Immigration to Switzerland from abroad, especially from our neighbouring countries; Germany, Italy and France, remains high. It is unlikely that this trend will abate in the near future, not least because of the high demand of skilled workers. As a result, the need for advice on matrimonial and inheritance matters having an international dimension - whether due to bi-national marriages, the death of a foreigner living in Switzerland or having assets abroad - is constantly increasing.
Allocation of Reserves and Appropriation of Profits Under the New Stock Corporation Law
As part of the revision of the Stock Corporation Law, the provisions on reserves have been restructured and brought into line with accounting law (Art. 671 - 673 Code of Obligations (CO)) and the order in which they are to be set off against losses has been determined (Art. 674 CO).
Staking Rewards: The Swiss Federal Administrative Court confirms treatment as non-remuneration for VAT purposes
The Federal Administrative Court has published an interesting ruling in the area of VAT in connection with the validation of transactions and new blocks in two decentralised blockchain-based networks (Polkadot and Kusama).
The Effectiveness of Forfeiture Clauses in Dispositions Upon Death
Experience has shown that inheritance is a particularly emotional matter. If one wants to avoid unnecessary disputes and not create additional ambiguities, it is recommended not to use standard, formulaic forfeiture clauses, but to examine in each individual case whether such a clause makes sense and, if necessary, to tailor it to the case.
Taxes and Social Security Contributions of Foreign Board Members of Swiss Companies
Board members of Swiss companies have to deal with different issues regarding taxes and social security contributions if they have their domicile outside of Switzerland. Regarding taxation, the corresponding double tax treaties will be applicable. If the board member is a citizen of the EU, the applicable social security system will be determined in accordance with the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons between the EU and Switzerland.
Taxation of executive employees pursuant to the double tax treaty between Switzerland and Germany
Switzerland and Germany have amended in a new consultative agreement of April 6, 2023, the rules for the taxation of employees in executive positions and with power to represent the company.
Tax values 2022 of cryptocurrencies published by the Swiss Federal Tax Administration
Owners of cryptocurrencies have to declare the number and tax value per December 31, 2022, in their private tax declaration 2022. The value published by the Swiss Federal Tax Administration SFTA in the list of exchange rates is decisive.
Corporate tax rates and tax rates for individuals for 2023 in the Cantons Zug, Lucerne, Zurich and Schwyz
In Switzerland, taxes are levied at federal, cantonal and municipal level. This is, in particular, the case with income and capital taxes for legal entities and income and wealth taxes for individuals. The tax burden between the cantons and also between municipalities within the same canton may vary considerably.
Adoption Leave
Since 1 January 2023, employees who adopt a child are entitled to a two-week adoption leave.
Adjustment in contributions to the unemployment insurance fund
Solidarity Percentage for Unemployment Insurance Debt Relief to be Dropped as of 1 January 2023.
The Capital Band in Practice
The revision of stock corporation law as of January 1, 2023 is just around the corner. In particular with regard to the capital band, a number of questions arise concerning its application in practice.
Prohibition of Gifts as of 1.1.2023 – A Testator Who Disposes of His/Her Estate by Inheritance Contract May No Longer (Unilaterally) Make Any Gifts.
If spouses conclude an inheritance contract but would still like to be able to make gifts (after the death of the first spouse), this must now be explicitly mentioned in the inheritance contract. Why a inheritance contract? In practice, an inheritance contract is usually created when a testator wishes to benefit his/her husband or wife (“spouse”) as comprehensively as possible....