FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Short answers about Buchsnap, sorted by topic. Can't find what you need? Get in touch.
General
Buchsnap
What is Buchsnap?
Buchsnap is a Swiss accounting platform that helps accountants (Treuhänder) and their clients work together. The client captures receipts in the app, by upload or by email, and the accountant posts the entries, files the VAT return and prepares the year-end closing.
Do I need an accountant to use Buchsnap?
Yes. Buchsnap is deliberately built for working with an accountant. If you don't have one yet, our directory lists firms that work with Buchsnap. Your current accountant can also sign up free of charge.
How much does Buchsnap cost?
Buchsnap is free for accountants. Clients pay CHF 29, CHF 59 or CHF 99 a month depending on the plan, excluding VAT. Your accountant's fees are charged separately.
Do I have to install an app?
No. app.buchsnap.ch runs in your smartphone's browser. Add the page to your home screen once, then open it like any other app.
Are my receipts sent to an AI service abroad?
No. Receipt recognition (text recognition and QR-bill reading) runs on Buchsnap's own server. Receipts are not sent to external AI services.
Does Buchsnap post entries on its own?
No. Buchsnap turns the receipt into a draft entry. Nothing is posted until your accountant has checked and approved it.
Which languages is Buchsnap available in?
The application is available in German, French, Italian, English, Spanish and Romanian. Everyone chooses their own language.
Accountants
For accounting firms
What does Buchsnap cost my accounting firm?
Nothing. Sign-up, the portal, team access and your directory listing are all free, however many clients you look after. The client pays for the subscription.
Why is my sign-up checked manually?
Because your clients trust you with their accounting data. We make sure there is a real firm behind every accountant account. This also keeps fake listings out of the directory.
Do I see every feature even if my client only has BASIC?
Yes. The plan only determines what the client sees in their dashboard. On every plan, you work with the journal, VAT, bank import, reports and year-end closing.
Can I keep working in Banana?
Yes. Entries can be exported to Banana. Many firms start this way: receipt capture and pre-coding in Buchsnap, with the year-end closing done as usual.
How reliable is receipt recognition?
It is very reliable for clearly legible receipts and QR-bills. Crumpled till receipts need more corrections, which is why every suggestion is a draft for you to approve.
Can my staff use it too?
Yes. Under Settings → Team, you can invite colleagues as administrators or accounts clerks. Everyone has their own login and, if they wish, a second factor.
What happens if a client switches accountant?
The accounting records belong to the client. A ZIP archive of receipts and reports can be created for each financial year, and the entries can be exported to Banana.
SMEs
For businesses
I run a sole proprietorship (Einzelfirma). Is it worth it?
If your accountant currently posts your receipts once a year from a folder, you'll mainly save time gathering them and handing in the ones that went missing. For many sole proprietorships, BASIC is enough.
Can I use Buchsnap without an accountant?
No. Buchsnap is built for working with an accountant. Our directory lists firms that use it.
Which plan do I need?
BASIC if you only supply receipts. PLUS if you are VAT-registered, issue invoices or want to follow your reports throughout the year. PRO for year-end closing in Buchsnap and for TWINT, SumUp, Stripe or an online shop.
Are my accountant's fees included in the price?
No. The subscription covers the software only. Your accountant invoices you directly for their work, just as before.
How long do I have to keep receipts?
In Switzerland, accounting books and records must be kept for ten years. Keeping them electronically is permitted under the conditions of the Ordinance on Accounting Records (GeBüV). Check with your accountant whether you need to keep paper receipts after uploading them.
My staff don't speak German. Is that a problem?
Yes. Buchsnap is available in German, French, Italian, English, Spanish and Romanian. Everyone chooses their own language.
Pricing
Plans and payment
Do prices include VAT?
No. All prices are per month and per company, excluding VAT.
Who pays for the subscription?
The subscription is for the client's company. The invoice goes to the company or, if you agree this with your accountant, to the accounting firm, which then recharges it to you.
Is my accountant's work included?
No. Buchsnap is the software. Your accountant charges for their services separately.
Can I change plan?
Yes. If your company becomes VAT-registered, for example, you move from BASIC to PLUS. The new features are available immediately.
How do I pay?
By invoice with a QR code, or online by card or TWINT. The subscription is billed one period in advance.
What does Buchsnap cost accountants?
Nothing, however many clients and staff you have.
Security
Data and security
Where is my data stored?
On a HostOn.ch server in a data centre in the EU (Romania). Under Swiss data protection law, the EU is regarded as providing an adequate level of data protection.
Is there two-factor authentication?
Yes. You can enable it for any account using an authenticator app, and you also get backup codes.
How often are backups made?
Every night. Backups are encrypted in transit and kept on separate storage, with seven daily and four monthly versions retained.
Do my receipts go to an external AI service?
No. Text recognition and QR-bill reading run on Buchsnap's server. Receipts are not sent to third-party AI services.
Can Buchsnap see my accounts?
The platform administrators have technical access so that they can keep the service running and provide support. Any changes they make are logged. Your data is not used for advertising or any other purpose.
What happens to my data if I cancel?
Before you cancel, download a ZIP archive of receipts and reports for each financial year. The data is then deleted once the agreed period has expired.