Various FTA circulars have been repealed
On 5 January 2017, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) repealed various circulars.
FTA publishes tax folder for 2017
On 29 December 2017, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) launched the 2017 tax folder.
Adjustments to the price lists regarding the Direct Federal Tax 2017 (5 January 2018)
On 5 January 2018, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published various adjustments to the share price lists (ICTax) regarding direct federal tax.
FTA publishes further withholding tax rates 2018 (22 December 2017)
On 22 December 2017, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published the last outstanding withholding tax rates for 2018.
Adjustments to the price lists regarding the Direct Federal Tax 2016 (21 December 2017)
On 21 December 2017, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published various adjustments to the share price lists (ICTax) regarding direct federal tax.
Elimination of the excessive administrative burden on business vehicle owners (Fabi)
At its meeting on 12 December 2017, the Council of States will approve a motion by the Commission for Transport and Telecommunications to instruct the Federal Council to propose the necessary legislative changes to ensure that, at the administrative level, a portion of the income from the use of a company car for commuting is also compensated and that the deduction of travel costs for these taxpayers is excluded. The flat rate of currently 9.6 percent of the vehicle purchase price can be increased moderately for this purpose.
Organisational overview of the Cantonal Supervision Division as of 1 January 2018
On 15 December 2017, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published a circular concerning the changes in the cantonal supervision division as of 1 January 2018.
Council of States adopts motion to waive revision of criminal tax law
Following the National Council's adoption of a motion to waive the revision of the criminal tax law (see our contribution of 9 December 2017), the Council of States will also adopt the motion in its session of 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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
Overview of the changes in tax laws and regulations from 1 January 2017 and overview tables for the years 2018-2020
The Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has published the lists of changes to laws and ordinances from 2017 onwards in the areas of direct federal tax, value added tax, withholding tax and stamp duties.
Adjustments to the rate lists relating to direct federal tax 2016 (October 10, 2017)
On October 10, 2017, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published various adjustments to the exchange rate lists (ICTax) relating to direct federal tax.
FTA updates circular no. 15 (bonds and derivative financial instruments)
On 3 October 2017, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published the updated Circular Letter No. 15 (Bonds and derivative financial instruments as subject to direct federal tax, withholding tax and stamp duties).
Canton of Zurich: Round table on tax submission 17
On 5 October 2017, at the invitation of the Directorates of Finance and Economics and the Directorate of Justice and Home Affairs of the Canton of Zurich, a roundtable discussion was held with representatives of large companies and various municipalities on Tax Bill 17. The draft for federal tax bill 17 is still in the consultation process until 6 December 2017.
FTA publishes circular on interest rates (direct federal tax) and maximum pillar 3a deductions for 2018
On October 2, 2017, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published a circular regarding interest rates in the area of direct federal tax for the 2018 calendar year and maximum pillar 3a deductions in the 2018 tax year.
