Introduction
In French-speaking Switzerland, every year brings its share of tax updates. For SMEs and the self-employed, the tax declaration is a crucial step, often a source of costly errors. This article provides practical advice, concrete tips, and highlights the most frequent pitfalls in Geneva and Vaud for 2025.
1. Frequent mistakes in tax declarations (SMEs & self-employed)
a) Omission of ancillary income: Many companies forget to include additional income (aid, compensation, change of activity) in their declaration. Controls have been tightened in 2025; non-declaration can lead to reassessments with penalties.
b) Neglecting deductible social charges: Certain specific social charges (BVG/LPP, loss of earnings insurance, contributions to occupational pension schemes for the self-employed) are sometimes wrongly or not deducted. It's crucial to check eligibility and caps by canton.
c) Overvaluation of professional expenses: Representation or travel expenses must be justified. Excessive amounts or no supporting documents lead to tax adjustments.
Concrete example: In the canton of Vaud, omission of BVG/LPP contributions on a salary of CHF 50,000 can result in a tax adjustment of CHF 2,250 (rate 4.5%), plus late payment interest.
2. Current tax and deduction rates by canton
Geneva (SMEs, self-employed, 2025)
- Cantonal tax (legal entities): average effective rate 14% (excluding federal)
- Maximum LPP deduction for a self-employed: CHF 34,128 (3rd pillar B)
Vaud (SMEs, self-employed, 2025)
- Profit tax (legal entities): total cantonal and federal rate ~13.8%
- Representation expenses: usual cap CHF 2,500/year
To find the exact rate for your municipality and activity: Consultation of Vaud tax rates 2025
3. Practical tips to optimize (and secure) your declarations
a) Anticipate supporting documents: Gathering documents before the financial year-end helps reduce errors and speeds up any future audit.
b) Use official digital tools: Use OASI for BVG/LPP and eTax for declarations (Vaud, Geneva).
c) Compare social rates and charges by canton: BVG/LPP, LAA, or AC contributions can vary greatly. In Geneva, the minimum BVG/LPP contribution is 7% of insured salary, compared to 6.8% in Vaud.
4. Pitfalls to avoid in 2025
- Late declaration: Tax surcharge or penalties (Geneva applies up to 10% late interest after the deadline).
- Failure to consider special regimes: Innovative SMEs or start-ups may benefit from exemptions or reduced rates. Forgetting these = unnecessary costs.
- Incorrect activity declaration: The actual activity must match the declared NOGA code. Discrepancy can trigger increased scrutiny.
Example: A self-employed person declared “IT consulting” but invoices show “marketing” activity. Tax audit, reassessment, and fine.
5. When (and how) to declare?
- Geneva: Tax declaration no later than March 31, 2025, via the official platform e-démarches Genève
- Vaud: Submission no later than June 30, 2025 (legal entities), via VaudTax PME
All documents must be signed electronically or sent by registered mail if declared on paper.
6. Checklist: succeed with your SME/self-employed tax declaration 2025
- Gather all supporting documents (income, expenses, investments, contributions, pensions)
- Check applicable rates and caps by canton
- Enter the correct NOGA code for your activity
- Use official digital platforms (Geneva, Vaud)
- Review the declaration or have it checked by a fiduciary expert before signing
- Respect the deadline to avoid penalties
Conclusion
Tax declaration in French-speaking Switzerland is not to be improvised: each canton has its own rules, rates, and procedures. Careful monitoring and good preparation limit the risk of reassessment and fines, while optimizing your legal situation. Contact Ark Fiduciaire for tailor-made, secure support in 2025.