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.
Circular: List of cantons with different imputed rental values for cantonal taxes and direct federal tax as of tax period 2018
On 9 July 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published a circular containing a list of cantons with different imputed rental values for cantonal taxes and direct federal tax as of the 2018 tax period.
FDK comments on the partial abolition of the imputed rental value
In a media release dated 13 June 2019, the Conference of Cantonal Finance Directors (FDK) issued a statement on the proposal of the preliminary advisory commission of the Council of States to reform the taxation of residential property.
Federal Supreme Court annuls vote on marriage penalty
The Federal Supreme Court revokes the 2016 vote on the popular initiative "For marriage and family - against the marriage penalty". The Federal Council's incomplete and non-transparent information would have violated the freedom of voters to vote. Given the narrow rejection of the bill and the seriousness of the irregularities, it is possible that the result of the vote could have been different.
Adjustment of the price list regarding the Direct Federal Tax 2018
On 11 March 2019, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published an adjustment to the share price lists (ICTax) regarding the Federal Direct Tax 2018.
Circular "List of providers of recognised pension products of tied pension provision (pillar 3a)
On 8 February 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published the circular "List of Pillar 3b endowment insurance policies eligible for surrender".
Increase in tax deductions for health insurance premiums
The Commission has also discussed two motions calling for an increase in the deductions for health insurance premiums in direct federal tax. The Motion Grin (17,3171), which would like to almost double the current deductions, was transferred with 9 to 3 votes. For the majority of commission members, health insurance premiums are compulsory charges and part of the unavoidable cost of living. Higher deductions are justified by this and by the strong growth in premiums over the last few years. A minority rejects the motion because higher incomes would benefit disproportionately. The motion Lehmann/Regazzi (15,4027), which wants to make self-paid health insurance premiums fully tax deductible according to income, was rejected by 8 votes to 4. The gradation is problematic and complicates the tax system.
FTA publishes withholding tax treatment of profits from the Money Gaming Act
On 6 February, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published a specialist information document on the withholding tax treatment of profits from the Money Gaming Act.
Residential property taxation: discussion of the preliminary draft commenced
The Commission for Economic Affairs and Taxation of the Council of States (WAK-S) has accepted without opposition the preliminary draft on the system change in the taxation of home ownership (17,400) and has largely conducted the detailed consultation.
Droit de timbre de négociation/Impôt anticipé: Questions théoriques et pratiques actuelles
Atelier de Lucien Jean on the occasion of the séminaire ISIS) du 7 novembre 2023 intitulé "Actualités en matière d'impôt anticipé / Droits de timbre"
Remboursement de l'impôt anticipé / Personne physique
Atelier de Didier Nsanzineza et Tanguy Peter à l'occasion du séminaire ISIS) du 7 novembre 2023 intitulé "Actualités en matière d'impôt anticipé / Droits de timbre"
