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.
Federal Council sets voting date for referendum against the amendment to the Stamp Duty Act
On 13 October 2021, the Federal Council set the referendum proposals for 13 February 2022. Among them is the referendum on the abolition of the emissions levy.
FTA publishes notice on liquidation of collective investment schemes (investment funds)
In its communication dated 30 August 2021, the FTA provided information on the procedure for liquidating collective investment schemes (investment funds).
Recognised data suppliers (for the turnover tax) as of 1 July 2021 according to the FTA
The FTA informs about the data providers recognised for the turnover tax as of 1 July 2021.
WAK of the National Council supports the draft of the withholding tax reform by a large majority
In its media release of 18 August 2021, the WAK of the National Council provided information on the withholding tax reform bill.
New Form 12 FL for the declaration of the insurance stamp by Liechtenstein policyholders
A new Form 12 FL concerning the self-declaration of stamp duty on insurance premiums / insurance with a foreign insurer by Liechtenstein policyholders was published on 9 July 2021.
Strengthening Switzerland as a business location in the context of OECD work
The Federal Council has taken note of the status of the OECD/G20 work on global corporate taxation.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on reform of withholding tax
The Federal Council wants to strengthen Switzerland as a location for the debt capital market and for group financing activities in all sectors.
FTA extends flat-rate taxation for the private use of business vehicles
On 17 March 2021, the FTA published the amendment to Art. 5a of the Professional Costs Ordinance. On the one hand, the current flat rate will be regulated in the Professional Costs Ordinance from 1 January 2022, and on the other hand, the flat rate will now take into account commuting costs and will be increased from 0.8% to 0.9% per month (or from 9.6% to 10.8% per year) for this purpose.
