Reform of the withholding tax - can the Gordian knot be untangled?
With its dispatch of April 2021 on the reform of the withholding tax, the Federal Council is making a new attempt to strengthen the domestic debt capital market. The bill is economically necessary and suitable for finding a pragmatic solution that is acceptable to the majority. Parliamentary consultations have already begun.
Withholding tax and debt capital, including the planned revision of the Withholding Tax Act
In terms of withholding tax, we focus on withholding tax on the income from equity securities. In particular, pecuniary benefits occupy us and often lead to emotionally profound experiences and contacts with withholding tax. Similarly, we constantly deal with the question of the refund of withholding tax owed, including the issue of "How can I repatriate profit reserves subject to withholding tax abroad?
Withholding tax reform - "more than meets the eye
The withholding tax reform bill introduced with the Federal Council Dispatch published on 14 April 2021 aims to largely abolish withholding tax on interest income and, as an accompanying measure, to abolish the turnover tax on Swiss bonds. In this context, implementation issues at the banks and financial institutions, the effects of the reform on structured products and group financing, the treatment of substitute payments in securities lending/borrowing transactions and indirect interest investments are examined in greater detail.
Editorial for the special issue "Implementation of the STAF
At zsis we are pleased to be able to provide an overview of the implementation of the corporate tax reform in the individual cantons. The authors not only provide information on the reduction of the profit tax rate, but also highlight the change from tax privileges to ordinary corporate taxation. They also report on the other cantonal particularities.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Federal Council comments on various motions, postulates and interpellations
In the course of August 2020, the Federal Council commented on various motions, postulates and interpellations (tax amnesty, micro-tax, VAT, etc.).
Federal Council adopts messages on the new DTA with Bahrain and on the amendments to the DTA with Kuwait
At its meeting on 26 August 2020, the Federal Council adopted the messages on a new double taxation agreement (DTA) with Bahrain and on the Protocol of Amendment to the DTA with Kuwait.
Amendment of the Ordinance on the Conscription Compensation Levy (WPEV)
At its meeting on 12 August 2020, the Federal Council decided that all civil defence days worked should be counted towards the reduction of the substitute levy. The amended ordinance on the military service exemption tax will come into force on 1 January 2021.
Federal Council opens consultation procedure on the partial revision of the VAT Act and the VAT Ordinance
At its meeting on 19 June 2020, the Federal Council opened the consultation procedure on the partial revision of the Value Added Tax Act (MWSTG) and the Value Added Tax Ordinance (MWSTV). Against the background of the further development of VAT in the digitalised and globalised economy, it proposes, among other things, comprehensive taxation of mail order platforms and simplification of invoicing for SMEs. The proposal also implements other parliamentary proposals.
National Council rejects amendment of the Customs Tariff Act
In its session of 4 June 2020, the National Council rejected the amendment of the Customs Tariff Act (abolition of industrial tariffs).
Council of States approves various double taxation agreements
At its meeting on 4 June 2020, the Council of States approved various double taxation agreements (DTAs).
.jpg)
.jpg)
