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.
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.
Delivery at weekends and on public holidays with "A Mail Plus": deadline to start later
At its meeting on February 14, 2024, the Federal Council opened the consultation process for a new regulation regarding the delivery of A Mail Plus consignments at weekends.
FTA - Circular no. 26: Changes to self-employment
The Federal Tax Administration has updated circular no. 26 (W95-003D) "Innovations in self-employment due to the Corporate Tax Reform II of 06.02.2024 (Direct Federal Tax)".
Future-oriented strengthening of Zurich as a foundation location
The canton of Zurich is strengthening Zurich as a foundation location: the tax office is adapting its practice on tax exemption for charitable foundations. In doing so, the canton is implementing a key measure of the initiative to strengthen Zurich as a foundation location and is improving the framework conditions for a modern and effective foundation system.
Opening of the consultation procedure on the total revision of the Administrative Criminal Law Act (VStrR)
Administrative criminal law is to be modernized, made more efficient and aligned with the Criminal Procedure Code. At its meeting on January 31, 2024, the Federal Council opened the consultation on the total revision of the Administrative Criminal Law Act (VStrR).
Report on Capital and Wealth Tax Reform Options
On 22 November 2023, the Federal Council adopted a report concluding that a shift in tax revenue from wealth and capital tax to income-based taxes could mitigate the disadvantages of a capital and wealth tax.
Consultation on the partial revision of the VAT Ordinance opened
At its meeting on 25 October 2023, the Federal Council opened the consultation on the partial revision of the Value Added Tax Ordinance (MWSTV).
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)".
Federal Council opens consultation on expanded loss offsetting
According to parliament, the loss offset period for companies is to be extended from seven to ten years. This is intended to enable companies affected by the Corona pandemic in particular to recover better. The Federal Council has drawn up the legal amendments for this and opened the consultation process at its meeting on June 28, 2023.
