Income tax-free repayment of a hidden capital contribution to the shareholder
The Federal Supreme Court had to decide for the first time whether the repayment of a hidden capital contribution to the shareholder constitutes taxable investment income or whether it can be made tax-free. After interpreting the term "repayment of contributions" in Art. 20 para. 3 DBG, it comes to the conclusion that hidden capital contributions also fall under this, that the accounting requirement from Art. 5 para. 1bis VStG is not relevant and that the repayment of a hidden capital contribution is income tax-free.
Algorithmically verified tax return in the ordinary mixed assessment procedure
The digitization of the tax area and, in particular, the automation of the assessment process are advancing. In the process, risk management systems can be used to automatically check the plausibility of tax returns. Such a risk analysis can lead to challenges under fundamental rights and data protection law, which must be countered in particular by creating specific legal foundations.
How mobile working is changing tax and social security law
The home office has long since become a normal form of work. It enables greater flexibility and thus a better life-work balance, which is why many employees no longer want to do without it. In addition, the home office can also be advantageous for companies: In particular, office space can be reduced, thereby saving on rental costs and energy costs, and employee motivation can be kept high.
Home office and the cross-border commuter agreement with Italy
Today, around 85,000 Italian residents work in the border cantons of Ticino, Grisons and Valais. The cross-border commuter agreement concluded with Italy is of great importance especially for the canton of Ticino with its approximately 75,000 cross-border commuters, of which around 66,000 are considered cross-border commuters within the meaning of the agreement.
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.
FTA - Life annuities will be taxed flexibly as of 2025
The taxation of life annuities in pillar 3b will be flexibly adjusted to the investment conditions when it comes into force on January 1, 2025.
Consultation agreement between Switzerland and Germany concerning withholding taxes
The State Secretariat for International Financial Matters SIF announces that the competent authorities of Switzerland and Germany have concluded a consultation agreement on the procedure for relief from German withholding taxes on dividends, interest and royalties under the double taxation agreement between Switzerland and Germany.
Quasi-residency and comparable circumstances
Workshop by Jennifer Herren, Dirk Hangarter and Patrick Meier on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on 31 August 2021 entitled "Withholding Tax Reform: Implications for Practice".
Harmonisation efforts of the circular no. 45 in the area of withholding tax
Workshop by Jennifer Herren, Dirk Hangarter and Patrick Meier on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on 31 August 2021 entitled "Withholding Tax Reform: Implications for Practice".











