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Invoice scanning step by step in Tenero-Contra without the stress: how it works

Whether you run a Sàrl, an SA or a sole proprietorship in Tenero-Contra, invoice scanning eventually lands on your desk. Here are the practical reference points — legal basis, deadlines and common pitfalls — to decide with a clear head.

Digitalising invoice scanning: what actually works

Digitising does not mean hoarding PDFs: without the document-entry link, a digital file is as opaque as a box of archives — true in Tenero-Contra as everywhere.

For an owner in Tenero-Contra, a dashboard only has value if the data is fresh: automating data entry means, first of all, buying up-to-date information about your own business.

A well-structured SME chart of accounts

Concretely, invoice scanning benefits from three tiers: balance-sheet accounts (classes 1-2) kept spotless for the closing, income accounts (classes 3-6) shaped for steering, and closing accounts (class 9) reserved for year-end entries. Each tier has its rhythm and its owner.

The chart of accounts is also the hinge to VAT: every revenue account carries its rate (8.1%, 2.6%, 3.8% or exempt), every expense account its input-tax right. Set those attributes once in the tool and every subsequent return becomes reliable.

Outsource invoice scanning or keep it in-house?

A fiduciary's cost depends first on the quality of the data received: digitised, filed, reconciled documents are processed fast; a box of loose receipts is billed by the hour. Improving the internal preparation of invoice scanning lowers fees more surely than any negotiation.

A business in Tenero-Contra can combine the models: internal day-to-day entry, monthly external supervision, closing and taxes with the specialist — invoice scanning splits very well.

Team analysing financial charts around a table

QR-bills and friction-free collections

The QR-bill is generated from the accounts, not the other way round: the document is born with its reference, amount and due date already linked to the receivable entry — a clear win for SMEs in Tenero-Contra.

For an SME in Tenero-Contra, receivables are an asset to manage: a weekly ageing balance, graduated reminders and a provision for doubtful cases — invoice scanning provides the numbers, discipline does the rest.

Tenero-Contra: what changes, what does not

Working with a fiduciary from Tenero-Contra no longer depends on geography: the documents of a business in Tenero-Contra are shared online, while the canton Ticino keeps its own deadlines for the tax return.

Tenero-Contra requires no special bookkeeping: the Code of Obligations applies at postal code 6598 as everywhere else, and a well-kept digital file transfers smoothly to any auditor in the canton.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a fiduciary for invoice scanning, or can you do it yourself?

Both are defensible. Below CHF 500,000 of revenue, a sole proprietorship may keep simplified accounts itself. As soon as payroll, VAT and a closing with tax stakes are involved, professional support prevents mistakes that cost more than the fees. With a shared platform, the fiduciary does not even need to be in Tenero-Contra.

How long must records related to invoice scanning be kept?

Ten years from the end of the financial year concerned (art. 958f CO). Electronic retention is permitted if the integrity and readability of the records are guaranteed — a serious digital archive validly replaces paper binders. A business in Tenero-Contra can therefore archive fully digitally.

What is the difference between a limited and an ordinary audit?

The ordinary audit applies to companies exceeding, for two consecutive years, two of three thresholds: CHF 20 million balance sheet total, CHF 40 million revenue, 250 full-time positions. Others fall under the limited audit, and those with no more than ten full-time positions on annual average can opt out with all shareholders' consent. These federal thresholds do not depend on the registered seat — in Tenero-Contra as anywhere.

What are the current Swiss VAT rates?

Since 1 January 2024: 8.1% (standard), 2.6% (reduced — for example food and medicines) and 3.8% (accommodation). Returns must be filed and paid within 60 days after the period ends (quarterly under the effective method, semi-annually under the net tax rate method). These federal rates apply unchanged in Tenero-Contra.

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Switch to accounting that keeps itself up to date

MyFiducia.ai automates invoice scanning for businesses in Tenero-Contra: AI-read documents, posting suggestions, VAT and exports ready for your fiduciary. Try the platform or browse our other guides.

The application is operated in French.

    Invoice scanning step by step in Tenero-Contra — Swiss guide