The valuation of participation rights in start-up companies and the principle of equal treatment
The tax valuation of start-ups has been the subject of debate in Switzerland. While a viable solution has been found for the shareholders of start-ups with the current solution, the question of an even wealth tax burden for shareholders in a comparable situation arises. Find out what challenges arise in the valuation of participation rights and what solutions are being discussed to ensure a balanced tax policy.
Questions of justice regarding the Swiss inheritance tax according to John Rawls
Is Swiss inheritance tax law fair? The author of this article examines the answer to this question by applying the philosopher John Rawls' theory of justice. It examines the fundamental question of the justification of an inheritance tax as such and the subsequent question of the design of an inheritance tax from the point of view of justice.
"Structure follows strategy" in corporate succession - insights from the SIX Swiss Exchange Family Business Conference 2023
"Structure follows strategy" is a conclusion of the American business historian Alfred D. Chandler, which states that the strategy should be defined first and then a structure that leads to the realization of the strategy. This principle is often not sufficiently taken into account in corporate succession and the focus is prematurely placed on implementation and structuring issues. The topics discussed at this year's SIX Swiss Exchange Family Business Conference are set out below against this background.
Succession planning: tax pitfalls
When Swiss families think about the organization of their estate, they generally do not pursue any immediate tax objectives. In general, it is more a question of transferring assets to the next generation or at least initiating the future reorganization of ownership structures in the present. Of course, reducing wealth tax and breaking the tax progression, for example, can be an accompanying motive, but practice shows that this is rarely the actual "trigger". This article presents some typical questions.
Consultation agreement with Germany on the taxation of railway staff
On 13 May 2020, the State Secretariat for International Financial Matters SIF concluded a new consultation agreement between Switzerland and Germany on the taxation of railway personnel.
ESTV - Taxation of compensation for loss of earnings due to corona
On 6 April 2020, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration published the Circular on the tax treatment of benefits under the Ordinance on Measures for Loss of Earnings in Connection with the Coronavirus.
Federal Council wants to align taxation of life annuities with interest rates
On 4 April 2020, the Federal Council adopted a consultation draft that aims to adjust the taxation of life annuities.
Selected parliamentary business in the tax area at federal level (March 2020)
The Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has published a revised version of the overview of selected parliamentary business in the tax field at federal level.
Federal Council has adopted a dispatch on the popular initiative "Relieve the burden on wages, tax capital fairly
At its meeting on 6 March 2020, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the popular initiative "Relieve the burden on wages, tax capital fairly" (unofficially "99% initiative"). The Federal Council recommends that the initiative be rejected without a counterproposal.
Tax-deductible interest rates 2020 for advances or loans in Swiss francs and foreign currencies
The granting of interest-free or insufficiently interest-bearing advances or loans to participants or third parties related to them constitutes a payment in kind. This shall also apply to translated interest which is paid on the basis of obligations to participants or third parties close to them.
FTA publishes Circular Letters 22a and 23a concerning the partial taxation of income from investments held as private and business assets
On 31 January 2020, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published Circular Letters No. 22a "Partial Taxation of Income from Participations as Part of Private Assets and Restriction of Debt Interest Deduction" and No. 23a "Partial Taxation of Income from Participations as Part of Business Assets and Participations Declared as Business Assets".
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"
