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We provide insight and advice on business-related topics such as accounting practices and tax optimization. Our specialists share their experiences and solutions to financial and business challenges.

Taxes
Criteria of a joint household for determining inheritance tax
In the Canton of Aargau, the inheritance tax is based on the estate sum and the degree of kinship; a woman who lived in separate apartments with her brother failed at the Federal Court with her demand for a lower tax rate. The Federal Court ruled that there was no joint household, as both had completely equipped apartments, which confirmed the original tax claim.
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Taxes
Credit of expenses against the property gains tax
In the case of real estate capital gains tax, only actually paid, value-enhancing expenditures are deductible. Unpaid expenditures are not considered deductible.
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Taxes
Market value of a property
The market value of a property is usually determined by expert estimates that take into account both the location and the condition of the property. However, the actual selling price may vary, influenced by subjective factors such as buyer preferences or sales pressure.
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Accounting
Possibility of booking a fine as a provision.
Legal entities may book provisions as expenses to reduce taxable income. Fines without penal character may also be recorded as provisions.
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Taxes
Abolition imminent for imputed rental value
Homeowners pay taxes on the imputed value of their apartment as a notional rental value. There are plans to abolish this as well as the property maintenance deduction soon.
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Insurance
Maximum deductions for the third pillar increased from 2019
The ESTV keeps the interest rates for the direct federal tax of 2019 stable, compensation interest remains at 0%, default interest at 3%. The maximum deductions for the third pillar increase, employees may deduct up to CHF 6826.
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Taxes
Qualification of the use of a property as private or commercial
Real estate held in private assets allows a lump-sum deduction for maintenance costs, unless the use is predominantly business-related. A federal court ruling confirms that when used for business purposes by third parties, only actual costs are deductible.
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Taxes
Tax assessment basis for the transfer of ownership tax
In Switzerland, when transferring real estate, in addition to the property gains tax, a transfer tax is often due, the amount of which usually depends on the purchase price. Taxation is regulated by the cantons, and some cantons do not levy a transfer tax.
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Taxes
Withdrawal of pension fund capital within a three-year blocking period
Deposits into the pension fund are subject to a three-year blocking period for tax savings. However, exceptions apply in the case of divorce, as a federal court case shows.
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