Federal law on the tax treatment of financial sanctions
On September 18, 2018, the National Council discussed the dispatch on the Federal Act on the Tax Treatment of Financial Sanctions.
Introduction of automatic exchange of information on financial accounts with the Republic of Singapore and Hong Kong and with other partner countries
On 17 September 2018, the Council of States discussed the message of 9 May 2018 on the introduction of automatic information exchange on financial accounts with Singapore and Hong Kong from 2018/ 2019 and with other partner states from 2019/2020.
Adjustments to the price lists relating to direct federal tax and the lists of bonus shares 2017 and 2018 (18 September 2018)
On 18 September 2018, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published various adjustments to the share price lists (ICTax) regarding direct federal tax.
Motion: "Stop the tax penalty in pillar 3b. In the case of a capital withdrawal, tax the income share instead of the capital contribution".
In its meeting on 10 September 2019, the Council of States adopted a motion to instruct the Federal Council to submit to parliament an amendment to the DBG and the StHG so that, in the case of surrenderable pillar 3b pension insurance policies, the surrender sum (during life) and the premium refund (after death) are taxed at the actual share of earnings (departure from the improper 40 percent rule).
Motion: "No forfeiture on withholding tax"
In its session of 10 September 2019, the Council of States rejected a motion instructing the Federal Council to amend the Withholding Tax Act so that individuals resident in Switzerland do not forfeit the refund of withholding tax due to inadvertent or negligent failure to declare or false declaration, as long as it is guaranteed that the investment income subject to withholding tax will be taxed. The concerns of the motion have already been met with the revision of the Withholding Tax Act (VStG).
Adjustment of the withholding tax law concerning the refund of withholding tax in the event of non-declaration
According to the message on an amendment to the Withholding Tax Act of 28 March 2018, the claim for a refund of withholding tax in the event of failure to declare a benefit subject to withholding tax in the tax return will no longer be forfeited if a subsequent declaration is made or the tax authorities offset the benefit.
Federal Council approves entry into force of revised conscription substitute tax
At its meeting on 14 September 2018, the Federal Council decided to bring the revised Federal Act on the Military Compulsory Replacement Tax (WPEG) into force on 1 January 2019.
VAT: Publication of the drafts of the practice statements of the VAT Department (17 September 2018)
The Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published new drafts on VAT practice (revMWSTG) on September 17, 2018
National Council approves tax proposal 17 (SV17)
On September 12, 2018, the National Council discussed Tax Proposal 17 (TP17). The two chambers (Council of States and National Council) are largely in agreement on the structure of SV17. The only remaining differences are on the municipal article and the capital contribution principle (CDP).
Tax submission 17: FDK publishes a letter to the members of the National Council
On 7 September 2018, the Conference of Cantonal Finance Directors (FDK) published a letter on Tax Bill 17 (SV17) to the members of the National Council.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on DTA with Brazil
At its meeting on 5 September 2018, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the double taxation agreement (DTA) in the area of income taxes with Brazil.
WAK of the National Council approves Tax Proposal 17 (SV17) by a narrow majority
At its meeting on 3 September 2018, the Committee for Economic Affairs and Taxes of the National Council (WAK-N) approved Tax Bill 17 (SV17) by a narrow majority.
Federal Council for Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters with the USA
At its meeting on 5 September 2018, the Federal Council expressed its support in principle for administrative assistance in customs matters with the USA and decided to continue negotiations on the agreement, provided that the Foreign Policy Committees of the Federal Assembly approve this project.
Federal Council refrains from extending mutual legal assistance for fiscal offenses
At its meeting on August 29, 2018, the Federal Council decided not to extend mutual legal assistance for fiscal offences.
Specification of the corporate fee for radio and television for domestic and foreign companies
On 29 August 2018, the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) published the explanatory report on the partial revision of the Radio and Television Ordinance (RTVO).
WAK of the Council of States advocates system change in imputed rental value and withholding tax
At its meeting on 20 August 2018, the Committee for Economic Affairs and Taxes of the Council of States (WAK-S) decided how the system change in imputed rental value should be implemented and commented on the system change in withholding tax.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on revised DTA with the United Kingdom
At its meeting on August 22, 2018, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on a protocol of amendment to the double taxation agreement (DTA) with the United Kingdom.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on the BEPS Convention
At its meeting on August 22, 2018, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the multilateral convention on the implementation of tax treaty-related measures to prevent base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS).
WAK of the National Council again deals with the tax deductibility of fines
The Committee for Economic Affairs and Taxes of the National Council (WAK-N) is proposing that fines and penalties imposed abroad should be tax deductible under certain conditions.
WAK of the National Council follows the Council of States on tax proposal 17 (SV 17)
The National Council's Committee for Economic Affairs and Taxation (WAK-N) has begun its detailed deliberations on SV 17 and, according to a press release dated August 14, 2018, is following the Council of States in all points (see our article from June 10, 2018). The detailed deliberations are to be concluded at the meeting on September 3 and the matter will be discussed in the National Council on September 12.
Dossier tax information "Taxation of bonds, derivatives and combined products
On 17 August 2018, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) updated the article "Taxation of bonds, derivatives and combined products" from the Tax Information dossier.
Mail order regulation enters into force on 1 January 2019
At its meeting on 15 August 2019, the Federal Council decided that the ordinance on the mail order regulation will enter into force on 1 January 2019.
Conclusion of a consultation agreement on the treatment of survivors' benefits between Switzerland and Germany
Switzerland has concluded a consultation agreement with Germany on the treatment of survivors' benefits from the public sector occupational pension scheme.
Adjustments to the price lists relating to direct federal tax and the lists of bonus shares 2017 and 2018 (14 August 2018)
On 14 August 2018, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published various adjustments to the share price lists (ICTax) regarding direct federal tax.
SIF publishes agreement on DTA between Switzerland and Chile
On August 8, 2018, the State Secretariat for International Financial Matters (SIF) published a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Agreement between the Swiss Confederation and the Republic of Chile for the avoidance of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and capital (DTA Switzerland - Chile).
