The tax treatment of (underpriced) non-family business succession with special consideration of Ticino practice
Does an underpriced transfer of shares to an employee always lead to income tax consequences? With this article, the authors want to stimulate discussion on a very relevant aspect of non-family business succession: the distinction between (income taxable) employee shareholdings and (possibly non-income taxable) succession arrangements. The authors take a look at the practice and case law in the canton of Ticino and other cantons as well as the possible effects of recent inheritance law reforms.
Tax aspects of family business succession
In the coming years, many small and medium-sized companies will face the challenge of arranging their succession. A transfer against payment or free of charge may be considered in order to remain in family ownership. The planning and implementation of succession is an important topic for entrepreneurs with links to numerous areas of law. This article is dedicated to the tax challenges and solution strategies in family business succession in order to support companies in strategically well thought-out and tax-optimized planning.
Taxation of spouses in international relations - tax segregation issues
In the zsis) issue of November 2019, the authors dealt with tax law stumbling blocks in the taxation of spouses in international relationships. In this article, they have focused on the tax segregation of international spouses. On the basis of a test scheme with three questions, they show that a systematic procedure is essential for correct tax segregation and that there is still a need for action here on the part of the assessment authority and the courts.
Far more than cryptocurrencies ...
The editorial for the focus issue "Blockchain, Crypto and NFTs". In recent years, blockchain technology has caused a stir around the world. In this context, tax law has dealt with blockchain technology primarily in connection with cryptocurrencies. However, the scope of blockchain technology goes far beyond cryptocurrencies.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on the popular initiative "For a social climate policy - fairly financed through taxation (Initiative for a future)" (inheritance tax initiative)
On December 13, 2024, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the popular initiative "For a social climate policy - fairly financed through taxation (Initiative for a future)". It rejected the initiative of the Young Socialists (JUSO) without a direct counter-proposal or indirect counter-proposal.
Federal Council introduces retroactive purchase option for pillar 3a
From January 1, 2025, people working in Switzerland who have not paid the maximum permissible contributions into their pillar 3a every year since the bill came into force will be able to pay these contributions retroactively for up to ten years and deduct these purchases from their taxes.
FDF reduces tax-free limit for travel to CHF 150
At its meeting on October 16, 2024, the Federal Council was informed by the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) about the reduction in the value exemption limit for travel.
FTA publishes withholding tax rates 2025
The Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published the 2025 withholding tax rates on October 8, 2024.
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.
ISIS) seminar folder "The world of work on the move: tax and social security challenges (2025)"
All documents from the ISIS) seminar "The world of work on the move: tax and social security challenges" held on May 22, 2025 under the direction of Petra Caminada in one PDF document. Case studies, detailed solution notes and slides: Here you will find all documents from the individual workshops according to the following content description.
Withholding taxes
Workshop by Dominique Frison and Jennifer Herren on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on May 22, 2025 entitled "Withholding taxes"
