Taxation of spouses in international relationships - Federal Supreme Court ruling of September 23, 2024 Prejudice on tax separation issues
In its ruling of September 23, 2024, the Federal Supreme Court issued a long-awaited precedent on the issue of international tax differentiation of debts and debt interest in the case of international spouses and revised its ruling of March 2023 on the international transfer of maintenance payments to the divorced spouse. What does this precedent mean for practice and how should other exciting practical cases be handled?
When does the tax authority treat easements as transactions that are equivalent to a sale of real estate?
The article analyzes the tax treatment of compensation paid in connection with the encumbrance by easements or their deletion. The focus is on the question of whether such transactions are equivalent to a sale and are subject to property gains tax. Legal criteria and practical examples are used to show how these cases are assessed under tax law.
Invalidity of discretionary assessments
With its latest decision of August 19, 2024 (9C_673/2023), published on September 25, 2024, the Federal Supreme Court confirms and clarifies its practice on the nullity of discretionary assessments.
Inheritance and gift tax at federal level - the so-called "Future Initiative" of the JUSO
The "Future Initiative" aims to tax the assets of natural persons through an additional inheritance and gift tax at federal level. With an exemption amount of CHF 50 million, the tax affects wealthy individuals. The proposed tax rate was set at 50%, without providing for exceptions to taxation. Due to the existing inheritance and gift taxes, this could lead to a much higher effective tax burden. Numerous unresolved questions and a planned retroactive effect are already causing great uncertainty well before a referendum at the beginning of 2026. This article uses examples to illustrate possible consequences and measures for action.
Canton of Zurich - Refund of withholding tax on undistributed inheritances
From 1 January 2022, taxpayers in the canton of Zurich will claim back their pro rata withholding tax on undistributed inheritances in their canton of residence.
Adjustment of the private share in the car costs in the leaflets N1/2007 and NL1/2007
On 22 March 2022, the FTA amended the information sheets N1/2007 and NL1/2007, as Art. 5a para. 2 of the Federal Ordinance on Professional Costs came into force on 01 January 2022, which now provides for a higher flat-rate travel cost deduction of 0.9% of the purchase price of the vehicle as monthly income.
FTA publishes deductions, rates and tariffs for direct federal tax for 2022
The FTA has published the overview of deductions, rates and tariffs for direct federal tax for 2022 (no change).
Federal Council enacts higher deduction for third-party childcare
On 21 January 2022, the Federal Council enacted the higher deduction for childcare costs as of 1 January 2023. Up to CHF 25,000 can now be deducted from direct federal tax.
Proposals for the introduction of a Swiss trust
On behalf of Parliament (Motion 18.3383), the Federal Council proposes the introduction of a new legal institution in the Code of Obligations. On 12 January 2022, it opened the consultation regarding the introduction of a Swiss trust, which will last until 30 April 2022.
Dossier on tax information "Cryptocurrency" published
The FTA has published a new article "Cryptocurrency" for the tax information dossier.
FTA publishes updated working paper on cryptocurrencies and ICOs/ITOs
The FTA has updated its working paper on cryptocurrencies and initial coin/token offerings (ICOs/ITOs) as a subject of wealth, income and profit tax, withholding tax and stamp duties. It reflects the state of practice as of the end of 2020.
Practical questions due to the withholding tax revision from the employee's point of view
Workshop by Patrick Meier and Dirk Hangarter on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on 31 August 2021 entitled "Withholding Tax Reform: Implications for Practice".
Tax challenges of partnerships
Workshop by Julia von Ah and Toni Hess on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on 14/15 and 21/22 June 2021 entitled "Corporate Tax Law 2021".
ISIS) seminar "Advance withdrawal, inheritance, division of an estate and execution of a will in tax law" (seminar folder)
Case studies, detailed solutions and slides: Here you will find all the documents (workshops and presentations) according to the following description from the ISIS seminar "Erbvorbezug, Erbgang, Erbteilung und Willensvollstreckung im Steuerrecht" (Advance withdrawal, inheritance, division of an estate and execution of a will in tax law) of 26 November 2020, which was held at the Marriott Hotel in Zurich under the direction of Peter Mäusli-Allenspach.
