How much does basic accounting cost for a sole proprietorship?

Price overview for Swiss sole proprietorships

For sole proprietorships without employees, with a manageable volume of documents and no VAT liability, the costs for professional accounting services typically range between CHF 100 and 300 per month. Alternatively, many trustees offer annual flat rates ranging from CHF 1,200 to CHF 2,000, which cover all essential services.

What these prices normally include

Core service package for sole proprietorships

The following are usually included as standard:

• Ongoing financial accounting with recording of all business transactions
• Annual financial statements in accordance with OR regulations for sole proprietorships
• Tax return for natural persons (owner's private taxes)
• Basic advice on accounting and tax issues
• Account reconciliation with bank and post office accounts

Additional digital services

Modern providers often offer the following extras:

• Online access to accounting data
• Digital document capture via app or upload
• Automated bank data synchronization
• Simple evaluations and reports

Cost factors in detail

Document volume as the main factor

The number of monthly business transactions is the main factor determining the price:

• 10-30 documents/month: Lower price range (CHF 100-150)
• 31-60 documents/month: Middle price range (CHF 151-220)
• 61-100 documents/month: Upper price range (CHF 221-300)

Complexity of business activities

Simple services (consulting, IT services) are less expensive to book than complex trading activities with inventory management or mixed activities with different sales categories.

Additional services

Surcharges typically arise for:

• VAT returns for voluntary registration
• Detailed cost center accounting
• Monthly business management reports
• Extended tax advice and optimization
• Support in dealing with authorities

Understanding pricing models

Monthly flat rates

Advantages: Predictable costs, even distribution of expenses, often more comprehensive supportTypical for: Ongoing business activities with regular revenues

Annual flat rates

Advantages: Often cheaper than 12 monthly installments, simple budget planningTypical for: Seasonal businesses or irregular activities

Hourly billing

Advantages: Payment only for services actually renderedTypical for: Very low activity or sporadic consulting

Market comparison and types of providers

Traditional accounting firms

CHF 150-300 per month for personal support and local service. Often comprehensive consulting, but less digital innovation.

Digital accounting service providers

CHF 100-200 per month through automated processes and online tools. Modern working methods, but possibly less personal contact.

Specialized sole proprietorship services

CHF 120-250 per month with packages tailored to sole proprietorships and expertise in typical challenges faced by self-employed people.

Findea.ch: Fixed-price solution for sole traders

Findea.ch offers transparent fixed prices starting at CHF 145 per month (excl. VAT) specifically for Swiss sole traders. The digital offering combines modern technology with personal support.

Findea advantages for sole traders:

• Fixed price with no hidden costs for predictable budgeting
• Digital platform with mobile access and dashboard
• Specialization in SMEs and sole proprietorships with corresponding expertise
• Comprehensive packages including annual financial statements and tax returns

Calculate a non-binding quote: At https://www.findea.ch/en/services/accounting, you can get a free, non-binding quote for your sole proprietorship.

Avoid hidden costs

What is often charged additionally

Watch out for potential extra costs:

• Software licenses for accounting programs
• Communication costs for frequent queries
• Rework for incomplete or incorrect documents
• Rush charges for short deadlines
• Travel expenses for on-site appointments

Minimize cost drivers

How to keep costs under control:

• Submit receipts digitally and sorted Reduces processing time
• Clear agreements on the scope of services and additional costs
• Regular submission avoids backlogs and time pressure
• Standardized processes instead of special requests

Cost-benefit analysis

In-house processing vs. outsourcing

Hidden costs of in-house processing:

• Accounting software: CHF 30-100 per month
• Your working time: CHF 30-80 per hour
• Further training and updates: CHF 500-1,000 per year
• Risk of errors and subsequent corrections: variable costs

Return on investment

Professional support often saves more than it costs:

• Time savings for revenue-generating activities
• Tax optimisation through specialist expertise
• Avoidance of fines and additional payments
• Better decision-making based on professional evaluations

Find special packages for single-company businesses

Targeted provider search

Ask explicitly for offers for single-company businesses:

• Many trustees offer specialized packages
• Standardized processes enable lower prices
• Industry experience with typical issues facing single-company businesses

Comparison criteria

Important factors when comparing providers:

• Check the services included carefully
• Understand document volume limits and surcharges
• Test digital tools and user-friendliness
• Evaluate cancellation periods and flexibility

Regional price differences

Urban areas vs. rural areas

Prices vary depending on location:

• Zurich/Geneva/Basel: Prices tend to be 10-20% higher
• Medium-sized cities: Average market prices
• Rural regions: Often 10-15% below average

Online providers as an alternative

Digital service providers work independently of location and can therefore often offer lower prices without compromising on quality.

Recommendations for sole traders

Basic package to get started

Start with a basic package and expand as needed. Most providers allow for easy adjustments.

Take advantage of a trial period

Many trustees offer trial months or shortened notice periods for new clients.

Communicate clear expectations

Define your requirements precisely: document volume, desired services, budget, and communication preferences.

Conclusion on accounting costs for sole proprietorships

Professional accounting services for Swiss sole proprietorships are affordable today and offer excellent value for money.

For prices between CHF 100 and CHF 300 per month, you receive comprehensive support including annual financial statements and tax returns. Specialized offers such as those from Findea.ch with transparent fixed prices starting at CHF 145 per month make professional accounting accessible and economically viable even for the smallest sole proprietorships.