Business Management November 25, 2024 | David Merz Internal vs. external CFO: Which one is better to your company? The choice between an internal and an external CFO (Chief Financial Officer) can have a significant impact on the success of a company. CFOs play a key role in financial strategy and planning, making them indispensable for companies of all sizes. But which approach is right for your company? In this blog, we look at the advantages and disadvantages of both models to help you make an informed decision. Read more
November 25, 2024 | David Merz CFO as a service: definition and advantages When it comes to developing growth strategies, convincing investors or managing financial risks, financial expertise is required. This knowledge either exists internally or can be covered by a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). A CFO can be crucial to success in a competitive market where almost every product and service already exists. However, not every company can or wants to afford a full-time CFO. This is where the concept of the "CFO as a Service" comes into play. In this article, we shed light on what exactly a Chief Financial Officer does, what role they play within a company and why CFO as a Service is an attractive option for start-ups and SMEs in particular. Read more
November 25, 2024 | David Merz Overview of Social Insurance in Switzerland Switzerland's social insurance system is one of the most comprehensive and well-organized in the world. It largely succeeds in protecting individuals from the financial hardships associated with old age, illness, disability, and unemployment, thanks to its robust framework that is both highly structured and widely accessible. This article provides a detailed look at Switzerland’s social insurance system, including the fundamental “three-pillar” model for retirement provision and other key components and protection mechanisms. Read more
November 20, 2024 | David Merz Starting a Company in Switzerland: A Detailed Cost Overview Starting your own company can be one of the most exciting and rewarding endeavours! However, before diving in headfirst, it’s vital to understand the financial implications, and how to navigate them. In this article, we will explore the various costs associated with starting a company in Switzerland, how different legal forms can affect these costs, and some tax considerations for new businesses. We will also touch on how to plan for future expenses and discuss common ways to finance a new business. Read more
October 7, 2024 | David Merz Advantages of a domicile address in Switzerland in the canton of Zug In an increasingly globalized economic world, the domicile address plays a central role for companies that operate internationally. For companies that want to establish or expand a presence in Switzerland, choosing a suitable domicile address is crucial. Thanks to its economic stability, excellent infrastructure and attractive tax conditions, Switzerland offers an ideal environment for growth. In this article, we explain what exactly a domicile address is, who can use it and what advantages a company domicile in Switzerland in the canton of Zug offers. Read more
October 6, 2024 | David Merz Optimizing the Balance Sheet: A Complete Guide to Fixed Assets Fixed assets are essential long-term resources that businesses use to operate and generate value over time. Unlike current assets, fixed assets are owned by, and serve the company’s needs, for multiple years. They include both tangible items, like machinery, and intangible ones, such as patents. This article covers the key aspects of fixed assets, including their definition, types, methods of depreciation, and the role they play in financial management. Read more
October 6, 2024 | David Merz Understanding Tax Identification Numbers in Switzerland: TIN, UID and VAT ID Understanding tax identification numbers in Switzerland and wider Europe is crucial for individuals and businesses navigating the country’s tax system. Each type of tax ID—whether the personal Tax Identification Number (TIN), the Company Identification Number (UID), or the VAT Identification Number (VAT ID)—serves a distinct purpose, ensuring proper tax compliance domestically and internationally. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these identifiers, their uses, and how they contribute to both administrative efficiency and international tax transparency in Switzerland. Read more
October 1, 2024 | David Merz Understanding the Participation Deduction in Switzerland The participation deduction in Switzerland is a key tax benefit aimed at reducing the impact of multiple layers of taxation on income from significant corporate investments. This article will explore how the participation deduction works, its purpose in preventing double taxation, and the criteria for qualifying participations. Additionally, we'll illustrate the tax savings it can offer through practical examples and discuss its impact on corporate investment decisions in Switzerland, helping businesses fully utilize this important tax advantage. Read more
October 1, 2024 | David Merz Non-Wage Labor Costs: What is the Real Price of Employment in Switzerland? Calculating employment costs in Switzerland involves much more than just considering the gross wages paid to employees. In addition to salaries, employers must account for various non-wage labor costs, such as mandatory social security contributions, employee benefits, and operational expenses. We’ll break down these costs, explain their significance, and provide insights into how businesses can effectively manage and plan for both direct and indirect employment costs. Read more
September 21, 2024 | David Merz How to Find the Right Trustee in Switzerland Choosing the right trustee for your business is one of the most critical decisions you can make. In Switzerland, a "trustee" encompasses a broad range of essential roles and functions. If you’re a business owner looking for someone to manage your company’s financial affairs and tax matters, finding a trustworthy and competent trustee is essential. This guide aims to help you sort through the maze of selecting a trustee, offering insights into what a trustee does, the challenges you may face, and how to ensure that your trustee is truly acting in your best interests. Read more