Complete guide and step-by-step process to accompagny you and explain you how to get started. Are you a freelancer based in the beautiful city of Luzern, Switzerland? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about VAT registration in Luzern, including what VAT is, why it's required, how it works, and the step-by-step process to get registered. By the end, you'll be a VAT registration pro, ready to take your Luzern freelancing business to the next level!
If your freelance business is based in Luzern and you earn over a certain threshold, you are required by law to register for VAT and charge it to your clients. Registering for VAT can seem daunting at first, but it comes with benefits.
You'll be able to claim back any VAT you pay on business expenses. It also makes you look more professional and established to clients. Some larger companies will only work with VAT-registered freelancers. The standard VAT rate in Switzerland is currently 7. Some goods and services, like hotel lodging, are taxed at a lower rate of 3. And basic necessities, like most groceries, are taxed at an even lower rate of 2. Below this threshold, VAT registration is optional but still potentially advantageous.
Ready to get your freelance business in Luzern VAT registered? Follow these steps and you'll be VAT official in no time! First, calculate your freelance income over the last 12 months. If you're below the threshold but want to register voluntarily for the benefits, you can do that too. Staying organized from the start will make your freelance life in Luzern much easier! Consider using accounting software or hiring an accountant to keep everything in order.
In Switzerland, you can choose to file VAT returns either quarterly or semi-annually every six months. The online system is quick, easy, and recommended. Registering by paper takes a bit longer. Once you've submitted your VAT registration application in Luzern, the waiting game begins. Expect it to take around weeks to get your official VAT number via mail.
