Bundesrat approves further key figures for withholding tax reform
At its meeting on 27 September 2019, the Federal Council adopted further key figures for the reform of withholding tax. The consultation process is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2020.
Tax folder 2018: Liquidation gains in the event of definitive cessation of self-employed activity
The Documentation and Tax Information team has published the new tax folder 2018 "Liquidation gains in the event of definitive cessation of self-employment".
FDK takes a position on the Federal Act on Electronic Procedures in Tax Matters
On September 27, 2019, the Conference of Cantonal Finance Directors (FDK) issued its position on the Federal Act on Electronic Procedures in the Tax Area (see our article from June 22, 2019).
Update of the exchange lists for direct federal tax 2017, 2018 and 2019 (7 October 2019)
On 7 October 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published updates to the price lists (ICTax) for Direct Federal Tax and the lists of free shares 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Federal Council adopts dispatches on the amendments to the DTAs with Ireland and Korea
At its meeting on September 20, 2019, the Federal Council adopted the dispatches on the protocols of amendment to the double taxation agreements (DTAs) with Ireland and Korea. The protocols implement the minimum standards for DTAs. An arbitration clause will also be included in the DTA with Ireland. Both dispatches were referred to the Federal Assembly.
Protocol of Amendment to the DTA between Switzerland and the United States of America entered into force
On September 20, 2019, Switzerland and the United States of America exchanged the instruments of ratification of the protocol of amendment to their double taxation agreement in the area of taxes on income (DTA) in Bern. The protocol, which entered into force on the same day, represents a milestone in tax relations between Switzerland and the USA.
Adjustment of the rate lists for direct federal tax 2017, 2018 and 2019 (September 9, 2019)
On September 9, 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published adjustments to the price lists (ICTax) relating to direct federal tax and the 2017, 2018 and 2019 bonus share lists.
FTA publishes working paper on crypto currencies and ICOs/ITOs
The emergence and proliferation of crypto currencies have raised various questions about the tax treatment of these book-entry securities. The Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has published a working paper outlining the practice developed to date (as at the end of May 2019).
Tax information on STAF published
The Documentation and Tax Information team, in collaboration with the Tax Policy Department, has prepared an article entitled "Federal Act on Tax Reform and AHV Financing" (STAF) for the Tax Information dossier.
Adoption of tax proposal 17 in the canton of Zurich
After the "Federal Act on Tax Reform and AHV Financing" (TRAF) was approved by the people and cantons at a federal level with around 66% (see our article from May 19, 2019), the cantonal bill was also approved with around 56%.
Bernese initiative for AEOI in Switzerland
Now that the automatic exchange of information (AEOI) is already a reality in international relations and the first data was sent to and from Switzerland last year (see our article from October 7, 2018), the Bernese Government Council is supporting the submission of a cantonal initiative by the Canton of Bern to enable the exchange of financial data within Switzerland (see also the report in the Berner Zeitung from August 19, 2019).
FTA publishes material amendments regarding publications on the VAT Act (20 August 2019)
On August 20, 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published material amendments to the publications relating to the Value Added Tax Act (VATA).
Federal Council adopts supplementary dispatch on the abolition of the "marriage penalty"
On August 14, 2019, the Federal Council adopted the supplementary dispatch on the amendment to the Federal Act on Direct Federal Taxation (Balanced taxation of couples and families).
Adjustment of the price lists regarding the Direct Federal Tax 2017, 2018 and 2019 (12 August 2019)
On 12 August 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published adjustments to the price lists (ICTax) relating to the Direct Federal Tax and the lists of free shares 2017, 2018 and 2019.
FTA publishes circular on flat-rate professional allowances and remuneration in kind for 2020
The Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has published a circular entitled "Flat-rate allowances for professional expenses and payments in kind 2020 / Compensation for the consequences of cold progression in direct federal tax for the 2020 tax year".
Entry into force of amendments to laws and ordinances in tax law and summary tables for the years 2019-2022
On 9 August 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) updated the lists of amendments to laws and ordinances relating to direct federal tax, value added tax, withholding tax and stamp duties.
VAT: Publication of the drafts of the practice definitions of the VAT Department (8 August 2019)
On 8 August 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published a first draft of the practical definition.
Adjustment of the rate lists for direct federal tax 2017, 2018 and 2019 (July 15, 2019)
On July 15, 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published adjustments to the price lists (ICTax) relating to direct federal tax and the 2017, 2018 and 2019 bonus share lists.
FTA updates statistics on the capital contribution principle
The statistics on the capital contribution principle (capital contributions, repayments and other changes) have been updated by the Federal Tax Administration (FTA).
Circular letter: List of cantons with different imputed rental values for cantonal taxes and direct federal tax as of the 2018 tax period
On July 9, 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published a circular containing a list of cantons with different imputed rental values for cantonal taxes and direct federal tax from the 2018 tax period.
Circular letter: Bonds
On July 25, 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published a circular regarding the tax treatment of bonds
Kreisschreiben: Tax treatment of syndicated loans, promissory note loans, bills of exchange and sub-participations
On 24 July 2019, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published a circular concerning the tax treatment of syndicated loans, promissory note loans, bills of exchange and sub-participations.
Tax burden in Switzerland 2018 (cantonal capitals)
The Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has calculated and published the tax burden in the cantons and municipalities for the year 2018.
Selected parliamentary business in tax matters at federal level (8 July 2019)
On 8 July 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) updated some of the selected parliamentary transactions in the field of taxation at federal level.
Federal Council rejects popular initiative "Relieve wages, tax capital fairly".
At its meeting on June 26, 2019, the Federal Council discussed the popular initiative "Easing the burden on wages, taxing capital fairly" and instructed the FDF to prepare a dispatch with a motion to reject the initiative without a counter-proposal.
