Taxes

The federal direct tax is based on the annual fiscal year, regardless of the calendar year. Tax assessment is carried out through annual current assessment.

Business-related expenses are necessary for gross profit and include costs such as maintenance, administration, and procurement of materials. Depreciation and provisions must also be business-related.

Legal entities such as joint-stock companies and limited liability companies are mainly taxed on profit and capital in Switzerland. Tax liability begins with the establishment in Switzerland and ends with the liquidation or relocation abroad.

The real estate gains tax taxes the profit from property sales, with the cantons levying the tax, not the federation. A distinction is made between a monistic and dualistic system.

Partnerships are taxed at the partner level, while corporations are taxed at the corporate level. Double taxation occurs with the profit distributions of corporations.

The evaluation and depreciation of intangible assets is complex, as they can vary greatly and require regular impairment tests. Even internally generated assets must be measurable and identifiable to be recognized on the balance sheet.

In 73% of the companies, deficiencies were found in the VAT accounting. Errors lead to additional charges or credits.

Open profit distributions have no tax consequences for profit taxes, concealed distributions increase the taxable profit. Both types of distributions trigger withholding taxes.

The NZZ publishes cantonal corporate tax rates for 2014, which will not decrease further. Tax burden varies significantly depending on the canton.