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The Federal Council is examining proposals for adjusting the asset valuation of non-listed companies to counteract hardship cases in start-ups. A flexible handling of the loss offset periods for start-ups is also suggested.

Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, are gaining relevance in everyday life and their taxation in Switzerland is similar to that of foreign currencies. However, their volatility and varying trading rates make tax assessment more difficult.

Foreigners in Switzerland benefit from the withholding tax procedure, which however means additional effort for employers as they must pay the tax monthly. Employers are also obligated to correctly fill out salary certificates and confirm the tax deduction.

In Switzerland, employers must provide their employees with accurate salary statements for tax declarations; violations can have serious consequences. For employee participations, specially detailed certificates are required, regulated by the MBV.

Emission duties are due when legal entities acquire capital and apply to shares, profit participation certificates, etc.; exemptions exist for charitable purposes or restructurings. The tax is 1% of the value of the participation rights.

The turnover tax is applicable on the payment-based transfer of ownership of securities, involving securities dealers. The assessment of the tax is based on the paid consideration or the market value for domestic (1.5 per mille) and foreign (3 per mille) securities.

Stamp duties, regulated in federal law, are divided into issue, sales taxes and taxes on insurance premiums. In 2018, Switzerland expected revenue from these taxes of 2.36 billion francs, approximately 3.3% of the federal budget.

Taxes on severance payments depend on whether they are of a providential or replacement income nature, with different taxation methods. The employer must clearly break down the composition of the severance payment and have it confirmed.

Severance payments that serve as replacement income are taxed and often serve as compensation for lost wages or as damages for pain and suffering. They do not include a provision gap and remain unaffected by additional pension payments.