I have an AG and we are close to the end of our 1st financial year. I just wanted to know the practice in Switzerland regarding amortisation of start up costs. In some countries it is allowed and they can be depreciated over a period of time. So my questions:-

1) Can this be done in Switzerland?
2) If so, what is the depreciation period?
3) What costs are allowed....employment costs, professional fees etc.?

Any advice greatfully accepted.

Yes, you can depreciate it over 5 years. Usually you have notary fees and issuance stamp tax (if any). I am not sure about professional advice related to the set-up. You can try but it does not have a big impact as anyway if denied it will be treated as an expense for the company, which is tax deductible (loss carry forward over 7 years).
Rgds

As you have an AG, you are obliged to have an official registered accountant to audit your accounts; ask them !

Audit rules have changed, no audit mandatory for AG or GmbH which employs less than 10 people. But accounting and tax return is clearly mandatory for both.

You sure not mandatory for AG ?

Absolutely sure. It changed I believe 1.1.2007 (or 2008?). The old rule was mandatory audit for AG and optional for GmbH. Now you can opt-out for both (= renounce to an audit), provided you meet the criteria for it. One of these criteria is the number of employee. The other are assets and turnover, I don't remember it by heart...

thx for the tips!