On June 21, 2018, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration SFTA published a first draft of their adjusted practice guidelines regarding the taxation of crypto currencies with respect to the value added tax (VAT).
Newsletters
New Federal Circular No 37A regarding Taxation of Employee Participation Benefits
The Swiss Federal Tax Administration (SFTA) has published a new Circular Letter on May 4, 2018 regarding the tax treatment of participation benefits at the level of the employer.
Arbitration Agreement, or no Arbitration Agreement, that is the question
Unlike Hamlet's agonizing question, the question of the arbitration agreement is of much less importance. Nevertheless, this question regularly leads to heated discussions during contract negotiations and can be of great importance for the parties.
The Financial Responsibilities of the Board of Directors in the Group
According to a further decision of the commercial court of the canton of Zurich in the Swissair case, the centralized management of the financing of a group of companies does not constitute a breach of the non-transferable and inalienable financial responsibilities of the board of directors of the controlled company.
Blockchain Taskforce Publishes Recommendations
The Blockchain Taskforce has released the White Paper with recommendations how to amend the current law to appropriately reflect the new developments in connection with the blockchain technology and Initial Coin Offerings.
AEOI and voluntary self-disclosure – the deadline expires
On January 1, 2017 the legal basis for the introduction of the automatic exchange of information (AEOI) came into force.
Tax Proposal 17: Canton of Zug welcomes the dispatch of the Federal Council
The Canton of Zug welcomes the dispatch from the Federal Council and underlines the importance of the reform to maintain legal certainty and attractiveness as a business location.
Robotics and its Effects on the Law
Artificial Intelligence is no longer science fiction. In connection with the new Blockchain-based technologies, the legal world is not only facing major challenges in particular with regard to civil and criminal law, but is also experiencing a wide range of new and thrilling legal instruments to address contemporary business issues.
FINMA publishes Guidelines for Initial Coin Offerings
In new guidelines published on 16 February 2018, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority sets out how it intends to apply financial market legislation in handling enquiries from ICO organisers.
Blockchain: Code of Conduct for Initial Coin Offerings
On 8 January 2018, the Crypto Valley Association (“CVA”), a Swiss based non-profit organization, published a Code of Conduct for Initial Coin Offerings.
Announcements
Certified Specialist SBA Employment Law
Having successfully completed a Certificate of Advanced Studies of the University of Zurich (UZH) in Employment Law as well as having passed the oral specialist exam, Philipp Bachmann was awarded the title of „Certified Specialist SBA Employment Law“ by the Swiss Bar Association in June 2018.
Trainings for Companies regarding Data Privacy (with focus on the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR))
Matthias Lerch and Andrea Hauser have already trained employees of companies from different sectors and industries regarding data privacy. We are happy to assist you with workshops tailored to your needs to ensure the correct handling of personal data at all times and to achieve data protection compliance.
Initial Coin Offering: Tax ruling for the issuance of an asset token obtained
Reichlin Hess obtained a tax ruling regarding the income tax treatment of an ICO regarding an asset token.
Collaboration with soXes GmbH
The implementation of data protection regulations requires IT to be under control at all times. Reichlin Hess AG has found in soXes GmbH a partner with proven experience in the IT sector (over 200 successful development projects and over 100 active customers). Together with soXes GmbH we can offer you comprehensive advice in the area of data protection.
The Mediation and Conciliation Network
Matthias Lerch has been recognized as Accredited Member and Representative Neutral in the Meditation and Conciliation Network. https://mediationhub.org/neutrals/list-of-panelists/?wpbdp_view=search&kw=lerch MCN panelists resolve multi-party, complex cases in virtually all areas of the law.
Newly Qualified Notary Public
Andrea Hauser has now also become an authorized notary public. She is offering notarizations and legalizations in German, English and French.
Successful Conclusion of Complex Branch Closing
Reichlin Hess AG has successfully completed the closing of a Swiss branch with more than 80 employees of a leading…
Initial Coin Offering: Non-action letter from FINMA for crypto payment service provider obtained
Reichlin Hess AG obtained a non-action letter from FINMA based on the updated practice according to the guidelines published on 16 February 2018 in connection with the planned ICO of a crypto payment service provider.
Initial Coin Offering: Leading tax ruling obtained
Reichlin Hess obtained a leading tax ruling regarding the income tax treatment of an ICO regarding a utility token.
Matthias Lerch acts as Lecturer at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
Matthias Lerch is a lecturer at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts in the course "Management and Law".