The diminishing safeguard function of the withholding tax
Editorial on the focus issue "Withholding Tax" of zsis).
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.
Deduction for health insurance premiums to be increased
The Federal Council proposes to increase the deduction for compulsory health insurance and accident insurance premiums in direct federal tax.
Overview of amendments to laws and ordinances with entry into force in 2022-2024
The Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has updated the list of amendments to laws and ordinances with entry into force in the years 2021-2024.
Renewed consultation agreement with Germany on the taxation of cross-border workers and state benefits
Germany and Switzerland have amended the consultation agreement again with the date 27 April 2021.
Entry into force of the double taxation agreements with Brazil and Saudi Arabia
The double taxation agreement (DTA) in the area of taxes on income between Switzerland and Brazil entered into force on 16 March 2021 and the DTA with Saudi Arabia in the area of taxes on income and assets entered into force on 1 April 2021. Both DTAs are effective from 1 January 2022.
Selected parliamentary business in the area of taxation at federal level (7 April 2021)
The Federal Tax Administration updated the selected parliamentary business in the tax area at federal level on 7 April 2021.
FTA publishes legislative and ordinance amendments 2022-2024
The Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has updated the lists of legislative and ordinance amendments relating to direct federal tax, value added tax, withholding tax and stamp duties. The list contains amendments in which the FTA is significantly involved or for whose implementation it is responsible.
Canton of residence responsible in future for withholding tax on heirs
An amendment to the Ordinance on Withholding Tax is due to come into force on 1 January 2022, according to which the heirs of an inheritance that has not yet been distributed will be able to reclaim withholding tax on inheritance income in their canton of residence (previously: last canton of residence of the deceased).
Expert group formulates tax fields of action
The group of experts on Switzerland as a tax location, which is made up of various representatives of the Confederation, the cantons and the business community, has formulated 16 fields of action in which it sees potential for tax improvements in Switzerland.
