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In the final vote on 29 September 2017, the Council of States and the National Council adopted the amendment to the Federal Law on Stamp Duties, which provides that Italian fiduciary companies that serve as tax security (Fiduciarie statiche) are to be exempted from the turnover tax.

The Council of States and the National Council have settled their differences regarding the Money Laundering Act and approved the Act in the final vote on 29 September 2017.

The 2020 pension reform and the associated federal decision on additional financing of the AHV/AVS through an increase in value added tax were rejected in the referendum of 24 September 2017.

The Council of States, as the second-tier council, is not following the Basel-Landschaft initiative "Simplification of the tax system in direct taxation".

At its meeting on 19 September 2017, the Council of States discussed the interpellation "Tax penalty for saving and investing".

On 19 September 2017, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published the second drafts on VAT practice.

With the motion "Stop the customs and tax-free zone around Switzerland!" submitted on June 13, 2017, the author of the motion instructs the Federal Council (Department of Finance) to close the current revenue gaps in cross-border shopping traffic with regard to VAT.

In its session of 18 September 2017, the Council of States discussed the differences concerning the Money Gaming Act and maintains that profits from certain money games should be taxed from CHF 1 million upwards.

The Council of States, as the first Council to deal with the matter, has adopted a motion to delete the obligation to sign the tax return.

At its meeting on September 19, 2017, the Council of States discussed the interpellation "Corporate Tax Reform Zero".

On 15 September 2017, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published its position in connection with the effects of the AIA on (unpunished) voluntary declarations.

In view of the large number of speakers, the National Council is postponing its deliberations on the popular initiative concerning the abolition of the Billag fees until 25 September 2017 and will then complete its deliberations on the popular initiative in an open-ended session.

The Council of States, in its session of 12 September 2017, approves an amendment to the Federal Law on Stamp Duties, which provides that Italian fiduciary companies that serve as tax security (Fiduciarie statiche) will be exempt from the turnover tax.

At its meeting on 12 September 2017, the National Council, as the first Council to deal with the matter, rejects a motion concerning a change in the system of home ownership taxation.

In its session of 12 September 2017, the National Council discussed the differences concerning the Money Laundering Act.

The Conference of Cantonal Finance Directors (FDK) welcomes the Federal Council's rapid adoption of the consultation draft on tax proposal 17 (SV17) and supports the thrust of the proposal in principle. However, she is surprised that the Federal Council is sticking to a cantonal share of direct federal tax of only 20.5% instead of 21.2%.

According to a report by the Federal Council, the real progression in direct federal tax over the last 20 years has been balanced or even overcompensated for the majority of the population as a result of tax reforms. Single people and single-earner couples without children in particular experienced an additional burden.

The Federal Council is proposing to write off a motion by the Commission for Economic Affairs and Taxes of the Council of States (WAK-S) concerning the consideration of general and social deductions for persons with limited tax liability abroad.

At its meeting on 6 September 2017, the Federal Council opened the consultation process on tax proposal 17 (SV17).

On 31 August 2017, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published a first draft of VAT Info 06 "Place of supply of services".

From the 2018 tax period onwards, the Zurich Cantonal Tax Office will change its practice regarding the tax deductibility of flat-rate fees for third-party managed custody assets in excess of CHF 2 million.

Switzerland and Zambia signed a new double taxation agreement (DTA) in the area of income taxes on 29 August 2017.

In view of the partial revision of the Value Added Tax Act (MWSTG), the FTA has published the VAT invoicing forms applicable from the first quarter / semester 2018. With regard to the outcome of the vote on the 2020 pension scheme, which is still to be awaited, various variants with different tax rates are available.

On 18 August 2017, the Federal Supreme Court published a total of seven rulings dated 24 July 2017, in which it dealt for the first time with the provisions of the Swiss Withholding Tax Act (VStG) concerning the new rules on interest on arrears in the notification procedure, which came into force on 15 February 2017 (see our article of 7 February 2017).

At its meeting on 16 August 2017, the Federal Council sent a total revision of the Ordinance on Real Estate Costs for consultation. This is intended to clarify the tax measures in the building sector provided for in the new Energy Act. The entry into force is planned for 1 January 2020.