Tax and Legal
February 5, 2025 |
Marco Schoch
Swiss companies pay varying corporate tax rates depending on their canton of residence. These include profit tax on earnings and capital tax on equity. These taxes are levied at federal, cantonal, and municipal levels. As a result, there is significant tax competition between the country's 26 cantons, with profit tax rates in cantonal capitals ranging from 11.85% to 20.54% in 2025.
In this article, we examine the most tax-efficient Swiss cantons for businesses in 2025, compare profit and capital tax rates across all regions, and explain how strategic location choice can substantially reduce your company's overall tax burden.
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January 21, 2025 |
David Merz
The newly enacted 2025 Pillar 3a purchase rules mark a significant shift in Switzerland’s retirement savings landscape, allowing employees to fill contribution gaps and enhance their financial security. While these changes offer new opportunities for tax savings and flexibility, they come with limitations and administrative challenges. This article explores the new provisions, their implications for taxpayers, and how they compare to the original Ettlin Motion, providing insights for effective retirement planning.
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January 20, 2025 |
David Merz
On 1st January 2025, significant changes to the Value Added Tax (VAT) laws were implemented in Switzerland. The partial revision of the VAT Act (MWSTG) represents a significant step toward modernizing the country’s tax framework in a rapidly digitalizing world. The changes primarily address the growing prominence of e-commerce platforms but also includes broader updates aimed at simplifying processes, increasing transparency, and closing gaps in compliance. This article explores the key changes to Swiss VAT, their implications for businesses, and practical steps for navigating the new rules effectively.
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January 12, 2025 |
David Merz
Switzerland has established and maintained its reputation as an ideal location for setting up a company. It offers political stability, a strong economy, and a favourable corporate environment, among many other benefits. It is no surprise that entrepreneurs from around the world are attracted to Switzerland for setting up a company abroad. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the process of opening a company in Switzerland, covering the advantages and disadvantages, the choice of legal form, various practical setup considerations, and the role of Nexova AG in assisting you through the process.
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January 8, 2025 |
David Merz
Financial distress can create significant challenges for Swiss businesses. It requires swift action to meet legal obligations and protect the company’s financial wellbeing. Article 725 of the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO) sets out the responsibilities of directors in managing situations such as underbalance, capital loss, and over-indebtedness. In this article, we define these terms, outline their legal and practical implications, and provide insights to help companies understand and address these situations effectively.
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January 3, 2025 |
David Merz
Switzerland is well-known for its efficient and business-friendly tax system. This has made it an attractive destination for multinational corporations, small businesses, and entrepreneurs alike.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of corporate taxes in Switzerland, covering the key types of taxes businesses encounter. We will also explain how these taxes are calculated, who they apply to, and what can be deducted from taxable income, as well as provide insight into the most tax-friendly cantons in Switzerland and some of the attractive tax incentives which are available to Swiss businesses.
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November 25, 2024 |
David Merz
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.
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October 1, 2024 |
David Merz
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.
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August 8, 2024 |
David Merz
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.
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