Tax aspects of pension assets of internationally mobile employees
Employees are more mobile than ever. As a result, they often have occupational and private pension assets in several countries. The tax situation becomes confusing at the latest when a cross-border transfer or payment of these pension assets to the beneficiaries is to take place. This article first introduces the basics and presents the respective tax consequences in Switzerland with regard to the payout from the foreign pension forms on the basis of two cross-border practical examples.
Joint and several liability between spouses in tax law "So examine him who is eternally bound..."
"I'm living in separation and my ex-partner refuses to carry outstanding tax bills from our marriage. "Can the IRS require me to carry those bills on my own?" These and similar questions are common in tax consulting. The answer is "It depends." This article answers the relevant questions and analyses the differences in cantonal and municipal taxes.
Taxation of compensation payments from share certificates
This paper focuses on the income tax treatment of income from investments in classical index and basket certificates from equities. The focus is on the view of the investor resident in Switzerland who holds the products as part of her private assets.
Taxation of spouses in international relations
An "international" spouse relationship from a tax law perspective exists if only one spouse is subject to unlimited tax liability in Switzerland, while the other spouse has no or only limited tax liability in Switzerland. It must also be a legally and factually unseparated marriage. The taxation of such "international" spousal relationships is opposed by the addition of factors as prescribed by law. However, according to the established case law of the Federal Supreme Court, the latter - unlike in intercantonal relations - cannot create any tax liability in Switzerland.
FDF adjusts tax rates and deductions to inflation
The Federal Department of Finance (FDF) adjusts the rates and deductions for direct federal tax annually to compensate for the consequences of cold progression. The latest changes concern the 2025 tax year.
RS professional expense allowances and remuneration in kind 2025 published
The FTA has published the circular "Professional expense allowances and remuneration in kind 2025 / Compensation for the consequences of cold progression in direct federal tax for the 2025 tax year".
Federal Council rejects JUSO popular initiative
At its meeting on May 15, 2024, the Federal Council defined its position on the popular initiative "For a social climate policy - fairly financed through taxation". It is of the opinion that the initiative is not a suitable means of achieving Switzerland's climate targets. In particular, it reduces the attractiveness of Switzerland for wealthy individuals. The Federal Council intends to recommend that Parliament reject the initiative without a direct counter-proposal or indirect counter-proposal.
Maximum pillar 3a deductions in tax year 2025
The tax deduction for tied pension provision (pillar 3a) has been adjusted for the 2025 tax year.
Federal Council rejects popular initiative "Yes to fair federal taxes for married couples too"
At its meeting on June 26, 2024, the Federal Council defined its position on the Centre Party's popular initiative "Yes to fair federal taxes for married couples too - finally abolish discrimination against marriage!" and recommends that Parliament reject the initiative without a direct or indirect counter-proposal.
Federal Council rejects popular initiative "For a social climate policy - fairly financed through taxation (Initiative for a future)"
On May 15, 2024, the Federal Council defined its position on the popular initiative "For a social climate policy - fairly financed through taxation (Initiative for a future)".
