Billing VAT online becomes standard
VAT will be settled online in future. From January 2021, this will be possible in a simplified manner with the web-based program "MWST-Abrechnung easy".
From January 1, 2021, VAT will be settled online. For this to work properly, one of the following two options must be used:
"ESTV SuisseTax"; or
"VAT accounting easy"
"ESTV SuisseTax" is the already established full version, which offers all currently available and known functionalities and requires registration with your own account. "MWST-Abrechnung easy", on the other hand, is a newly developed program that will be available for the first time in 2021 and literally counteracts overly complex digital tax accounting.
In contrast to "ESTV SuisseTax", "MWST-Abrechnung easy" offers fewer application options, but is - as the name suggests - easily accessible. This is because no separate account needs to be created to use the program and VAT accounting can be carried out after a simple login. This simplicity is intentional; after all, the purpose of "VAT accounting easy" is to replace the classic paper format.
The login details (in the form of a code) and instructions for the correct use of the "MWST-Abrechnung easy" program are automatically sent to every company together with the last accounting request for 2020, provided that they have not yet registered with "ESTV SuisseTax".
Despite the planned digitalization of VAT statements, paper statements are still possible. However, an order form must be completed for this, which is sent with the billing request. It should be noted that this order process must be repeated for each new accounting period.
A comparative overview of the services of "ESTV SuisseTax" and "MWST-Abrechnung easy" can be found in the PDF "Online programs for VAT accounting in comparison" under Downloads.
Attention: The FTA draws attention to a possible delay in the introduction of "VAT Accounting easy". The planned introduction on January 1, 2021 may be delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
At this point, we would like to refer you to an explanatory video from the FTA, which is available on . This explains the online VAT settlement process without an account.
