Tax exemption for charitable institutions - New practice definitions in Zurich
This article discusses the new practice in the Canton of Zurich regarding the tax exemption of charitable institutions, which has been published since February 2024. First, procedural issues, in particular the application for tax exemption, are discussed. It then looks at the key points of the practice determinations, i.e. compensation for governing bodies, activities abroad and entrepreneurial funding models.
Generational change in the foundation landscape - a look at charitable foundations
This article deals with the tax treatment of donations by founders and sponsors. In particular, it examines the extent to which the establishment of a charitable foundation can be interesting from a tax perspective in addition to social or socio-political motives, but also what specific obligations and challenges are associated with this. It also examines the question of whether legal entities in particular, such as foundations, can make donations.
Restructuring and insolvency - legal requirements under the revised stock corporation law
As part of its management and financial responsibility, the Board of Directors is obliged to monitor the financial situation of its company. If a company gets into financial difficulties, it must take measures to avert insolvency or at least prevent the damage from increasing. The revised Stock Corporation Act, which came into force on January 1, 2023, imposes specific duties on the board of directors in the event of imminent insolvency, half capital loss and over-indebtedness. This article deals with the legal requirements and shows to what extent the revision has brought changes to these restructuring-related provisions and what new questions arise in practice.
Restructuring merger between sister companies
This article first explains the different concepts of the need for reorganization under commercial law and tax law as well as the requirements for the tax recognition of the assumption of loss carryforwards in the context of a reorganization merger between sister companies. The tax consequences for the merged companies and for the joint shareholders are then also examined using examples.
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.
Canton ZH: Changes to the flat-rate tax credit
The ordinance on the implementation of the flat-rate tax credit was adapted to the new requirements of federal law as of 1 January 2020. On the same date, the Ordinance on cantonal tariffs for calculating the maximum amount up to which a flat-rate tax credit can be granted to natural persons was repealed.
Online refund application of withholding tax for persons resident in Germany
An online application of the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) will be available for refund applications for Swiss withholding tax by German residents from 31 January 2020.
The Swiss Federal Tax Administration has published Circular Letter No. 29b "Capital Contribution Principle
On 23 December 2019, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration published Circular Letter No. 29b "Capital Contribution Principle". Circular Letter No. 29b comes into force on 1 January 2020 and replaces the previous circular letters No. 29 and 29a.
Implementation of STAF: Regulations enter into force on 1 January 2020
At its meeting on 13 November 2019, the Federal Council approved three ordinances on the Federal Tax Reform and OASI Financing Act (STAF). These amendments concerning the tax part will enter into force on 1 January 2020.
WAK of the National Council for the abolition of the turnover tax and the insurance tax or reform of the withholding tax
In its media release of 5 November 2019, the National Council's WAK provided information on the parliamentary initiative on turnover tax and insurance tax, on the reform of withholding tax and on the neutrality of legal forms in corporate taxation.
Zurich shows more flexibility for start-ups
On 5 November 2019, the Finance Directorate and the Economic Directorate of the Canton of Zurich published a joint press release stating that there should be no tax obstacles to an agreed change in the ownership structure of founding shareholders.
Current problems of taxation of joint-stock companies and shareholders (2017)
ISIS) seminar on 23/24 January 2017
Current problems of intercantonal and international corporate tax law (2017)
ISIS) seminar on 24/24 January 2017
