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.
The tax treatment of (underpriced) non-family business succession with special consideration of Ticino practice
Does an underpriced transfer of shares to an employee always lead to income tax consequences? With this article, the authors want to stimulate discussion on a very relevant aspect of non-family business succession: the distinction between (income taxable) employee shareholdings and (possibly non-income taxable) succession arrangements. The authors take a look at the practice and case law in the canton of Ticino and other cantons as well as the possible effects of recent inheritance law reforms.
Tax aspects of family business succession
In the coming years, many small and medium-sized companies will face the challenge of arranging their succession. A transfer against payment or free of charge may be considered in order to remain in family ownership. The planning and implementation of succession is an important topic for entrepreneurs with links to numerous areas of law. This article is dedicated to the tax challenges and solution strategies in family business succession in order to support companies in strategically well thought-out and tax-optimized planning.
Far more than cryptocurrencies ...
The editorial for the focus issue "Blockchain, Crypto and NFTs". In recent years, blockchain technology has caused a stir around the world. In this context, tax law has dealt with blockchain technology primarily in connection with cryptocurrencies. However, the scope of blockchain technology goes far beyond cryptocurrencies.
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.
Income and withholding tax: Determination of the maximum permissible conversion discount
On April 22, 2025, the FTA published notice 024-DVS-2025 regarding the determination of the maximum permissible conversion discount.
Supplementary tax: Tax treatment of business units that qualify as permanent establishments
On March 18, 2025, the FTA explained the treatment of business units that are considered permanent establishments in a communication on the minimum taxation of multinational enterprise groups.
FTA publishes circular no. 32a: Reorganization of corporations and cooperatives
On January 20, 2025, the FTA published circular no. 32a regarding the "Restructuring of corporations and cooperatives".
FTA publishes imputed interest rate on the security equity 2025
The imputed interest rate on the security equity corresponds to the yield on ten-year federal bonds on the last trading day of the calendar year preceding the beginning of the tax period in accordance with Article 25abis paragraph 4 first sentence StHG.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on the extension of loss offsetting
On November 27, 2024, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on extending loss offsetting from seven to ten years.
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.
When things don't go well: restructuring the start-up and liquidation
Workshop by Patric Eggler and Martin Leu at the ISIS) seminar on May 27, 2024 entitled "When things don't go well: Restructuring the start-up and liquidation"
Legal and tax aspects of typical forms of financing in the start-up lifecycle
Workshop by Karin Oberlin and Thomas Nabholz on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on May 27, 2024 entitled "Legal and tax aspects of typical forms of financing in the start-up lifecycle"
ISIS) seminar folder "Current tax topics in M&A transactions" (2024)
All documents from the ISIS) seminar "Current tax topics in M&A transactions" from March 21, 2024 under the direction of Susanne Schreiber in one PDF document. Case studies, detailed solution notes and slides: Here you will find all documents of the individual workshops according to the following content description.
