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.
Implementation of the Federal Law on Tax Reform and OASI Financing (STAF) in the Canton of Berne
Based on the Corporate Tax Reform Act III (USR III) passed by the Federal Parliament on 17 June 2016, the Berne Cantonal Government Council expressed its views on the content of USR III at the end of November 2016, as well as the possible effects on the Canton of Berne and the preliminary positioning of the Canton of Berne in intercantonal tax competition. In the interests of Berne as a business location, the Government Council intended to cushion the abolition of cantonal tax privileges and the associated transition to ordinary taxation with replacement measures as part of the revision of the tax law in 2019. It was planned to reduce the maximum tax burden on profits from 21.64% in two steps; namely to 20.20% in 2019 and then to 18.71% in 2020. Further reductions in the profit tax rate should then have taken place with the 2021 tax law revision. In addition, the 2019 tax law revision also provided for the reduction of the applicable capital tax rate.
Amendment to the tax laws of the Cantons of Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft - Tax Template 17 (SV17)
Prior to the revision of the cantonal tax law, the canton of Basel-Stadt was one of the cantons with the highest ordinary income tax rate, with an effective ordinary income tax burden of a maximum of 22.18%. Significantly lower tax rates, namely between 7.8% and around 11%, were applied to status companies. Despite this low tax rate, the share of the status companies in the canton's tax revenue from taxes on profits and capital amounted to 60%. When implementing the tax reform and AHV financing (STAF), the challenge for Basel-Stadt was therefore to reduce the ordinary profit tax rate to such an extent that the status companies do not migrate, but at the same time sufficient tax revenue can be generated. In addition, it was assumed - probably rightly so - that it was crucial to create legal certainty for the companies concerned as soon as possible, which is why the new tax rate was communicated very early on and the reduced tax rate came into force on 1 January 2019.
Mise en œuvre de la réforme de la fiscalité des entreprises en Romandie
This publication focuses on the implementation of the reform of corporate taxation (RFFA) on 1 January 2020 in the French cantons (i.e. Fribourg, Geneva, Jura, Neuchâtel, Valais and Vaud) with regard to non-captive companies. The particularities relating to companies with share capital (apport de capital) as well as to independent companies are not dealt with in this way; those relating to the shareholder are, on the other hand, dealt with in greater detail. Cette publication se base sur les informations disponibles au 31 juillet 2020. Il est précisé qu'entre la date de remise du manuscrit et sa publication, le canton du Valais a annoncé que le référendum déposé contre le projet de loi n'avait pas abouti. La loi fiscale valaisanne est ainsi également entrée en vigueur rétroactivement au 1er janvier 2020.
Changes to value added tax from January 1, 2025
The partially revised VAT Act and the VAT Ordinance and various other important changes have been in force since 1.1.2025. Further information and clarifications have been published on selected topics.
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.
Practical specifications for sales tax for brokerage activities within a group relationship
Recent case law in the area of sales tax for intermediaries in a group relationship has prompted the FTA to make clarifications in its administrative practice regarding Art. 13 para. 1 and Art. 13 para. 3 lit. b no. 2 StG. The two practical clarifications will be applied with immediate effect and will apply to all cases currently pending with the FTA.
Entry into force of the protocol of amendment to the double taxation agreement with Kuwait
The protocol of amendment to the DTA between Switzerland and Kuwait has entered into force. With a few exceptions, most of the amendments are applicable from January 1, 2025.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on the implementation and financing of the 13th AHV pension
At its meeting on October 16, 2024, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the implementation and financing of the 13th AHV old-age pension. It is to be financed by increasing value added tax by 0.7 percentage points.
FDF reduces tax-free limit for travel to CHF 150
At its meeting on October 16, 2024, the Federal Council was informed by the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) about the reduction in the value exemption limit for travel.
