The most common mistakes when starting out self-employed
An hourly rate too low, AHV too late, reminder fees without a basis, VAT checked at year end: ten early mistakes and what applies instead.
Articles tagged: Basic knowledge
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Starting a sole proprietorship: the order that saves money
Check the name before the logo, invoice before the AHV, the commercial register after a CHF 100,000 year: the order in which to set up a sole proprietorship – and why.
Separating your business and private account: the advice everyone gives
No law requires a sole proprietorship to hold a business account. It is still the most repeated piece of advice – here is what mixing the two actually costs.
Setting your hourly rate: why your old salary is no help
The most common mistake at the start is carrying over your employee hourly wage. Here is how to work billable hours, AHV, holidays and downtime into the rate.
Working out your AHV contributions as a self-employed person
Minimum contribution, sliding scale, maximum rate: how to calculate your AHV contributions in Switzerland – and how much to set aside as you go.
Booking your bank statement: bank reconciliation in Switzerland
How to match incoming payments to your books: CAMT.053 or PDF, partial payments, lump payments and VAT on payments received.
Invoicing and dunning in Switzerland: deadlines, default interest and reminder fees
Payment terms, default, default interest and reminder fees: what actually applies in Switzerland and how to chase unpaid invoices properly.
Giving your accountant access to your accounting software
How to give your accountant direct access to your accounting software – without file exchange, without extra per-user costs.
Accounting as a freelancer with no experience: how to get started
No accounting background, but you still need to keep your books? Here's how to approach accounting as a self-employed professional in Switzerland.
What is a 'Milchbüchlein'? Swiss simplified accounting explained
The term 'Milchbüchlein' comes up often when researching Swiss accounting. Here's what it means and how it applies to your sole proprietorship.
Switching from double-entry to single-entry bookkeeping – a practical guide
How to switch from double-entry to single-entry bookkeeping in Switzerland: eligibility, the critical pitfall of outstanding receivables, and practical steps for a clean transition.
Tax return for sole proprietorships in Switzerland – explained simply
Tax return for sole proprietorships in Switzerland with turnover below CHF 500,000: how simple accounting works (cash basis accounting). Tips and software solutions for small business owners.
Simple accounting: how to keep track of your finances
Learn how simple accounting keeps your finances clear and why it is ideal for sole proprietorships with low turnover.
VAT made easy: what sole proprietorships need to know
Learn the basics of VAT accounting and how the net tax rate method can simplify your administrative work.
Tips for organising the accounting of your sole proprietorship
Optimise your accounting with practical tips on digitalisation, document management, and time management.