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).
Council of States approves DTA with the United Kingdom
The Council of States approved the dispatch of 22 August 2018 approving a protocol amending the double taxation agreement (DTA) between Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Council of States approves DTA with Brazil
The Council of States has approved the Federal Decree on the approval of a double taxation agreement (DTA) between Switzerland and Brazil.
Motion "VAT for foreign tour operators" transferred to the relevant commission for preliminary examination
The motion "VAT for foreign tour operators" (18.4194) is assigned to the commission of the Council of States for preliminary consultation.
Health insurance premiums - Increase in flat-rate deductions for direct federal tax
The Lehmann motion "Making health insurance premiums tax-deductible under the KVG" (15.4027) was not accepted. However, the motion Grin (17.3171) concerning the increase of the lump sum deductions for the direct federal tax to compensate the explosion of the health insurance premiums was accepted by the Council of States.
Federal Council recommends acceptance of the tax bill and AHV financing (STAF)
In the view of the Federal Council, the bill offers a balanced solution to two pressing problems. It secures jobs and tax revenues and at the same time strengthens the AHV. The Federal Council therefore recommends that the Federal Tax Reform and OASI Financing Act (STAF, formerly SV17) be adopted.
Federal Council opens consultation on amendment of AIA legal bases
At its meeting on 27 February 2019, the Federal Council opened consultations on the revision of the Federal Act and the Ordinance on the International Automatic Exchange of Information in Tax Matters (AIA). The aim is to implement recommendations of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes (Global Forum).
Adjustment of the price lists regarding the Direct Federal Tax 2017 and 2018 (25 February 2019)
On 25 February 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published adjustments to the price lists (ICTax) and the lists of free shares 2017 and 2018 concerning direct federal tax.
VAT: Publication of the drafts of the practice statements of the VAT Department (14 February 2019)
On 14 February 2019, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published a second draft on practical implementation.
Adjustment of the price list regarding the Direct Federal Tax 2018 (11 February 2019)
On 11 February 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published an adjustment to the price list (ICTax) for the Direct Federal Tax 2018.
Referendum against the tax bill and AHV financing (STAF) successfully passed: Vote on 19 May 2019
The referendum against the Federal Act on Tax Reform and AHV Financing (STAF, formerly SV17) has been formally held. The STAF will therefore be put to the vote on 19 May 2019.
FTA publishes withholding tax treatment of winnings from the Money Gaming Act
On 6 February, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published a specialist information on the withholding tax treatment of winnings from the Money Gaming Act.
Statistics on the capital contribution principle published
The Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has published the capital contributions, repayments and other changes in connection with the capital contribution principle.
Circular "List of providers of recognised pension products of tied pension provision (pillar 3a)
On 8 February 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published the circular "List of Pillar 3b endowment insurance policies eligible for surrender".
Technical information "Withholding tax according to DBA" has been updated
The State Secretariat for International Financial Matters (SIF) has updated the overviews on the contractual limitations of foreign taxes, on the tax relief for Swiss dividends and interest and on the countries whose agreements contain abuse provisions.
VAT: Revised first draft on the subject of crypto currencies published
On 29 January 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published a revised first draft on the subject of crypto currencies, which will be submitted to the consultative body and interested parties for practical consultation.
Tax-deductible interest rates 2019 for advances or loans in Swiss francs and foreign currencies
On 31 January 2019 and 1 February 2019, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published the tax-recognised interest rates for advances or loans in Swiss francs and foreign currencies for the year 2019.
FTA updates the publication "Tax burden in an international comparison".
On 25 January 2019, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) updated the publication "Tax burden in an international comparison" and launched the 2018 version.
SIF updates position on taxation of digital economy
The State Secretariat for International Financial Matters (SIF) updated its position on the taxation of the digital economy on 15 January 2019 (see our contribution of 11 March 2018).
Overview of amendments to laws and ordinances in tax law with entry into force 2020 - 2022
The Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has updated the list of amendments to laws and ordinances in tax law with effect from 2020.
Switzerland and Ukraine sign Protocol of Amendment to the DTA
On 24 January 2019, Switzerland and Ukraine signed a Protocol of Amendment to the Double Taxation Convention (DTA) in the field of taxes on income and wealth.
