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Filing Swiss VAT Online: Done in Minutes with the XML File

Since 2025, Swiss VAT returns are filed exclusively online via the FTA ePortal. Instead of typing in every figure, upload the E-VAT file from einzly — here's how, step by step.

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einzly Redaktion
Tax & Finance Editorial
6 min read
5 Sept 2026

Since 1 January 2025 there is no paper form anymore: the Swiss VAT return is filed exclusively online via the FTA ePortal. Most self-employed people transfer every figure by hand from their bookkeeping into the portal — figure by figure, quarter by quarter. There's a much easier way: einzly generates the official E-VAT file (XML) that you upload to the portal — the figures are taken over automatically.

01The rules since 2025

  • Electronic filing is mandatory: Since 1 January 2025, all VAT returns must be filed online via the FTA ePortal — the paper form can no longer be ordered, not even retroactively.
  • Two options in the portal: «VAT easy» (with a filing code) and «VAT pro» (with a personal login and company authorisation).
  • From May 2026 only «pro»: For security reasons the FTA is switching to the personal-login variant — if you still use «easy», it's worth switching now.

02The tedious way: typing in figures

The portal shows the familiar return form: item 200 for turnover, the deductions, the tax items per rate, acquisition tax, input taxes. Transferring by hand means juggling a dozen numbers — and a single transposed digit means a wrong return that, in the worst case, only surfaces during an audit. On top of that: with the net tax rate method and several activities, the portal wants turnover broken down per activity.

03The easy way: uploading the XML file

The FTA ePortal also accepts the upload of a structured return file in the official eCH-0217 (E-VAT) standard. That's exactly the file einzly generates at the push of a button — with the same numbers you see on the VAT page and in the PDF. Here's how it works:

1
Choose your period

Open the VAT settlement in einzly and choose your period — quarter, half-year or year. einzly settles according to your method: net tax rate or effective, agreed or collected consideration.

2
Click «E-MWST (XML)»

Next to the PDF export you'll find the «E-MWST (XML)» button. Before generating, einzly checks that everything is complete — for example your UID in the right format — and tells you if anything is missing.

3
Upload in the FTA ePortal

Start your return in the ePortal and upload the XML file. The figures are taken over into the form automatically — no more typing.

4
Check and submit

Briefly compare the imported values against your einzly settlement and submit. Done — usually in under five minutes.

Multiple net tax rates? Already included.If you settle with multiple net tax rates, the E-VAT file automatically contains the required breakdown per activity — including the FTA activity codes from your approval.
VAT returns without typingeinzly creates your VAT return at the push of a button — as a PDF for your records and as an E-VAT file for the FTA portal. Try it free for 30 days, no credit card.

04Frequently asked questions

eCH-0217 is the official Swiss standard for the electronic VAT return (E-VAT). It defines how the return data must be structured as an XML file so the FTA portal can read it. einzly generates the file in exactly this format.
Yes, with both — each according to agreed or collected consideration, for quarterly, half-yearly or yearly periods. With the net tax rate method also with multiple activities and rates.
einzly validates before generating: if something is missing — such as your UID or an activity assignment — you get a clear message instead of a faulty file. Only complete returns reach the portal.
The export covers the initial filing of a period. A corrective return or the annual reconciliation is still done directly in the FTA portal — where your filed values are already available.
Both variants accept returns. Note, however: from May 2026 the FTA switches to «VAT pro» — the variant with a personal login and authorisation for your company. If you're setting up the portal now, choose «pro» directly.
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