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.
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Circulars No. 9 and No. 16 of the FTA repealed
Circular No. 16 of the FTA of 13 July 2007 concerning "Inadmissibility of the tax deduction of bribes" and 1-009-DV-2005 of 22 June 2005 concerning "Proof of business-related expenses in foreign-foreign transactions" have both been repealed and replaced by Circular No. 50 of 13 July 2020.
Federal Council is against the widespread abolition of stamp duties
The Commission for Economic Affairs and Taxes (WAK-N) has proposed further steps to abolish stamp duties. These were rejected by the Federal Council at its meeting on 18 November 2020. However, it supports the demand to abolish the emissions tax. It also wants to abolish the turnover tax on domestic bonds as part of the planned withholding tax reform.
Adjustment SSK-KS 28: New calculation of the capitalization rate and clarification regarding start-up companies
The Swiss Tax Conference published an updated version of SSK-KS 28 on 3 November, which concerns the calculation of the capitalisation rate for determining the capitalised earnings value and a clarification of the practice for the valuation of start-up companies.
Federal Council wants to exempt too-big-to-fail instruments of banks from withholding tax by the end of 2026
At its meeting on 28 October 2020, the Federal Council adopted a dispatch on the Federal Act on Withholding Tax with regard to the treatment of interest on too-big-to-fail instruments (TBTF).
FTA publishes update to circular no. 37 "Taxation of employee shareholdings
On 30 October 2020, the FTA published an update to Circular Letter No. 37 "Taxation of Employee Participation".
Canton of Zurich: New information sheet on the additional deduction for research and development expenses
On 25 September 2020, the cantonal tax office in Zurich published a new information sheet on the additional deduction for research and development expenses.
Tax policy agenda: First meeting of the "Expert Group on Switzerland as a Tax Location
On behalf of Finance Minister Ueli Maurer, a tax policy agenda is to be adopted by the end of 2020.
FTA publishes Circular Letter No. 49 "Proof of business-related expenses for foreign transactions abroad" and Circular Letter No. 50 "Inadmissibility of tax deduction of bribes paid to public officials".
On 13 July 2020, the FTA published Circular No. 49 "Evidence of business-related expenses for foreign-foreign transactions" and Circular No. 50 "Inadmissibility of the tax deduction of bribes paid to public officials". At the same time, the predecessor circulars of the same name, No. 9 of 22 June 2005 and No. 16 of 13 July 2007, are repealed.
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Reimbursement in international circumstances - Current practice and problem areas
Workshop on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar of 20 March 2018 entitled "Current Problems of Withholding Tax Law
Use of foreign legal forms in the cross-border structuring of business activities
Workshop on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar of 8 March 2018 entitled "Structuring Cross-Border Business Activities
