When does the formal liquidation of a general partnership end the independence of the partners? A case study from the field of real estate investments
In its ruling of November 26, 2024, the Tax Appeals Court of the Canton of Zurich confirmed that a taxpayer can terminate his self-employment and thus claim liquidation gains taxation even if he buys a property from the previous business assets, has it renovated together with another property acquired from his brother and rents it out, as the activity associated with the two acquired properties is not a continuation of self-employment but serves as a private investment.
Declaration obligations, advisor liability and mitigation of penalties: hot topics in criminal tax law
If declaration obligations are breached - both in the mixed assessment procedure and in the self-assessment system - which lead to a (possible) tax reduction, the question of criminal liability regularly arises in addition to the levying of any additional tax. The representative of the taxable person is increasingly being targeted by the tax authorities.
Criminal tax law risks of tax advice
As the legally compliant fulfillment of tax obligations requires knowledge of tax law, which the taxpayer often lacks in whole or in part, many taxpayers seek help in fulfilling their declaration obligations. If there are declaration errors that lead to at least the threat of a tax loss, the involvement of a specialist does not release the taxpayer from their responsibility for their tax declaration. Conversely, the professional involved, the tax advisor, can also be targeted by the authorities responsible for prosecuting tax offenses.
Dangerous game with risk of discovery - The criminal tax liability of external advisors and internal functionaries in the light of the Federal Supreme Court rulings 6B_90/2024 and 6B_93/2024
The Federal Supreme Court rulings 6B_90/2024 and 6B_93/2024 of February 3, 2025 raise fundamental questions regarding the criminal liability of tax advisors. The focus is on the requirements for perpetration of tax evasion and incitement to do so, as well as the distinction between permissible tax advice and punishable cooperation. The judgments shed light on the different roles of internal and external advisors and their significance for practice and the application of the law.
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.
Greater fiscal consideration of the costs of third party childcare
The Economic Commission of the National Council has accepted without opposition the Federal Council's Dispatch 18.050 concerning the tax recognition of third-party childcare costs. This proposal is related to the initiative for skilled workers and is intended to promote the employment of women. The Commission considers that taxing the cost of external care can be an argument for women wishing to enter the labour market, as the cost of care is too high for many young families. In the overall vote, the Commission approved the unchanged proposal by 11 votes to 8 with 5 abstentions. However, a minority of the Commission wishes to limit the deduction to the proven costs of institutional provision of childcare outside the family (rejected by 18 votes to 5), while a second minority demands a deduction not only for third-party but also for self-care of children (rejected by 13 votes to 10). The transaction is expected to be dealt with in the spring session 2019.
Marriage penalty: External expert recommends a broader data basis for the FTA
The statistical basis for direct federal tax, on which the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) can draw, is insufficient. Therefore, especially the estimation of the number of persons affected by the marriage penalty remains subject to uncertainty. This is the conclusion of an external report commissioned by the Federal Department of Finance (FDF), the results of which were presented to the Federal Council at its meeting on 7 November 2018.
Remuneration interest rate for direct federal tax remains the same
The Federal Department of Finance (FDF) has decided to continue not to pay any refund interest for the calendar year 2019 on amounts of direct federal tax paid early.
National Council maintains mandate for tax deductions
The National Council insists that the Federal Council implement an adopted motion on the taxation of foreigners. On 27 September 2018 he refused to write them off.
Harmonisation of interest rates for federal tax exemptions
On 10 September 2018, the Council of States adopted the motion "Harmonisation of interest rates in federal tax decrees" with the following amendment: "The Federal Council is instructed to harmonise interest rates in federal tax decrees in such a way that a generally applicable default and refund interest rate is established".
Stop the tax penalty in pillar 3b. Tax the income share instead of the capital contribution in the case of a capital withdrawal
On 10 September 2018, the Council of States adopted the motion "Stop the tax penalty in pillar 3b. In the case of a capital withdrawal, tax the share of income instead of the capital contribution" with the following amendment: "The Federal Council is instructed to submit to parliament an amendment to the Federal Tax Act (DBG) and the Tax Harmonisation Act (StHG) in order to achieve a flexibilisation of the flat-rate share of income on all benefits (periodic benefits, surrender, refund) from life annuities and life insurance policies, adapted to the respective investment conditions.
Differentiation between salary and dividend for employee shareholders
Workshop by Natalie Dini and Barbara Stötzer at the ISIS) seminar on 13/14 September 2021 entitled "Employee compensation in tax and social security law".
Board compensation - How does the BoD participate in the company's success?
Workshop by Ruth Bloch-Riemer and Véronique Risi at the ISIS) seminar on 13/14 September 2021 entitled "Employee compensation in tax and social security law".
Employee shareholdings - differentiation from founder shareholdings
Workshop by Susanne Schreiber and Ildiko Truffer on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on 13/14 September 2021 entitled "Employee Compensation in tax and social security law".
Seminar folder ISIS)-Seminar "Withholding Tax: Selected Case Constellations" (2021)
Case studies, detailed solution notes and slides: Here you will find all documents (workshops and presentations) according to the following description from the ISIS) seminar "Withholding tax: Selected case constellations" of 31 August 2021 under the direction of Martin Huber, which took place in Zurich.
