Adjustment of the price lists regarding the direct federal tax 2017, 2018 and 2019 (21 May 2019)
On 21 May 2019, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published an adjustment to the price lists (ICTax) for direct federal tax and the lists of free shares for 2017, 2018 and 2019.
VAT: Publication of the drafts of the practice definitions of the VAT Department (20 May 2019)
On 20 May 2019, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published a second draft on practical implementation.
Switzerland and South Korea sign Protocol of Amendment to the DTA
On 17 May 2019, Switzerland and South Korea signed a Protocol of Amendment to the Double Taxation Convention (DTA) in the field of income taxes.
Adoption of tax reform and AHV financing (STAF) (referendum of 19 May 2019)
Following the rejection of Corporate Tax Reform III (USR III) in February 2017 (see our article of 12 February 2017), the Swiss voters voted on the tax reform and AHV financing (STAF). The bill was accepted by the people and the cantons with about 66% (cf. preliminary official final results).
Protocol amending the DTA with Ecuador enters into force
The Protocol amending the Double Taxation Convention (DTA) between Switzerland and Ecuador in the field of taxes on income and wealth entered into force on 17 April 2019.
FDK publishes survey results on the implementation status of the STAF in the cantons
In a communication dated 10 May 2019, the Conference of Cantonal Finance Directors (FDK) published the survey results on the updated implementation status of the Federal Act on Tax Reform and AHV Financing (SV17 / STAF).
Entry into force of amendments to laws and ordinances in tax law and summary tables for the years 2019-2022
On 8 May 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) updated the list of federal laws and ordinances with effect from 2019 as well as the list of other legislative and ordinance projects 2020-2022 concerning direct federal tax, value added tax, withholding tax and stamp duties.
Federal Council lowers tariffs for the textile industry
At its meeting on 1 May 2019, the Federal Council approved the Ordinance on the Temporary Suspension of Customs Duties on Textile Intermediate and Intermediate Materials. It shall enter into force on 1 July 2019.
Clarification on legal information and advance tax assessments (tax rulings)
On 29 April 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published details of the Code of Conduct on the provision of legal information and rulings in the areas of value-added tax and business taxation for radio and television as well as advance tax assessments (tax rulings) for the areas of direct federal tax, withholding tax and stamp duties.
VAT: Publication of the drafts of the practice statements of the VAT Department (3 May 2019)
On 3 May 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published new initial drafts, which will be submitted to the consultative body and interested parties for practical consultation.
Federal Council opens consultation on STAF ordinances concerning equity capital interest deduction and the crediting of foreign withholding taxes
On 10 April 2019, the Federal Council sent the ordinances on the implementation of the STAF (tax reform and AHV financing) for consultation.
VAT: Publication of new or revised first drafts of the practical regulations of the VAT Department
On 11 April 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published new or revised initial drafts, which were submitted to the consultative body and interested parties for practical consultation.
Selected parliamentary business in tax matters at federal level (5 April 2019)
On 5 April 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published a revised version of the overview of selected parliamentary business in the tax area at federal level.
FTA Circular on printed matter Direct federal tax, flat-rate tax credit and additional tax retention USA for 2019
The Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has published a circular on printed matters (order forms) concerning direct federal tax, the flat-rate tax credit (pStA) and the additional tax retention USA (zStR USA) for the 2019 tax period for the attention of the cantonal administrations for direct federal tax and the central withholding tax authorities of the cantons.
In its statement, FDK recommends the rejection of the parliamentary initiative to strengthen auditing and supervisory competencies in the DBG.
The Finance Commission of the National Council (FK-NR) has submitted a parliamentary initiative in which it decides to adapt the legal regulation in the DBG in such a way that the auditing and supervisory competencies in the DBG are strengthened.
Adjustment of the price lists regarding the Direct Federal Tax 2017 and 2018 (27 March 2019)
On 27 March 2019, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published an adjustment to the price lists (ICTax) for direct federal tax and the lists of free shares for 2017 and 2018.
Parliament approves DBA with Brazil in final vote
The Parliament (Council of States and National Council) has approved the Federal Decree on the approval of a double taxation agreement (DTA) between Switzerland and Brazil.
Parliament approves multilateral agreement to implement tax agreement-related measures to prevent profit reduction and profit transfer
The Parliament (Council of States and National Council) has approved the Federal Decree approving the multilateral agreement on the implementation of tax convention-related measures to prevent the reduction and transfer of profits.
Parliament approves DBA with United Kingdom in final vote
The Parliament (Council of States and National Council) has approved the Federal Decree on the approval of a Protocol amending the Double Taxation Convention between Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Article "Federal withholding tax" from the tax information dossier updated
The article "Swiss federal withholding tax" from the tax information dossier has been updated.
VAT: Publication of the drafts of the practice statements of the VAT Department (14 March 2019)
On 14 March 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published various drafts on VAT practice.
Article "Real estate tax" from the tax information dossier updated
The article "Real estate tax" from the tax information dossier has been updated.
Adjustment of the price list regarding the direct federal tax 2018 (11 March 2019)
On 11 March 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published an adjustment to the price lists (ICTax) concerning the Direct Federal Tax 2018.
Entry into force of the participation deduction for systemically important banks as of 1 January 2019
At its meeting on 8 March 2019, the Federal Council decided that the Federal Act on the Calculation of Participation Deductions for Systemically Important Banks (see also our contribution of 22 September 2018) would come into force retroactively to 1 January 2019.
SIF publishes Understanding on DTA between Switzerland and Colombia
On 5 March 2019, the State Secretariat for International Financial Matters (SIF) published a Memorandum of Understanding (Agreement) on the Agreement between the Swiss Confederation and the Republic of Colombia on the Avoidance of Double Taxation in the Field of Taxes on Income and Assets of 26 October 2007 (Swiss-Colombian DTA).
