Gender pay gap reporting – why and how?
According to the Swedish Discrimination Act, all employers must conduct annual salary mapping and analysis. Read about everything you need to know as an employer.
Can you offer your employees EV charging at the workplace tax-free?
The Swedish parliament has agreed a temporary tax exemption for electricity used for EV charging at the workplace. Provided that the charging takes place from a charging point or electric socket provided by the employer in connection with the workplace.
Increased ceiling for R&D deductions
The Swedish parliament has approved the government proposal to raise the ceiling for deductions that companies can make from their employer contributions if the company has employees working in research and development (R&D).
Watch out for fake invoices over the holidays
The peak season for fake invoices is during the holidays, when regular staff take time off. But what can companies do to avoid falling victim to fraud? In this article we’ll run through the most common pitfalls when it comes to fake invoices and our best tips on avoiding them.
Get peace of mind before the vacation period – minimise the potential risk of GDPR incidents
Many people are off work at the same time during the summer holidays. Here’s a few critical points to bear in mind to ensure integrity and security over the summer.
Working from abroad – what must the employer keep in mind?
Over the past year, a dramatic shift has taken place and become everyday reality for many people—from working at an office every weekday to instead working from home, full- or part-time. This also made it practicable to work from abroad. Here is what to keep in mind.
What can you do to improve your cybersecurity?
At a time when businesses are investing heavily in digitalisation and home office solutions are becoming the norm, it is essential to shed some light on corporate cybersecurity.
Do you find pensions and insurance complicated? Things to consider as an employer
Sometimes employers ask us about pensions and insurance for their employees. The answers often vary depending on what collective agreement they have or whether the company does not have a collective agreement linked to the business and uses other insurance solutions instead. Here we run through some things to keep in mind.
5 tips for financial reporting
A financial report where all key numbers are correct and where all parties understand what they mean is crucial to make the right decision. To make sure that you make decisions based on reality, we have put together some tips about financial reporting.
Temporary reduction of employer's contributions to end
During the pandemic, a number of measures were introduced to mitigate the negative financial impact of COVID restrictions. One of these measures was a temporary reduction of social security contributions for particular age groups during different periods. This reduction is now coming to an end.
Effective holiday planning
Time to plan staff holidays? To ensure that the right number of holiday days are taken and that staff are available throughout the summer months, planning in good time is a wise move. Here we offer a few practical tips!
Flexpension – a benefit in some collective agreements
Flexpension is a concept found in some collectively agreed occupational pension schemes. Flexpension, or partial pension as it can also be known, enables an employee to reduce their working hours and continue working instead of retiring. This gives the employee greater flexibility in shaping their retirement.
Time for new collective agreements – what employers need to keep in mind
Most collective agreements found in the Swedish labour market expire at some point between March and May this year. Accordingly, collective agreement negotiations are well under way. What can we expect?
What does interim mean?
It has become more difficult and much more resource-intensive to retain, attract and recruit talented staff. In this article, to focus on the benefits of using interim resources, or temporary workers, who can relieve pressure and create results in a relatively short time thanks to their skills.
How the new occupational pension agreements affect employers
On 1 January 2023, new terms and conditions affecting state pensions came into force. The Swedish parliament's decision to make these changes is based on an agreement reached by the parliamentary working group for pensions in December 2017. The changes mean that adjustments to certain occupational pension agreements have also been made.
How to reduce the risks to your business in the event of something unforeseen
Control means far more than just following revenues and comparing them with the budget and last year. Your organisation could be affected by any number of events and situations. Something we are painfully aware of these days thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. If you have a plan for how to handle unforeseen events, you can reduce risks and increase your peace of mind.
Have your employees actually taken their holiday?
The holiday year is coming to an end for companies applying Sweden's Annual Leave Act and all holiday must be taken before the last day of March. Regardless of which holiday agreement your company applies, as an employer, it is a good idea to check your employees' holiday days to ensure that they have been taken as planned.
Travel deductions and new fields in the PAYE tax return
The end of the year is a common date for new rules to come into force. So which new rules can we expect from January 1st, 2023? This article lists the news to keep in mind, including new rules for travel deductions and place of employment fields in the PAYE tax return.
Plan ahead for filing your annual accounts to avoid mistakes
It will soon be time for companies whose financial year ends on 31 December to file their annual accounts and annual report. Given the current economic downturn, it is extra important to be aware of the company's finances and possible risks. Read our tips to bear in mind before you file your annual accounts
Does special fixed-term employment apply to hourly staff?
“Special fixed-term employment does not concern us because we only employ staff by the hour” - this is something we hear frequently, but is it really true? In this article, we clarify the concepts of the different types of employment regulated by the Employment Protection Act (EPA) and what they mean.
Expats - what to consider before the end of the year
As we approach the end of the year, there are a couple of things employers need to prepare for when it comes to employees living abroad, so-called “expats.” Which applications need to be submitted, and which decisions need to be renewed? We have listed everything you need to know here.
Wellness allowance – good to know for employers
Why offer a wellness allowance? What are the rules and what is classed as a wellness activity? What are the new regulations going in to 2023? These are just a few of the questions about wellness allowance that we will answer in this article.
The retirement age increase in 2023 - what are the implications?
As the population is living longer, the Riksdag has decided to adjust the retirement age. This means that from 1 January 2023 the retirement age increase for all citizens born in 1961 and 1962. What does this change involve, and what do employers need to think about?
Social security agreement between Sweden and Japan
On 1 June 2022, a social security agreement between Sweden and Japan entered into force. The agreement coordinates the Swedish and Japanese pension systems for state retirement, survivors’ and early pension (even sickness and activity compensation in Sweden) and determines whether a person is covered by such social insurance in Sweden or Japan. Having this agreement in place reduces the risk of a person losing the social insurance rights they have earned, primarily pension rights, when moving between the two countries.
Free up more time and resources for the finance department
Many financing departments would like to contribute to more value-creating work than they have time for due to their hectic schedules. So, how can you free up time and resources? Here are a few tips!
Termination of employment and giving notice - the responsibility of the employer
The strains of the pandemic are forcing many employers to cut back on their operations. The process of giving notice and terminating employment is extensive, with several different elements that the employer is responsible for. In this article, we will go through the important aspects and steps that you need to think about in each phase of the process.
Lower employer social security contributions for young people working the summer
Although youth unemployment rose during the pandemic, there is an incentive for employers to hire young people during the summer and give them a helping hand as they embark on their working life. Here are a few reminders if you’re planning on hiring summer staff.
ISO 20022 – things to think about before the transition to the new file format
Swedish banks are switching to new file formats and the option to send salary payments using a BGC file, used by Swedish companies for decades, will come to an end. Here’s a summary of some important things to think about to help you plan a smooth transition to the new file format.
The coronavirus pandemic: Information for employers regarding measures linked to social security
On 2 February, the Swedish parliament adopted the amendment budget presented by the government in December 2021. It contains a number of measures designed to limit the spread of COVID-19. Changes to social security for part-time employees have already been adopted, which came into force on 1 February. Here we summarise important information that employers need to be aware of.
Bicycle benefit – what the new tax rules mean
Here we summarise important information on the new regulations regarding employer-provided bicycles which may be useful for employers to know.
Changes in the law that will affect employers as of 1 January 2022
Sweden’s parliament has approved expenditure limits and estimates of revenue in the central government budget for 2022 in accordance with a joint proposal from the opposition parties. Here we summarise the important changes that we already know will affect employers as of 1 January 2022.
The coronavirus pandemic: Information for employers regarding new measures
The Swedish government and the Public Health Agency of Sweden have introduced new coronavirus measures that apply from 8 December 2021. Here we summarise important information that employers need to be aware of.
What employers in Sweden need to bear in mind when hiring a foreign citizen
When hiring a foreign citizen to work in Sweden, there are a number of things that employers need to check. Here, we’ve summarised the decisions and documentation that are needed before calculating the first salary.
Proposed increase in sick pay – how does this affect employers?
The Swedish government is proposing to increase the ceiling for sick pay from the current 8 price base amounts to 10 price base amounts from 1 January 2022. This affects how sick pay currently paid out by Försäkringskassan (the Swedish Social Insurance Agency) will be calculated and may also affect you as an employer.
Deductions for Christmas parties and Christmas presents – what are the rules?
Christmas isn’t far off and companies often like to invite customers and staff to Christmas parties and buy them gifts. But have you checked the costs and rules on Christmas gifts and Christmas parties?
Things to consider with probationary periods
Most companies offer new employees jobs with a probationary period but do not have a plan for what the periods should include or how the employees should be evaluated. In this article we explain how you, the employer, can use the probationary period in the best interests of both the company and the employee.
New rules regarding co-ordination numbers
On 18 June 2021 changes in the law came into force regarding co-ordination numbers. The purpose of these changes is to make co-ordination numbers more secure and the information in the population register more accurate. Do you have employees with co-ordination numbers? Take a look at the information about the new rules which we at Azets have compiled here.
Certificates for employees – employer responsibilities
We sometimes receive questions from employers about which certificates they are obliged to provide to existing as well as former employees. There is often conceptual confusion around the actual content of a certificate, which is why it’s important to know which certificate is which in order to minimise the duplication of work and fulfil the employer’s obligations.
Sickness during holiday leave – what you need to know as an employer
At this time of year and with summer coming up, some employees will take the opportunity for a well-earned break. But what happens if an employee falls ill before or during their holiday leave? What are the employee’s rights and what does this mean for you as the employer? Here we run through some of the most important things to keep an eye on.
CFO trends to keep an eye on
The world is changing at an ever quicker pace. We all know that. As a CFO, you’re affected by this as well. You’re met with more new demands today than you were yesterday. And let’s not even start talking about tomorrow. This is all part and parcel of steering the company in an unpredictable world. Keeping track of tomorrow’s trends and challenges is a must. Here are our tips and a few things to bear in mind and follow the development of.
Salary debt and deductions – things to think about
We sometimes receive questions from employers about what to do if they’ve paid an employee the incorrect salary and what they need to think about when making salary deductions. Making salary deductions incorrectly can have major consequences and put employers at risk of having to pay compensation, which is why it’s important to know the rules. Here are some things to bear in mind.
Fast-growing company? How to keep track of liquidity
The aim of most companies is to grow. Some grow a lot and quickly. Remember that rapid growth comes with its own challenges and can often be a direct cause of liquidity issues. We asked Leif Knutas, quality manager at Azets, about what fast-growing companies should bear in mind so as not to run the risk of problems with liquidity.
Benefits and salary exchanges – things to think about
Often, a reasonable or even high salary just isn’t enough to be an attractive employer. Candidates often highly value the company’s various benefit packages as well. What benefits should employers focus on? And how do salary exchanges work as part of a benefits package?
Do you use foreign companies that perform services in Sweden? Make sure they’re registered for F-tax
If you use a foreign company that performs services in Sweden or that has employees in Sweden, new rules apply from January 2021. If the company is not registered for F-tax in Sweden, the person who uses them must retain 30% in tax when making payment. Find out the rules here.
Reorganisation and reemployment – things to think about
Many companies face major financial challenges due to the current circumstances and may be forced to undergo reorganisation that results in redundancies. For employers, the process and its various phases involve a number of steps to keep track of, including reemployment.
Money laundering and customer knowledge
The accounting industry is included in legislation on money laundering and the financing of terrorism, which entered into force on 1 August 2017. The legislation includes stricter requirements for checks and customer knowledge. This is something that you as a customer may notice.
New laws and rules concerning tax and finances in 2021
Do you know the new laws and rules for 2021? Here’s a summary of some of the most important changes that will affect tax and finances this year. You can always find more information on the Swedish government’s website, and don’t hesitate to contact us at Azets if you have any questions or concerns.
Keep track of your company’s holiday liabilities and avoid unnecessary surprises
A company’s holiday liability constitutes a large part of its total payroll costs, which is why it’s important to record holiday on an ongoing basis as changes in the holiday pay liability can have a direct impact on profits. By setting a clear strategy and guidelines for holiday liability, you increase your control over and reduce the risk of unnecessary surprises.
Limited company or branch office – what’s the difference?
At Azets, we’re often asked what the difference is between having a subsidiary in Sweden compared with conducting business via a branch office. In this article, we explain the differences.
Changes to payroll and HR in 2021
– how will they affect you as an employer?
A very special year is now drawing to a close and society has faced many challenges. 2021 is approaching and the new year will bring many changes in the areas of payroll and HR. Below we have brought together changes we will see in 2021 that may affect many of Sweden’s employers.
Brexit – rules on supplying goods and services to and from the UK in the new year
In the new year Brexit will become a reality. For companies that trade with the UK this will mean some changes to how goods and services are handled in the accounts and for tax purposes. Here we run through the special rules that will apply.
The 2020 inquiry into Sweden’s Employment Protection Act – how is it going?
Probably no one has failed to notice that an inquiry was held into Sweden’s Employment Protection Act in 2020, but unfortunately this has been somewhat overshadowed by collective agreement negotiations and the pandemic. Here we’ll quickly run through the situation regarding the inquiry.
Four steps to effective, lasting cost savings
Many companies are in a vulnerable situation and need to review their costs. Regardless of whether or not your company has been affected by the coronavirus, it’s always important to have an overview and control over your costs and, not least, to know how you can effectively reduce them to improve your company’s liquidity and profits.
Company cars – how advantageous will they be in the future?
The regulations applicable to official cars, and perhaps company cars in particular, are under scrutiny at the moment, and it may feel as though proposals are being made left, right, and centre. What are the proposals and how do they affect employers and employees? And will company cars really be so advantageous?
Government has announced extended support for short-time working
More than 70,000 companies have been granted support for short-time working due to the coronavirus pandemic. The government has proposed that the support be extended to give vulnerable companies a chance of surviving until economic stability is restored.
Brexit – the impact on the officials of limited liability companies
From 1 January 2021, the United Kingdom is to be considered a non-EU country. Its departure may have consequences for Swedish limited liability companies who have British officials such as CEOs and board members.
The Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan) changes the rules regarding medical certificates
From November 1st, the Swedish Social Insurance Agency will return to its regular rules regarding medical certificates: day 8 for compensation for care of a sick child (VAB) and day 15 for sickness benefit.
Coronavirus business support in 2021 - an update
In 2020, many Swedish companies have taken advantage of various support programmes to counter the negative economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. As 2021 approaches, many employers are wondering which of these programmes will remain in place. Here’s a status update.
Brexit will affect regulations on social security affiliation – but how?
The United Kingdom left the EU on 1 February 2020. Until 31 December 2020, there is a transition period during which EU law continues to apply to the UK. From 1 January 2021, the UK will be regarded as a non-EU country. Things like social security systems, which are currently co-ordinated within the EU, will change. But how?
A unique round of wage negotiations in 2020
The round of wage negotiations we find ourselves in this year has become historic. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the majority of the labour market’s collective agreements have been extended, which has made the 2020 round of wage negotiations unique. Make sure you keep up to date on what’s happening with wage negotiations.
Tax effects of working from home during the coronavirus pandemic
The continuing coronavirus pandemic has led the Public Health Agency of Sweden (Folkhälsomyndigheten) to urge people to work from home. This places many demands on the employer relating to their employees’ working environment. Depending on the solutions offered by the employer, there may be tax effects. In this article we address what happens in terms of tax if the employer bears the costs of a home office.
Extended reorientation support for companies
The government has decided to extend the period for reorientation support for companies that earned less turnover as a result of the coronavirus pandemic to include the months of May, June and July 2020. However, this must be approved by the European Commission before it can be applied.
What rules apply when you want to change accounting regulations?
All limited companies in Sweden need to apply either K2, K3, or IFRS regulations. It is primarily K2 or K3 that applies to the vast majority of unlisted companies. While the choice may seem obvious to most people, many have a lot to gain by making the right choice, ideally from the outset, but also by making a change later on.
Temporary abolition of taxes on parking and gifts to employees
Additional measures came into effect on 1 June with the aim of reducing the spread of coronavirus and increasing consumption to reduce the economic impact on companies. There are temporary tax exemptions for certain benefits that employees may receive from their employers.
How are you perceived by former employees and what do you need to consider when offboarding?
It’s often said that you only have seven minutes to make a first impression, and many often strive to get off to a good start. But what about the importance of the final impression? This is something that all employers have every reason to think about.
A balance sheet for liquidation purposes protects board members
Are you facing economic challenges? A balance sheet for liquidation purposes is a way of protecting a limited company’s capital if it doesn’t have enough income to cover its costs. In this article we look at what a balance sheet for liquidation purposes is and why it’s needed.
Support for employers for staffing costs during the coronavirus pandemic
Staffing costs are often a company’s largest expense, especially in the case of service companies. However, as the pandemic takes hold, there are a number of support schemes in place and some new ones to come. As an employer, it can be difficult to keep up with all the new proposals and decisions. Take a look at our summary.
Short-term working and redundancies – what are the rules?
Most businesses are being adversely affected, directly or indirectly, by the rapid spread of the coronavirus. This is forcing many companies to take drastic actions. So how can you go about reducing your company’s workforce and staffing costs in the right way during these difficult times?
New guidelines regarding sick leave during the coronavirus pandemic
As a result of the coronavirus, the Swedish government has issued new guidelines relating to sick pay, medical certificates, and qualifying period deductions. Here is a summary of the changes.
Keep the fraudsters away from your home office
One of the consequences of the current corona outbreak is that many of us are working from home, outside companies secure IT networks. The corona virus and its consequences came as a surprise to most of us and many companies lack proper rules and regulations as to how employees should be working when they are out of the office.
Archiving – the importance of getting it right
Being an entrepreneur means you have a good deal of freedom to develop your business and your future. But running a company comes with more responsibilities than you may have been aware of, such as the responsibility to archive the company’s accounts in accordance with the Swedish Accounting Act. This article contains the key points that everyone should know about archiving.
How Azets can help you benefit from the government’s support package
The spread of coronavirus is hitting many companies hard. To mitigate the effects, the Swedish government has presented a support package with a number of proposals. The support package covers every industry and sector.
The board’s responsibilities
All limited companies must have a board, but what function does it fulfill and what responsibility does a board member always have?
Swift measures or a long-term strategy – what’s the best way to navigate HR?
It’s important that the HR organisation develop strategic initiatives to set the future direction. But it can be easy to get caught up in how things have always been done, and administrative HR tasks are often prioritised based on urgent needs and detailed models.
2020 – time for new collective agreements
The new year has just begun, bringing with it some exciting new challenges and opportunities, even within the field of payroll. 2020 will be an eventful year as the majority of Sweden’s collective agreements are due to expire and will be renegotiated. As ever, Azets is well prepared.
What do CFOs benefit from outsourcing finance work?
What are the advantages of outsourcing the finance department of your company? Read about it here.
How to retain control if the controller resigns
What do you do if an employee in the finance department quits, falls ill, or goes on vacation? How documented are the processes and who can take over the work so that the business doesn’t suffer? There are a few things you can consider to reduce vulnerability.