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.
The diminishing safeguard function of the withholding tax
Editorial on the focus issue "Withholding Tax" of zsis).
Withholding tax and debt capital, including the planned revision of the Withholding Tax Act
In terms of withholding tax, we focus on withholding tax on the income from equity securities. In particular, pecuniary benefits occupy us and often lead to emotionally profound experiences and contacts with withholding tax. Similarly, we constantly deal with the question of the refund of withholding tax owed, including the issue of "How can I repatriate profit reserves subject to withholding tax abroad?
Refund of withholding tax in international relations
The refund of withholding tax on dividends from Swiss companies by foreign shareholders can only be made on the basis of a double taxation agreement between Switzerland and the country of residence of the claimant. In order to claim relief from withholding tax under the applicable double taxation treaty, the residence of the claimant must be confirmed by the foreign tax authorities.
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.
Update of the areas of application for tax relief
On October 10, 2022, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) adopted an amendment to the "Ordinance of the EAER on the Determination of the Municipalities Included in the Areas of Application for Tax Relief" for the purpose of updating the areas of application for tax relief under regional policy.
Withholding tax: application of the limitation periods for refunds
On September 13, 2022, the FTA published a notice regarding limitation periods for the claim for refund of withholding tax in case of informal rejection (without issuance of a formal decision) of refund applications.
Federal Council opens consultation on ordinance on minimum taxation of large corporate groups
On August 17, the Federal Council opened the consultation on the Ordinance on the Minimum Taxation of Large Corporate Groups (Minimum Taxation Ordinance, MindStV).
Date for referendum on the revision of the Withholding Tax Act
The Federal Council has set the date for the referendum on the amendment of 17 December 2021 to the Federal Act on Withholding Tax (Withholding Tax Act, ITA) (strengthening the debt capital market) for 25 September.
Maritime shipping companies should be able to be taxed on the basis of tonnage
On 4 May 2022, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the Federal Tonnage Tax Act.
Withholding tax: Changes to the reporting procedure in the group
At its meeting on 4 May 2022, the Federal Council approved the amendments, which will enter into force on 1 January 2023.
FTA publishes tax folder Tax relief for newly opened companies of legal entities
On 21 April 2022, the FTA published a new tax folder on the topic of "Tax relief for newly opened companies of legal entities".
Adjustment of the private share in the car costs in the leaflets N1/2007 and NL1/2007
On 22 March 2022, the FTA amended the information sheets N1/2007 and NL1/2007, as Art. 5a para. 2 of the Federal Ordinance on Professional Costs came into force on 01 January 2022, which now provides for a higher flat-rate travel cost deduction of 0.9% of the purchase price of the vehicle as monthly income.
News on the taxation of corporate restructuring (2025)
Workshop by Stefan Oesterhelt and Daniel Strahm on the occasion of the ISIS seminar on 2 and 3 June 2025 entitled "Current issues regarding the taxation of corporate restructurings"
Update on withholding tax and stamp duties (2025)
Workshop by Thomas Jaussi and Markus Küpfer on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on June 02 + 03, 2025 entitled "Update on withholding tax and stamp duties"
