New in v1.3.0: File Your MwSt Return on the New ESTV Portal in Two Clicks

Updated for v1.5.0: the export now supports both the effective method and the Saldosteuersatz (net tax rate) method, on quarterly or half-yearly periods. Set your method, period and granted Saldo rate in Settings → VAT. The rest of this article describes the effective method; Saldo filers get the equivalent simpleTaxRateMethod declaration.

If you've tried to file your Swiss VAT return recently, you may have noticed that everything changed. The ESTV switched off «MWST-Abrechnung easy» on 8 May 2026 — the old declaration codes no longer work. Since 11 May 2026, the only way to file is «MWST-Abrechnung pro» in the new ESTV-Portal, with the new AGOV government login.

With SwissQRBills, your MwSt return travels from your books to the ESTV form without retyping a single number.

What's New

The MwSt Report now has an ESTV XML (eCH-0217) button on every quarter. One click downloads your declaration as an XML file in the official eCH-0217 version 2.0.0 (eMWST) e-government standard — the only format «MWST-Abrechnung pro» accepts for upload.

The file contains everything the form needs, pre-calculated from your invoices and expenses:

• Total consideration (Ziffer 200) — your net revenue for the quarter
• Turnover per tax rate — 8.1% standard, 2.6% reduced, 3.8% accommodation
• Exempt revenue where applicable
• Input VAT (Vorsteuer) from your recorded expenses
• Your company name and CHE UID, so the portal recognises the company and reporting period automatically

How to Use It

1. Register once on the ESTV-Portal. Create an AGOV login at agov.ch, then register your company in the «myESTV» service and activate «MWST-Abrechnung pro». The activation code is posted to your company's registered address. (ESTV publishes a step-by-step guide for former easy users.)
2. Check your MwSt number in SwissQRBills. Go to Settings → Company and make sure your UID is set, e.g. CHE-123.456.789 MWST. The export needs it to identify your company.
3. Export the quarter. Open Reports → MwSt Report, expand the quarter you're filing, and click ESTV XML (eCH-0217). The file downloads as eMWST-2026-Q1.xml.
4. Upload and submit. In «MWST-Abrechnung pro», choose the XML import, select the file, review the pre-filled figures, and submit. The company and period are detected automatically.

A Note on Review

The export follows your Settings → VAT configuration — method (effective or Saldo), period, and accounting basis. On the effective method, all input VAT is placed in Ziffer 400 (materials and services); if part of your Vorsteuer relates to investments (Ziffer 405), move it during review in the portal. On the Saldosteuersatz method, the file applies your granted rate to gross turnover and needs your ESTV activity ID (from your Saldo authorisation). Always check the pre-filled figures against your records — you remain responsible for the declaration you submit.

Why Not a Direct API?

We'd love to file for you entirely. The ESTV doesn't yet offer a public submission API — the supported integration path for accounting software is exactly this eCH-0217 XML upload. The moment ESTV opens a direct channel, we'll connect to it.

Availability

The ESTV XML export is included in the Pro and Business plans. Free users can see the button on the MwSt Report and upgrade in Settings → Billing.

As always, your data stays in Switzerland.