Swiss tax consequences in connection with the sale of shares: Limitations of the principle of tax-free capital gains for individuals

The tax appeal court of the Canton of Zurich dealt in a recent decision with the taxation of capital gains in connection with the sale of shares by individuals and its possible treatment from a Swiss income tax perspective. In general, if individuals resident in Switzerland realize a gain from the sale of tangible assets it should not be subject to Swiss income taxes. However, a few important exceptions should be considered.