookkeeping becomes mandatory.

Sàrl and SA: full bookkeeping, always

Limited liability companies and public limited companies must keep full double-entry accounts regardless of turnover, with a balance sheet, an income statement and notes. Their accounts follow the requirements of the Swiss Code of Obligations.

When is an audit required?

Beyond bookkeeping, some companies must have their accounts audited. A limited audit applies by default to most SMEs; a full ordinary audit kicks in when the company exceeds two of three thresholds over two consecutive years (balance sheet total, turnover, headcount). Very small companies can opt out of the audit entirely ("opting-out") under conditions.

Retention: ten years

Whatever your legal form, accounting records and supporting documents must be kept for ten years.

Why work with a fiduciary

Beyond compliance, well-kept accounts are a steering tool. A fiduciary keeps your books, prepares your financial statements, handles VAT and payroll, and turns your figures into useful decisions. That is exactly what Helvate offers SMEs and the self-employed.

Not sure which obligations apply to you? Talk to a Helvate advisor for a clear, tailored answer.