Automatic exchange of information and (unpunished) voluntary declarations
Since 1 January 2010, taxpayers in Switzerland have been able to go unpunished when they report tax evasion for the first time. Since then, tax transparency has increased internationally. Switzerland is pursuing the approach of implementing the international minimum standards. This now also includes the automatic exchange of information. On the way to a transparent taxpayer, the question arises as to whether the possibility still exists or should exist for taxpayers to disclose previously untaxed assets without having to expect a fine.
"Mother-daughter" arrangement between Italy and Switzerland
Opinion No. 537 of 6 August 2021 of the Italian tax authorities, described in this article, is a further sign of the "normalisation" of income tax relations between Italy and Switzerland.
Implementation of the tax reform and AHV financing (STAF) in the canton of Solothurn and first practical experiences
With the adoption of the STAF by the Swiss electorate on 19 May 2019, the cantonal tax privileges were abolished in all cantons as of 1 January 2020 and replaced by instruments that are internationally accepted. While the Solothurn electorate approved the STAF at federal level with 58.6% of the vote, it simultaneously rejected the first cantonal proposal to implement the STAF, which would have provided for a significant reduction in the profit tax rate, with 51.4% of the vote. In the second proposal, which was accepted by the electorate, it was possible to agree on a less extensive, but still substantial, reduction of the profit tax rate. For the city of Solothurn, for example, the effective profit tax rate for legal entities will be 15.29% from 2022 (previously: 21.23%). In addition to this reduction in the profit tax rate and the legislative changes prescribed by the Federal Act on the Harmonisation of Direct Taxes of the Cantons and Municipalities (StHG), individual provisions of the Tax Act were adapted to the new accounting law with the implementation of the STAF in the Canton of Solothurn and accompanying measures were adopted in the area of natural persons.
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.
FDF publishes first report on cantonal measures in connection with the implementation of the OECD minimum tax
On August 8, 2023, the FDF published the first report on the expected impact of the implementation of the OECD minimum tax on the individual cantons as well as the planned measures of the individual cantons as of May 31, 2023.
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.
Tax-recognized interest rates 2023 for advances or loans in Swiss francs and foreign currencies
On February 7 and 8, 2023, the FTA published the Circulars on Swiss Franc and Foreign Currency Tax Recognized Interest Rates 2023.
Reporting concerning tax relief within the framework of regional policy
According to a media release, at its meeting on February 1, 2023, the Federal Council took note of a report by the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) on defining the areas of application for tax relief under regional policy.
FTA announces imputed interest rate on security equity 2023
On January 4, 2023, the FTA announced that the imputed interest rate on the security equity pursuant to the first sentence of Article 25abis(4) of the Tax Act, which is equal to the yield on 10-year federal bonds on the last trading day of the calendar year preceding the beginning of the tax period, is 1.565% for the 2023 tax year.
VST: Changes from January 1, 2023 in the reporting procedure in the group relationship
According to a communication from the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) dated December 23, 2022, the scope of the reporting procedure will be expanded as of January 1, 2023.
Consultant versus employee
Workshop by René Schreiber and Arlette Pfister on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on 13/14 September 2021 entitled "Mitarbeiterentschädigungen in tax and social security law".
Board compensation - How does the BoD participate in the company's success?
Workshop by Ruth Bloch-Riemer and Véronique Risi at the ISIS) seminar on 13/14 September 2021 entitled "Employee compensation in tax and social security law".