Tax and Legal November 25, 2024 | David Merz Overview of Social Insurance in Switzerland Switzerland's social insurance system is one of the most comprehensive and well-organized in the world. It largely succeeds in protecting individuals from the financial hardships associated with old age, illness, disability, and unemployment, thanks to its robust framework that is both highly structured and widely accessible. This article provides a detailed look at Switzerland’s social insurance system, including the fundamental “three-pillar” model for retirement provision and other key components and protection mechanisms. Read more
October 1, 2024 | David Merz Understanding the Participation Deduction in Switzerland The participation deduction in Switzerland is a key tax benefit aimed at reducing the impact of multiple layers of taxation on income from significant corporate investments. This article will explore how the participation deduction works, its purpose in preventing double taxation, and the criteria for qualifying participations. Additionally, we'll illustrate the tax savings it can offer through practical examples and discuss its impact on corporate investment decisions in Switzerland, helping businesses fully utilize this important tax advantage. Read more
August 8, 2024 | David Merz Employment Contracts: A Guide for Swiss Employers Employment contracts are fundamental for defining the employer-employee relationship in Switzerland. They outline the terms and conditions of employment for both parties, clarifying roles, responsibilities, and expectations. This guide will explore the various types of employment contracts available in Switzerland, their key elements, and the distinctions between employment and work contracts. Common questions on employment contracts are also dealt with, providing valuable insights for Swiss employers to navigate this essential aspect of their business. Read more
August 7, 2024 | David Merz Overview of the shareholders agreement – A guide for founders of stock corporations in Switzerland The shareholders' agreement is an essential contract for the founding shareholders of a public limited company in Switzerland. It governs their rights, duties and responsibilities and provides a framework that goes beyond the limited mandatory provisions of the Swiss Code of Obligations. This agreement is particularly valuable for small public limited companies where personal relationships between shareholders play an important role. By clearly defining expectations and procedures, a shareholders' agreement helps to avoid disputes and ensure alignment with the company's goals and vision. This article provides the key to understanding the components and implications of a shareholders' agreement, which are critical to effective governance and long-term synergies between shareholders. Read more
July 11, 2024 | David Merz Tax Crash Course for Startups: Dates, Deadlines & Obligations Getting to grips with the Swiss tax system can be a daunting task for newly established startups. With multiple layers of taxation at the federal, cantonal, and municipal levels, each with its own set of rules and regulations, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your tax obligations. This comprehensive all-in-one guide aims to equip you with the tools you need to manage your taxes with confidence, highlighting key dates, deadlines and obligations. Whether you’re running your startup as a sole proprietorship or distinct corporate entity, staying compliant and optimizing your tax strategy can significantly impact your financial health and pave the way to long-term success. Read more
June 17, 2024 | David Merz ZAZ Account: What Companies Should Know In the world of international trade and logistics, the ZAZ account (Centralized Customs Settlement Procedure) is an indispensable tool for companies that regularly import or export goods across the Swiss border. It offers an efficient way to centrally settle customs duties and other fees. In this blog post, you will learn everything you need to know about the ZAZ account, from the basics to the benefits, and practical steps for opening such an account. Additionally, we will cover specific topics that will help you optimize the use of the ZAZ account and overcome common challenges. Read more
June 16, 2024 | David Merz Tax Time: Do It Yourself or Hire an Expert? Few people are excited by the prospect of the dreaded “tax season”. Filing taxes can be a complex and daunting task, especially for small businesses and freelancers navigating Swiss tax laws. While some may choose the do-it-yourself route to save costs, others might find hiring a tax advisor more beneficial for ensuring accuracy and optimizing tax liabilities. This article explores the pros and cons of both approaches, helping you decide whether to tackle tax returns on your own or seek professional assistance to save time and make the most of your financial situation. Read more
June 16, 2024 | Lucia Robayo Overview of Acquisition Tax in Switzerland The acquisition tax is an essential but often misunderstood element of the Swiss VAT system. It plays a significant role in international trade and services provided by foreign companies to businesses based in Switzerland. This article comprehensively explains the acquisition tax, its mechanism, legal framework, and provides practical examples for illustration. Read more
April 24, 2024 | Lucia Robayo Trademark protection in Switzerland and abroad: protect your company name and trademark In this blog, we explore the nature of intellectual property and its crucial role in the success of businesses. From patent protection to copyright and trademark law, we cover all aspects necessary to safeguard your creative achievements. Learn how trademarks protect start-ups from counterfeiting and how to effectively register and defend your intellectual property in Switzerland and beyond. Read more
February 22, 2024 | Lucia Robayo What entrepreneurs need to know about withholding tax in Switzerland If you run a company in Switzerland and employ foreign workers who are not tax residents of Switzerland (cross-border commuters) or who do not have a permanent residence permit (C permit), you need to understand how withholding tax works. This tax is deducted directly from income. Individuals who are living in Switzerland but do not have a permanent residence permit, as well as those who are not resident in Switzerland for tax purposes, are subject to withholding tax. Our blog post explains the finer points and details of withholding tax in Switzerland. Read more