Overview of STAF implementation at federal and cantonal level
Following an unprecedented legislative process, the Swiss people adopted the Federal Law on Tax Reform and OASI Financing (STAF) on 19 May 2019, thus restoring international acceptance of our tax system. In addition to the abolition of the special regulations for status companies, the introduction of the patent box, the regulation for hidden reserves at the start of tax liability and the approval of special deductions for research and development have helped to strike the right balance between international acceptance and maintaining the attractiveness of the tax location.
The implementation of the STAF in the cantons of Eastern Switzerland - selected topics of profit and capital taxation
The eastern Swiss cantons of St. Gallen (SG), Thurgau (TG), Appenzell Ausserrhoden (AR) and Appenzell Innerrhoden (AI) have implemented a number of changes in the taxation of profits and capital as part of the STAF as of 1 January 2020. The present article examines individual voluntary measures and measures not harmonized in the STAF. The analysis focuses on the adjustments in profit tax rates and capital tax, past and future tax relief, the additional deduction for research and development expenses, and a selection of special practical features.
Implementation of the STAF in the Canton of Zurich
Although the Canton of Zurich dealt with the implementation of the Federal Law on Tax Reform and OASI Financing ("STAF") at an early stage and issued various practice notes, various implementation issues still arose in the months following its entry into force. This article deals with the current implementation practice of STAF in the Canton of Zurich, with a focus on the change of status and deductions for self-financing. The practical application of the patent box and the research and development deduction is still subject to announcements by the Zurich tax office.
Implementation of the STAF in the Canton of Ticino
On 1 January 2020, the Federal Act on Tax Reform and Financing of the OASI (STAF) (Riforma fiscale e finanziamento dell'AVS, RFFA) entered into force. Among other things, the federal law modified certain provisions of the Federal Direct Tax Act (DBG) and the Direct Tax Harmonisation Act (StHG). In doing so, the Confederation leaves the cantons some leeway in implementing the STAF in their own tax legislation. This article analyses the implementation of the STAF by the Canton of Ticino.
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Federal Council adopts dispatch on the amendments to the DTA with Iran
At its meeting on 23 October 2019, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the Protocol of Amendment to the Agreement on the avoidance of double taxation in the area of taxes on income and wealth (DTA) with Iran.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on the Protocol of Amendment to the DTA with Ukraine
At its meeting on 9 October 2019, the Federal Council approved the dispatch on the approval of a Protocol of Amendment to the Agreement to Avoid Double Taxation in the Area of Taxes on Income and Capital (DTA) between Switzerland and Ukraine. The protocol implements the minimum standards in double taxation agreements and also adapts the DTA to the current treaty policy of the two states.
Bundesrat approves further key points of the withholding tax reform
At its meeting on 27 September 2019, the Federal Council approved further key points for the reform of the withholding tax. The consultation is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2020.
Tax information on STAF published
The Documentation and Tax Information team, in collaboration with the Tax Policy Department, has prepared an article entitled "Federal Law on Tax Reform and OASI Financing" (STAF) for the Tax Information dossier.
Acceptance of tax submission 17 in the canton of Zurich
After the "Federal Law on Tax Reform and OASI Financing" (STAF) was approved at federal level by the people and the cantons with around 66%, the cantonal bill was also accepted with a yes vote of around 56%.
Federal Council rejects popular initiative "Take the pressure off wages, tax capital fairly
At its meeting on 26 June 2019, the Federal Council dealt with the popular initiative "Relieve the burden on wages, tax capital fairly" and instructed the FDF to prepare a dispatch with a motion for rejection without a counter-proposal.
Federal Council adopts additional message on the elimination of the "marriage penalty
On 14 August 2019, the Federal Council adopted the supplementary message on the amendment of the Federal Act on Direct Federal Taxation (Balanced Couples and Family Taxation).
Simplified taxation of the private use of company cars
According to a decision of the Federal Assembly, private use of company cars should be taxable at a flat rate which now also includes travel costs to the place of work. On 28 June 2019, the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) submitted an amendment to the ordinance for consultation.
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