Cross-border commuter regulation Switzerland-Liechtenstein
The double taxation agreement between Switzerland and Liechtenstein contains a special rule for cross-border commuters, according to which the income from employment earned in the State of activity is allocated to the State of residence for taxation. If, on the other hand, an employee in a cross-border context does not meet the criteria established for cross-border commuters, the earned income is allocated for taxation to the State of activity and the State of residence on a pro rata basis in accordance with the general principles. Against this background, employers who employ cross-border commuters from Liechtenstein or Switzerland have different clarification and declaration obligations.
Tax pitfalls in the dissolution of a community of preferential heirs
Particularly from a tax law perspective, caution is required with such conversions or investments, as a community of anticipated heirs could qualify as a simple partnership under tax law, the dissolution of which would result in the settlement of deferred real estate gains tax. The members of a community of anticipated inheritance are often not aware of these tax consequences.
Charitable foundations - explosive tax law issues
Legal entities that meet the respective requirements of Art. 56 lit. e, g and h of the Federal Law on Direct Federal Tax (DBG) generally benefit from a subjective tax exemption. If legal entities are subjectively tax-exempt due to the pursuit of charitable purposes, according to Art. 56 lit. g DBG, the acquisition and management of "significant capital investments in companies" are only permitted under restrictive conditions. The Federal Supreme Court recently had to assess the question under which circumstances the holding of a significant equity interest in an operating company by a charitable foundation precludes a subjective tax exemption.
Automatic exchange of information and (unpunished) voluntary declarations
Since 1 January 2010, taxpayers in Switzerland have been able to go unpunished when they report tax evasion for the first time. Since then, tax transparency has increased internationally. Switzerland is pursuing the approach of implementing the international minimum standards. This now also includes the automatic exchange of information. On the way to a transparent taxpayer, the question arises as to whether the possibility still exists or should exist for taxpayers to disclose previously untaxed assets without having to expect a fine.
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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.
Once more self-disclosures
Last year, the tax office of the Canton of Zurich received 7250 voluntary declarations, thus again significantly exceeding the record figure of the previous year (6200). This is due to the Automatic Information Exchange (AIA) of bank data, which came into force between numerous countries at the beginning of 2017. Since the possibility of voluntary reports without penalty (2010), the cantonal tax office had previously received 850 to 2100 such reports per year.
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Usufruct and right of residence as elements of estate planning for real estate
Workshop by Daniel Bader and Hanna Brozzo on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on November 12, 2024 entitled "Usufruct and right of residence as design elements of estate planning for real estate "
Tax issues relating to private investment in real estate
Workshop by Petra Caminada and Branko Balaban on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on November 12, 2024 entitled "Tax issues relating to private investment in real estate"
ISIS) seminar folder "Current problems in the taxation of private investments" (2024)
All documents from the ISIS) seminar "Current problems in the taxation of private investments" from September 23 - 24, 2024 under the direction of Andrea Opel in one PDF document. Case studies, detailed solution notes and slides: Here you will find all documents of the individual workshops according to the following content description.
