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.
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.
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.
Seminar folder ISIS)-Seminar "Change of Status, Patent Box and R&D Effort in Practice" (2021)
Case studies, detailed solutions and slides: Here you will find all documents (workshops and presentations) according to the following description from the ISIS seminar "Status change, patent box and R&D expenditure in practice" on 21 September 2021 under the direction of René Matteotti and Jürg B. Altorfer.
Withholding taxes - What to focus on in the new law?
Workshop by Birgitte Zulauf and Abramo Lo Parco on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on 13/14 September 2021 entitled "Employee compensation in tax and social security law".
