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.
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)".
Practical questions due to the withholding tax revision from the employee's point of view
Workshop by Patrick Meier and Dirk Hangarter on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on 31 August 2021 entitled "Withholding Tax Reform: Implications for Practice".
Tax challenges of partnerships
Workshop by Julia von Ah and Toni Hess on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on 14/15 and 21/22 June 2021 entitled "Corporate Tax Law 2021".
ISIS) seminar "Advance withdrawal, inheritance, division of an estate and execution of a will in tax law" (seminar folder)
Case studies, detailed solutions and slides: Here you will find all the documents (workshops and presentations) according to the following description from the ISIS seminar "Erbvorbezug, Erbgang, Erbteilung und Willensvollstreckung im Steuerrecht" (Advance withdrawal, inheritance, division of an estate and execution of a will in tax law) of 26 November 2020, which was held at the Marriott Hotel in Zurich under the direction of Peter Mäusli-Allenspach.
