Taxes

The capital contribution principle, introduced on January 1, 2011, allows the tax-free distribution of capital contributions to shareholders. It replaces the nominal value principle, which only allowed the repayment of the nominal value to be tax-free.

Anyone who does not file their tax return in Switzerland even after a reminder must expect a discretionary assessment. This estimates the taxable income based on empirical figures or standard of living.

Swiss tax laws allow deductions such as production costs, general deductions, and social deductions to reduce income tax. Each category targets specific expenses or personal situations of the taxpayer.

All one-time and recurring income is taxable in Switzerland, difficult to delineate due to abstract legal definitions. However, there are defined categories of taxable and tax-free income to provide guidance.

In Switzerland, income tax is based on personal or economic affiliation. It begins with establishing residency or economic activity and ends with departure or death.

Swiss citizens will vote on February 13, 2022, on the abolition of the emissions tax to facilitate capital raising for companies. The emissions tax of 1% primarily targets the issuance of company shares and generated around 250 million francs in 2020.

In Switzerland, there are many fees, levies, and taxes that are often used as synonyms but must be clearly differentiated legally. Taxes are without compensation, while causal levies such as fees or preferential charges are direct compensation for services rendered.

Marriage or living together in concubinage? Both options have tax and legal consequences that should be considered before making a decision.

Learn how you can still save taxes in 2021 by contributing to the pension fund, investing in the third pillar, or using educational and donation deductions. Use the year-end tips effectively to minimize your tax burden.