Overview of STAF implementation at federal and cantonal level
Following an unprecedented legislative process, the Swiss people adopted the Federal Law on Tax Reform and OASI Financing (STAF) on 19 May 2019, thus restoring international acceptance of our tax system. In addition to the abolition of the special regulations for status companies, the introduction of the patent box, the regulation for hidden reserves at the start of tax liability and the approval of special deductions for research and development have helped to strike the right balance between international acceptance and maintaining the attractiveness of the tax location.
The implementation of the STAF in the cantons of Eastern Switzerland - selected topics of profit and capital taxation
The eastern Swiss cantons of St. Gallen (SG), Thurgau (TG), Appenzell Ausserrhoden (AR) and Appenzell Innerrhoden (AI) have implemented a number of changes in the taxation of profits and capital as part of the STAF as of 1 January 2020. The present article examines individual voluntary measures and measures not harmonized in the STAF. The analysis focuses on the adjustments in profit tax rates and capital tax, past and future tax relief, the additional deduction for research and development expenses, and a selection of special practical features.
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.
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.
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.
EU removes Switzerland from its watch list
Switzerland meets international tax standards and implements them. The European Union is now acknowledging this and removing Switzerland from its watch list. The amendment shall enter into force upon publication of the revised Annexes in the Official Journal of the EU.
Bundesrat approves further key points of the withholding tax reform
At its meeting on 27 September 2019, the Federal Council approved further key points for the reform of the withholding tax. The consultation is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2020.
Tax information on STAF published
The Documentation and Tax Information team, in collaboration with the Tax Policy Department, has prepared an article entitled "Federal Law on Tax Reform and OASI Financing" (STAF) for the Tax Information dossier.
Acceptance of tax submission 17 in the canton of Zurich
After the "Federal Law on Tax Reform and OASI Financing" (STAF) was approved at federal level by the people and the cantons with around 66%, the cantonal bill was also accepted with a yes vote of around 56%.
FTA publishes working paper on cryptocurrencies and ICOs/ITOs
The emergence and spread of crypto-currencies have raised various questions about the tax treatment of these book-entry securities. The Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has published a working paper outlining the practice developed to date (status end of May 2019).
Update on withholding tax
Workshop on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on 2/3 March 2020 entitled "Corporate Tax Law 2020".
Current cases on intercantonal and international corporate tax law
Workshop from the ISIS) seminar on 2/3 March 2020 entitled "Corporate Tax Law 2020