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.
Unfair conduct by taxpayers when determining tax domicile in an intercantonal relationship
As tax evasion presupposes a breach of procedural obligations, this article takes a closer look at the procedural obligations, in particular the taxpayer's duty to cooperate, both in ordinary assessment proceedings and in tax domicile proceedings. Finally, the supplementary tax procedure is also addressed, taking into account the latest case law of the Federal Supreme Court on the terms "unknown" or "new" facts and evidence.
FTA publishes tax statistics of natural and legal persons 2020
On 16 November 2023, the FTA published the 2020 tax statistics.
Switzerland and Italy agree on permanent tax rules for working from home
On 10 November 2023, Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter and the Italian Minister of Finance and Economy signed a declaration that permanently regulates the issue of taxation of home office for cross-border commuters.
Federal Council in favour of including taxes in the subsistence minimum
In a report dated 1 November 2023, the Federal Council is in principle in favour of taking taxes into account when calculating the minimum subsistence level under debt enforcement law. However, the new rules on calculation are intended to ensure the payment of tax claims and to protect the claims of dependants under family law.
Maximum deductions for pillar 3a in the 2024 tax year
The tax deduction for tied self-provision (pillar 3a) remains unchanged for the 2024 tax year.
FTA - Circular on professional expense allowances and remuneration in kind 2024 / Compensation for the consequences of the cold progression in direct federal tax for the tax year 2024
On September 5, 2023, the FTA published the circular "Professional expenses lump sums and remuneration in kind 2024 / Compensation of the consequences of the cold progression in the direct federal tax for the tax year 2024".
Federal Council sets benchmarks for individual taxation
At its meeting on August 30, 2023, the Federal Council defined the key parameters for the dispatch on the introduction of individual taxation. This bill will also serve as an indirect counter-proposal to the popular initiative "For individual taxation independent of civil status (tax fairness initiative)".
Cross-border commuter agreement with Italy has entered into force
On July 19, 2023, SIF announced that the new cross-border commuter agreement with Italy and an amending protocol to the DTA entered into force on July 17, 2023. The provisions are applicable as of January 1, 2024.
Consultation agreement between Switzerland and Germany
The State Secretariat for International Financial Matters SIF announced on 13 April 2023 that the competent authorities of Switzerland and Germany have concluded a consultation agreement on the application of Article 15(4) of the double taxation agreement between Switzerland and Germany.
Private asset management versus commercial trading
Workshop by Patrick Waldburger and Toni Hess on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on September 23-24, 2024 entitled "Private asset management versus commercial trading"
Investments in crypto assets
Workshop by Silvan Guler and Daniel Bürki on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on September 23-24, 2024 entitled "Investments in crypto assets"
Current problems of taxation of stock corporations and shareholders (2024)
Workshop by Oliver Jäggi and Benno Eberhard on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on June 3 - 4, 2024 entitled "Current problems of taxation of stock corporations and shareholders"
ISIS) seminar folder "Startups - tax and duty law challenges: Refinancing and Exit" (2024)"
All documents from the ISIS) seminar "Startups - Tax and Duty Law Challenges: Refinancing and Exit" from May 27, 2024 under the direction of Ruth Bloch-Riemer 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.
