Accounting for the self-employed: keeping financial control and success in view

Updated on 22 August 2026. We reviewed the accounting obligation, the retention periods and the statements on VAT. What has changed since first publication: the section on the accounting obligation was worded too broadly and has been corrected. The decisive factor is the revenue threshold of CHF 500,000 under Art. 957 OR; below it, simplified bookkeeping covering income, expenses and financial position is sufficient. For VAT, the rates of 8.1%, 2.6% and 3.8% have applied since 1 January 2024, instead of the previous 7.7%, 2.5% and 3.7%. Still valid without change: the ten-year retention period under Art. 958f OR, the principles of proper accounting, income and expense accounting as a permissible method, and the remarks on digital accounting and on working with a fiduciary.

Accounting for the self-employed in Switzerland

Accounting is the foundation of every business, including for the self-employed and sole proprietorships. It allows all financial transactions to be recorded and evaluated systematically and is directly linked to business success. Well-kept accounts create transparency about income, expenses and the financial situation.

Accounting obligation in Switzerland

Under Art. 957 para. 2 OR, sole proprietorships and partnerships with annual revenue below CHF 500,000 only keep simplified accounts of income, expenses and financial position. From CHF 500,000 in annual revenue, the full commercial accounting obligation with balance sheet and income statement applies. It is governed by the Code of Obligations and ensures that business transactions are correctly documented and archived. Legal entities such as GmbH and AG are fully subject to the accounting obligation regardless of revenue. Complying with these rules is a prerequisite for legal and tax compliance.

Manual accounting versus online accounting

Traditionally, accounting was done manually. Today, however, digital and online solutions offer numerous advantages. They allow automation, access to data from anywhere and easier collaboration with fiduciaries or accountants. Receipts and documents are stored centrally, structured and easy to find.

Income and expense accounting

For many self-employed people, income and expense accounting is a suitable, simple accounting method. It records income and expenses at the time of the cash flow and gives a clear overview of the financial situation. Depending on the type and scope of the business, however, a different accounting method may be required.

Doing your own accounting or getting external support

Whether you keep the accounts yourself or outsource them to an accountant or fiduciary depends on individual factors. These include expertise, the complexity of the business and the time available. Professional support can help you avoid mistakes and make processes efficient.

Automated accounting systems

Modern accounting systems allow processes to be largely automated. They increase efficiency, minimize human error and provide an up-to-date overview of the company’s financial situation at any time.

Rules for the self-employed in Switzerland

Accounting records, accounting vouchers, the annual report and the audit report must be kept for ten years. The period begins at the end of the financial year. They may be kept on paper, electronically or in a comparable form, as long as the documents can be made readable again at any time (Art. 958f OR). In addition, there may be cantonal particularities that should be taken into account in accounting.

Role of the fiduciary

Fiduciaries support the self-employed with bookkeeping, accounting, and tax and personnel matters. They provide professional advice and ensure that legal requirements are met.

Accounting software and tools

A wide range of accounting software solutions is available to the self-employed. They range from simple templates to comprehensive programs that make bookkeeping efficient and convenient.