Partial revision of the MWSTG and current developments
On June 16, 2023, the Federal Assembly adopted the partially revised VAT Act. In addition to the core element of taxing supplies via electronic platforms, the partial revision also includes numerous changes in the areas of internationalization, tax reductions, combating fraud and other simplifications. Entry into force is planned for January 1, 2025. Whether this date can be met also depends to a large extent on the partial revision of the VAT Ordinance, the draft of which is currently undergoing consultation from October 25, 2023 to February 8, 2024.
FTA VAT practice related to blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT).
The Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has already published its VAT practice in connection with blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT) for the first time in 2019. However, these practice determinations are incomplete in certain areas and have gaps. A revision is urgently needed.
Self-employed activity and allocation of services under VAT law - The crux of external appearance
In August 2021, the Federal Administrative Court ruled in two cases on the question of whether the fact of independence as an explicit requirement for a subjective tax liability was fulfilled. Directly linked to the question of independence is the assessment of the external appearance, i.e. an outwardly perceptible, independent appearance as a service provider. At the same time, the VAT Act links the external appearance to the assessment of which taxable entity the objective facts of the service provision, in short, to whom the turnover achieved is to be allocated. The independence required for tax liability and the allocation of services are thus interlinked on the basis of the external appearance as a common criterion.
Sale of own shares - a service within the meaning of the VAT Act?
In its ruling 2C_891/2020 of 5 October 2021, the Federal Supreme Court upheld the Federal Administrative Court and decided, contrary to administrative practice, that the sale of treasury shares does not constitute a supply of services within the meaning of Art. 18 para. 1 VAT Act and is therefore outside the scope of application of VAT. This article is a brief analysis of the Federal Supreme Court's decision.
Revised form no. 764 for the application of the notification procedure (Art. 38 MWSTG)
According to the notification dated November 17, 2025 FTA has revised form no. 764 for the application of the notification procedure (Art. 38 VAT Act).
Federal Council publishes report on the revision of VAT in the healthcare sector
On October 29, 2025, the Federal Council published the report "New regulation of VAT in the area of healthcare: simplification, competitive neutrality and relief for consumers" in fulfillment of postulate 23.3132 Noser of March 14, 2023.
FTA publishes two drafts on the VAT practice adjustment
On October 24, 2025, the FTA published two drafts on VAT practice on its website.
Signing and opening of the consultation on the protocol of amendment to the AEOI Switzerland-EU in tax matters
The Protocol of Amendment to the Agreement on the Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information to Promote Tax Compliance in International Matters, signed on October 20, 2025, adapts the agreement to the amended OECD standard and supplements it with new provisions on administrative assistance in the collection of VAT claims. The consultation will last until February 6, 2026.
VAT accounting modalities can be adjusted directly online
On September 8, 2025, the FTA announced that the VAT settlement modalities can now be adjusted directly in the "VAT settlement" online service.
Extension of the deadline for submitting VAT returns
In its communication dated September 1, 2025, the FTA points out that deadline extensions for VAT returns can only be requested via the "VAT return" ePortal service.
Temporary continuation of the special VAT rate for the hotel industry
The special VAT rate of 3.8% for the hotel and para-hotel industry is to be continued for eight years. The Federal Council opened the consultation process at its meeting on August 13, 2025.
FTA - Reporting procedure and enclosures for contribution taxation are now submitted electronically with the VAT return
On March 10, 2025, the FTA announced that the form for the notification procedure and the enclosures for the contribution tax must now be uploaded and submitted directly in the online VAT return.
Services between closely related persons from a VAT perspective
Workshop by Ralf Imstepf and Roger Rohner on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar of March 28, 2023, entitled "Monetary Benefits in National and International Relations".
Seminar folder ISIS)-Seminar "Real Estate Transactions - Tax Consequences National and Cross-Border
Case studies, detailed solution notes and slides: Here you will receive all documents of the individual workshops according to the following DeepL description from the ISIS) seminar "Real Estate Transactions - Tax Consequences National and Cross-Border" from September 12 and 13, 2022 under the direction of Julia von Ah.
