UID replaces the six figure VAT number
In order to decrease administrative costs, every business in Switzerland with a VAT duty is issued a uniform identification number, the so-called Unternehmens-Identifikationsnummer (UID).
The UID register is maintained by the Federal Department for Statistics (BFS), which informs all those who fall under a VAT duty of their issued UID number.
Until the 31st of December, 2013, a transitional arrangement is in place. During this period of time the taxpayer may choose whether to use the old VAT number or already introduce the new UID number into his or her operations. As of the 1st of January, 2014, only the UID number will be accepted for identification. An entrepreneur would therefore be well advised to already make adjustments today to any electronic or other document forms for the coming year.
Further information about this have been issued by the BFS at: www.uid.ch (German, French and Italian only)
