Taxes

Employee participations can take real or unreal forms and are often part of the salary in startups or for executives. The taxation of these participations, often granted at a discount, involves complex aspects that fall under certain laws.

In Switzerland, the penalty-free voluntary disclosure allows tax corrections before authorities become aware. Since 2018, the automatic exchange of information (AEOI) has limited this possibility.

The VAT rates in Switzerland were temporarily increased for IV financing and will decrease on January 1, 2018, since the Pension Reform 2020 was rejected. Additionally, tax rates on balances for certain industries were adjusted effective the same date.

The ZAZ reduces bureaucratic expenses for imports, exports, and operations in Switzerland through centralized accounting. Billing occurs twice a week and includes separate invoices for customs and VAT.

Joining the Swiss Customs centralized accounting procedure begins with a declaration of accession to the OZD. It requires the deposit of a security such as a guarantee, securities, or a cash deposit.

The "centralized accounting system of the customs administration" (ZAZ) simplifies customs processing in Switzerland by, for example, allowing cashless assessment and longer payment periods. Companies that regularly import or export goods should open a customs account in the ZAZ to benefit from these advantages.

Tax Proposal 17 follows the rejected Corporate Tax Reform III to modernize corporate taxation and secure Switzerland's attractiveness as a business location. It will cost the federal budget 750 million francs and bring additional supplementary contributions for poor cantons.

After rejecting the USR III, the Federal Council opened the Tax Proposal 17 for consultation to harmonize corporate taxation internationally. The proposal includes, among other things, cantonal patent boxes and higher taxation on dividends.

The withholding tax in Switzerland aims to prevent tax evasion and is explained in a blog series by Findea. A Federal Court ruling clarified that informal payment requests do not constitute legally binding decisions and are therefore contestable.