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.
Individual taxation/couple and family taxation
The marriage penalty affects considerably more two-earner couples than the Federal Tax Administration has so far quantified. So far, two-earner couples with children have not been taken into account.
Taxation of residential property - WAK-S continues consulting
The Commission for Economic Affairs and Taxes of the Council of States (WAK-S) has continued its deliberations on the change of system for the taxation of residential property.
Investments in the context of pension provision - national and international
Workshop on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on 10-11 September 2018 entitled "Current Problems of Taxation of Private Investments".
Taxation of investments in securities in Switzerland - including structured products, collective investments and segregation of private and professional asset management
Workshop on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on 10-11 September 2018 entitled "Taxation of investments in securities in Switzerland