Remuneration, default and refund interest rate for direct federal tax for the calendar year 2018
The Federal Department of Finance (FDF) has decided that for the calendar year 2018 it will continue not to pay any refund interest on amounts of direct federal tax paid early. The default and refund interest rate remains unchanged.
New gambling law was adopted in the final vote
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.
National Council does not follow the Basel-Landschaft initiative "Simplification of the tax system for direct taxes
The Council of States, as the second-tier council, is not following the Basel-Landschaft initiative "Simplification of the tax system in direct taxation".
Interpellation "Tax penalty for saving and investing" was discussed in the Council of States
At its meeting on 19 September 2017, the Council of States discussed the interpellation "Tax penalty for saving and investing".
Council of States maintains difference regarding taxation of winnings from gambling
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.
Council of States adopts motion to delete obligation to sign tax return
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.
National Council rejects parliamentary initiative on change of system for the taxation of residential property
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.
National Council maintains difference in taxation of winnings from money games
In its session of 12 September 2017, the National Council discussed the differences concerning the Money Laundering Act.
FDK press release: "Tax bill 17 - compensation of the cantons insufficient
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%.
Report of the Federal Council: Tax reforms largely offset real progression
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.
Report of the Federal Council: Write-off Motion 14.3299 "Consideration of general deductions and social security deductions for persons with limited tax liability abroad".
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.
Federal Council opens consultation on tax proposal 17
At its meeting on 6 September 2017, the Federal Council opened the consultation process on tax proposal 17 (SV17).
Zurich Cantonal Tax Office adapts its practice for the deduction of asset management costs
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.
Consultation opened on the total revision of the Real Estate Costs Ordinance
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.
New regulation regarding the place of taxation of brokerage commissions
At its meeting on 16 August 2017, the Federal Council decided to bring into force an amendment to the Tax Harmonisation Act (StHG) regarding the place of taxation of brokerage commissions from real estate transactions on 1 January 2019.
Adjustments to the price lists regarding the Direct Federal Tax 2016 (11 August 2017)
On 11 August 2017, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published various adjustments to the share price lists (ICTax) regarding direct federal tax.
Adjustments to the price lists regarding the Direct Federal Tax 2016 (29 June 2017)
On 29 June 2017, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published various adjustments to the share price lists (ICTax) regarding the Federal Direct Tax 2016.
FDK press release "Federal Council puts tax bill 17 in a bad way".
The Board of the Conference of Cantonal Finance Directors (FDK) has noted with incomprehension and astonishment the Federal Council's decision to increase the cantonal share of direct federal tax only to 20.5% instead of 21.2% in the context of tax proposal 17.
Adjustments to the price lists regarding direct federal tax 2016 (15 June 2017)
On 15 June 2017, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published various adjustments to the share price lists (ICTax) regarding the Federal Direct Tax 2016.
Tax burden in Switzerland 2016 (cantonal capitals)
The Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has calculated and published the tax burden in the cantons and municipalities for the year 2016.
National Council rejects promotion of energy renovation
In its session of 15 June 2017, the National Council rejected two professional initiatives to create tax incentives for comprehensive energy-related refurbishment.
The National Council against adjustments to the taxation of agricultural and forestry real estate
The National Council did not accept the Federal Council's proposal, which provided for a return to practice in income tax for the taxation of capital gains realised on the sale of agricultural and forestry real estate, as was the case until 2011.
National Council adopts motion for competitive tax treatment of start-ups
On 14 June 2017, the National Council adopted a motion to ensure competitive tax treatment of start-ups (including their employee shareholdings).
Federal Council approves key points of the tax bill 17
At its meeting on 9 June 2017, the Federal Council approved the key points of tax proposal 17 (SV17).
The FDK publishes its statement on the tax consideration of childcare costs
The Conference of Cantonal Finance Directors (FDK) does not oppose an increase in the deduction for childcare costs at the level of direct federal taxes (DBG), but calls for the Tax Harmonisation Act (StHG) not to be amended.
