Switzerland MWST calculator
Add or remove Switzerland MWST at the rates in force.
Calculator inputs
Results
Enter your values and press “Calculate” to see the result.
Official source: Administración Federal de Contribuciones (AFC) ↗
In short
- What it calculates
- Add or remove Switzerland MWST at the rates in force.
- Formula used
Add: total = net × (1 + rate ÷ 100)- Example
- A product priced CHF1,000 before tax, at the standard 8.1 % rate:
Switzerland MWST calculator
In Switzerland the indirect tax on consumption is MWST (Mehrwertsteuer / Taxe sur la valeur ajoutée), with a standard rate of 8.1%.
Switzerland has by far the lowest standard rate in Western Europe. The 3.8% rate is a special one for hotel accommodation, and 2.6% covers food, medicines, books and the press. As it is outside the European Union, purchases from the EU go through customs.
This calculator works both ways: it adds the tax to a price without it and also breaks it out of a final price.
How it works
Enter the amount, choose whether to add or remove the tax and pick the rate. The rates available in Switzerland are: standard 8.1 %, reduced 3.8 % and reduced 2 2.6 %.
If you need a rate other than those listed, choose “other rate” and type it in.
Formula
Add: total = net × (1 + rate ÷ 100)
Remove: net = total ÷ (1 + rate ÷ 100)
Tax = total − net
Worked example
A product priced CHF1,000 before tax, at the standard 8.1 % rate:
MWST amount: CHF81
Final price: CHF1,081
The other way round, starting from CHF1,081 tax included, the base is CHF1,000 again.
Explanation
The standard rate went up in 2024
The 8.1% rate has applied since 1 January 2024. Before that it was 7.7%, and the increase was approved to fund the AHV old-age insurance. If you are checking an invoice dated before then, the old rate is the correct one.
Three rates, one of them hotels only
The 3.8% rate is a special one reserved for accommodation, breakfast included. The 2.6% rate covers food, non-alcoholic drinks, medicines, books, the press, seeds and plants. Everything else is at 8.1%.
Outside the European Union
Switzerland is not in the EU, so purchases from European countries clear customs and the tax is settled at the border. That is also why shopping trips to Germany and France are so common, with foreign VAT refunded on the way out.
The net tax rate method
Smaller businesses under certain limits can opt for the Saldosteuersatz, applying a single percentage to turnover instead of computing output tax minus input tax. It simplifies bookkeeping considerably.
Frequently asked questions
Which MWST rates apply in Switzerland?
The rates built into the calculator are: standard 8.1 %, reduced 3.8 % and reduced 2 2.6 %. Which one applies to a given product or service is set by Switzerland legislation; if in doubt, check with la Administración Federal de Contribuciones (AFC).
How do I remove MWST from a final price?
Choose the option to remove the tax and the calculator divides the final price by one plus the rate. Subtracting the percentage from the final price gives the wrong answer.
Why is the Swiss rate so low?
Switzerland funds public spending more through direct taxes and social contributions, and its consumption tax has historically been moderate.
Since when does 8.1% apply?
Since 1 January 2024. Until 31 December 2023 the standard rate was 7.7%.
Need to calculate something else?
These tools are often used alongside this calculator.
VAT
Add VAT or sales tax to a net amount at whatever rate you need.
Germany MwSt
Add or remove Germany MwSt at the rates in force.
Austria USt
Add or remove Austria USt at the rates in force.
France TVA
Add or remove France TVA at the rates in force.
VAT included
Break a tax-inclusive price down into the net amount and the tax.
Brazil ICMS
Add or remove Brazil ICMS at the rates in force.