Implementation of global minimum taxation - safe harbor transitional rules for investment entities
On January 1, 2024, Switzerland partially introduced the OECD minimum tax by means of the Minimum Tax Ordinance (MindStV). The implementation of the global legal requirements poses considerable challenges for companies due to the complexity of the regulations and the technical implementation in the accounting systems. For this reason, many companies fall back on safe harbor regulations provided by the OECD. In this context, the following article examines whether these also apply to investment entities that are part of the corporate group.
The valuation of participation rights in start-up companies and the principle of equal treatment
The tax valuation of start-ups has been the subject of debate in Switzerland. While a viable solution has been found for the shareholders of start-ups with the current solution, the question of an even wealth tax burden for shareholders in a comparable situation arises. Find out what challenges arise in the valuation of participation rights and what solutions are being discussed to ensure a balanced tax policy.
"Structure follows strategy" in corporate succession - insights from the SIX Swiss Exchange Family Business Conference 2023
"Structure follows strategy" is a conclusion of the American business historian Alfred D. Chandler, which states that the strategy should be defined first and then a structure that leads to the realization of the strategy. This principle is often not sufficiently taken into account in corporate succession and the focus is prematurely placed on implementation and structuring issues. The topics discussed at this year's SIX Swiss Exchange Family Business Conference are set out below against this background.
Succession planning: tax pitfalls
When Swiss families think about the organization of their estate, they generally do not pursue any immediate tax objectives. In general, it is more a question of transferring assets to the next generation or at least initiating the future reorganization of ownership structures in the present. Of course, reducing wealth tax and breaking the tax progression, for example, can be an accompanying motive, but practice shows that this is rarely the actual "trigger". This article presents some typical questions.
Compensation paid by Swiss companies to foreign directors
This video provides information on the possible tax and social security implications of a board of directors resident in an EU country in the case of a Swiss company limited by shares if the board of directors is also self-employed in its country of residence.
The Swiss Federal Tax Administration has published Circular Letter No. 29b "Capital Contribution Principle
On 23 December 2019, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration published Circular Letter No. 29b "Capital Contribution Principle". Circular Letter No. 29b comes into force on 1 January 2020 and replaces the previous circular letters No. 29 and 29a.
Implementation of STAF: Regulations enter into force on 1 January 2020
At its meeting on 13 November 2019, the Federal Council approved three ordinances on the Federal Tax Reform and OASI Financing Act (STAF). These amendments concerning the tax part will enter into force on 1 January 2020.
WAK of the National Council for the abolition of the turnover tax and the insurance tax or reform of the withholding tax
In its media release of 5 November 2019, the National Council's WAK provided information on the parliamentary initiative on turnover tax and insurance tax, on the reform of withholding tax and on the neutrality of legal forms in corporate taxation.
Zurich shows more flexibility for start-ups
On 5 November 2019, the Finance Directorate and the Economic Directorate of the Canton of Zurich published a joint press release stating that there should be no tax obstacles to an agreed change in the ownership structure of founding shareholders.
FTA publishes tax statistics 2016
On 1 November 2019, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published the tax statistics of natural and legal persons for 2016.
FTA updates information sheets for athletes and organizers
On 22 October 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) pointed out in its Special Information that athletes, sportswomen and sports teams resident or based abroad may become liable to tax by participating in a sports event in Switzerland.
OECD publishes proposal on taxation of multinational companies
On 9 October 2019, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) published a proposal to ensure that large and highly profitable multinational companies, especially IT companies, pay taxes.
Remuneration, default and refund interest rate for direct federal tax for the calendar year 2020
The Federal Department of Finance (FDF) has decided that for the calendar year 2020 it will continue not to pay any refund interest on amounts of direct federal tax paid early. The interest rate on arrears and the reimbursement rate also remain unchanged.
Fiscal perspective
Workshop by Ruth Bloch-Riemer and Toni Hess on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on 09 November 2021 entitled "Freelance work: tax, social security and pension law aspects".
Impôts directs: Fusion, scission et transfert intra-groupe
Cas pratiques présentés par Jean-Marie Hainaut et Jean Ebener lors du séminaire ISIS) du 03 novembre 2021 intitulé "Restructurations / Fusions / Acquisitions".