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.
Restructuring merger between sister companies
This article first explains the different concepts of the need for reorganization under commercial law and tax law as well as the requirements for the tax recognition of the assumption of loss carryforwards in the context of a reorganization merger between sister companies. The tax consequences for the merged companies and for the joint shareholders are then also examined using examples.
The Federal Council rejects the popular initiative "Yes to fair federal taxes for married couples too"
At its meeting on March 7, 2025, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the popular initiative "Yes to fair federal taxes for married couples too - finally abolish discrimination against marriage!".
Federal Council opens consultation on relief package 27
On January 29, 2025, the Federal Council adopted the consultation draft for the relief package 27 (EP27).
Memorandum of Understanding between Switzerland and France
On December 17, 2024, the SIF announced that a new memorandum of understanding had been concluded between Switzerland and France on the taxation of cross-border teleworking.
FTA publishes withholding tax rates 2025
The Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has published the 2025 withholding tax rates for all cantons.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on the popular initiative "For a social climate policy - fairly financed through taxation (Initiative for a future)" (inheritance tax initiative)
On December 13, 2024, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the popular initiative "For a social climate policy - fairly financed through taxation (Initiative for a future)". It rejected the initiative of the Young Socialists (JUSO) without a direct counter-proposal or indirect counter-proposal.
Federal Council introduces retroactive purchase option for pillar 3a
From January 1, 2025, people working in Switzerland who have not paid the maximum permissible contributions into their pillar 3a every year since the bill came into force will be able to pay these contributions retroactively for up to ten years and deduct these purchases from their taxes.
Taxation of board of directors and foundation board fees
Case studies and detailed solutions from Laetitia Fracheboud and Olivier Margraf. This workshop was part of the ISIS seminar "Pensions and Insurance" on September 22 and 23, 2025.
Capital withdrawals from pension plans (incl. partial withdrawals)
Case studies and detailed solutions from Stefan Oesterhelt and Sirgit Meier. The workshop was part of the ISIS seminar "Pensions and Insurance" on September 22 + 23, 2025.
Tax law challenges for partnerships (2025)
Workshop by Susanne Schreiber and Toni Hess on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on June 02 + 03, 2025 with the title "Tax law challenges of partnerships"
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.
