Council of States approves automatic exchange of information on financial accounts with New Zealand and 41 other states from 2018/2019
On 5/6 December 2017, both the Council of States and the National Council approved the introduction of the automatic exchange of information (AIA) on financial accounts with 41 partner states (from 2018/2019) (see our contribution of 9 December 2017). As the National Council has waived its right to refer the Federal Decree on the AIA with New Zealand back to the Federal Council, the Council of States had to make a formal decision on this agreement again on 12 December 2017.
Federal Tax Administration (FTA) publishes further withholding tax rates 2018 (12 December 2017)
On 12 December 2017, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published further withholding tax rates for 2018.
Canton of Basel-Stadt: Rejection of the proposal for a procedure for the deduction of taxes from wages (wage deduction procedure)
The Government Council of Basel-Stadt submitted to the Grand Council of the Canton of Basel-Stadt a bill for the partial revision of the Tax Act with a view to introducing a procedure for the direct deduction of taxes from wages (wage deduction procedure) at cantonal level. The Grand Council did not agree to the proposal.
VAT: Supplement to the topic "electronic commerce" (EGV)
On 12 December 2017, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published a supplement on the topic of "electronic business transactions EGV".
National Council adopts the adapted DTA with Latvia
At its meeting on 13 December 2017, the National Council approved the amended double taxation agreement (DTA) with Latvia, but did not wish to take a decision in principle on the referendability of such agreements.
Council of States adopts motion on strengthening individual legal protection in connection with the AIA on financial accounts
In its meeting on 5 December 2017, the Council of States adopted a motion on strengthening individual legal protection in connection with the automatic exchange of information (AIA) on financial accounts.
Parliament approves automatic exchange of information on financial accounts with 41 other countries from 2018/2019
On 5-6 December 2017, both the Council of States and the National Council approved the introduction of the automatic exchange of information (AIA) on financial accounts with 41 partner states (from 2018/2019).
National Council adopts postulate on taxation of real estate in business assets with different ownership
In its session of 7 December 2017, the National Council adopted a postulate concerning the taxation of real estate held as business assets with different ownership.
National Council adopts motion to waive the revision of criminal tax law
At its meeting on December 7, 2017, the National Council adopted a motion to waive the revision of criminal tax law.
Tax optimization options for start-ups
At its meeting on December 8, 2017, the Federal Council took note of the report "Valuation of start-ups" by the Start-ups Working Group. In order to improve the attractiveness of Switzerland as a location for start-ups, the working group recommends amending the circular of the Swiss Tax Conference on the valuation of assets of unlisted companies.
FTA publishes first drafts for practice definition in consultative body
On 27 November 2017, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published the first drafts for the definition of practice in the consultative body.
Federal Council report on the formal harmonization of the collection and payment of direct taxes
According to a Federal Council report dated 1 December 2017, a formal harmonization of the collection and payment of direct taxes is only possible with the agreement of the cantons.
Canton of Zurich: Government Council defines strategy for Tax Proposal 17 and publishes its statement for consultation
On November 27, 2017, the Government Council of the Canton of Zurich announced its consultation response and its strategy for the subsequent cantonal implementation of Tax Proposal 17 (TP17) in a press release.
FTA has updated KS 42 "Tax treatment of work-related education and training costs
On November 30, 2017, the FTA published the updated circular (KS) 42 regarding the tax treatment of professional training and further education costs.
FTA publishes the first withholding tax rates for 2018
The Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has published the first withholding tax rates for 2018.
Tax Utilization Index 2018: Tax burden in cantons and municipalities remains stable
On November 23, 2017, the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) published the evaluation of the 2018 Tax Utilization Index calculated by the Federal Finance Administration (FFA)
FTA updates circular letter 24: Collective investment schemes as subject to withholding tax and stamp duty
On 20 November 2017, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published the updated circular letter 24 concerning collective investment schemes as subject to withholding tax and stamp duty.
FTA publishes information sheet on tax identification number at AIA
On 20 November 2017, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published an information sheet on tax identification numbers for automatic information exchange (AIA).
FTA publishes material amendments concerning publications on the VAT Act (14 November 2017)
On 14 November 2017, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published material amendments concerning various publications on the Value Added Tax Act (VAT Act).
Adjustments to the price lists regarding the Direct Federal Tax 2016 (16 November 2017)
On 16 November 2017, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published various adjustments to the share price lists (ICTax) regarding direct federal tax.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on DTA with Kosovo
On November 15, 2017, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on a double taxation agreement (DTA) with Kosovo in the area of taxes on income.
Federal Council brings amended VAT regulations into force on January 1, 2018
The change in VAT rates on January 1, 2018 will be technically implemented by means of an ordinance. At its meeting on November 8, 2017, the Federal Council brought a corresponding ordinance and an amendment to the ordinance into force on January 1, 2018.
On 7 November 2017, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published the first drafts of its VAT practice (revMWSTG).
On 7 November 2017, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published the first drafts of its VAT practice (revMWSTG).
Canton of Zurich: Amendment of the information sheet on the tax treatment of usufructuary rights and easements
The Zurich Cantonal Tax Office has adapted the information sheet on the tax treatment of usufruct, residential rights, easements, encumbrances and reserved personal rights to current Federal Court rulings.
FTA publishes first drafts on VAT practice (revMWSTG) (October 23, 2017)
The Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published the first drafts of the VAT practice (revMWSTG) on October 23, 2017.
