Suïssa: Entorn econòmic
Private households pay a radio and television fee of CHF 365.
Royalty payments are generally deductible for tax purposes if they are at arm’s length, same as for payments to foreign affiliates. As far as they are recognised as an expense in the statutory books, costs incurred for job-related training and continuing education of employees are generally tax-deductible, same as the cost of employee share plans and stock option plans.
At the federal level, charitable contributions are deductible up to 20% of the net profit after tax, provided certain criteria are met.
Swiss R&D personnel expenses and expenses for third party R&D contract in Switzerland can enjoy an additional super deduction of up to 50% at the request of the taxpayer.
Moreover, losses may be carried forward for seven years. The carryback of losses is not permitted.
Companies in the canton of Zurich can benefit from a notional interest deduction on excess equity generally be based on the 10-year Swiss government bond rate.
Tax incentives are provided at the canton level for newly established enterprises and qualifying existing companies that make substantial changes to their businesses. Further tax incentives are provided at the federal level for establishing new businesses in qualifying areas of economic development and the creation of new jobs. In 2020, the Swiss government introduced a Patent Box scheme as well as tax incentives for research and development and other tax privileges in line with OECD standards. Under this scheme, profits from intangible rights that qualify for Patent Box relief are tax-deductible up to a maximum of 90%, while R&D costs can be deducted up to a maximum of 150% of the costs sustained.
Corporate net wealth tax is only levied at the cantonal and the communal level (not at the federal level). It is based on a corporation’s equity, with rates varying between 0.001% and 0.5%, depending on the corporate residence in Switzerland.
Transfer tax on immovable property is levied by most cantons and sometimes by the municipalities, but not by the federal government. Some cantons levy real property tax. The transfer of securities is also subject to a tax at a rate of 0.15% for securities issued by a tax resident of Switzerland and 0.3% for securities issued by a tax resident of a foreign country.
Inheritance and gift taxes may be levied at cantonal level.
Social security contributions are as follows (shared equally between employers and employees):
- Old-age, survivors’ and disability insurance: 10.6%
- Unemployment insurance: approx. 2.2%
- Occupational pension scheme: varies according to the specific pension plan
- Occupational accident insurance (approximately 0.17%, paid only by the employer).
Switzerland | OECD | United States | Germany | |
Number of Payments of Taxes per Year | 19.0 | 10.1 | 10.6 | 9.0 |
Time Taken For Administrative Formalities (Hours) | 63.0 | 163.6 | 175.0 | 218.0 |
Total Share of Taxes (% of Profit) | 28.8 | 41.6 | 36.6 | 48.8 |
Source: Doing Business, Latest available data.
Individual income tax rates | Income tax rates are progressive at the federal level and in most of the cantons Rate includes Federal Tax (13.2% maximum), Cantonal Tax (ranges from 14% to 35%), Communal Tax and Church Tax |
Federal level | from 0.77% (for single taxpayers, first CHF 14,500 are exempt) and 1% (for married taxpayers, first CHF 28,300 are exempt) to a maximum rate of 11.5% |
Cantonal level (maximum rate) | The rates vary according to the canton, and sometimes even at municipal level. For a detailed list of the applicable tax rates, consult the official website Ch.ch |
Jura | 40.15% |
Basel-Land | 42.17% |
Geneva | 45.32% |
Bern | 41.27% |
Vaud | 41.50% |
Zurich | 39.76% |
Ticino | 41.77% |
Basel-Stadt | 37.36% |
Neuchâtel | 38.09% |
Valais | 36.50% |
Solothurn | 33.97% |
Fribourg | 36.02% |
Aargau | 34.38% |
Thurgau | 32.48% |
Glarus | 31.56% |
St. Gallen | 33.52% |
Graubünden | 32.18% |
Schaffhausen | 31.89% |
Luzern | 41.5% |
Appenzell A.Rh | 30.74% |
Nidwalden | 25.55% |
Appenzell I.Rh | 24.86% |
Uri | 25.35% |
Zug | 23.16% |
Schwyz | 28.35% |
Obwalden | 24.30% |
Alimony and subsistence payments paid to minor children are tax-deductible for the payer and taxable for the recipient for federal tax purposes and in many cantons. Donations made to a qualifying Swiss-based charity organisation can be deducted (capped at federal or cantonal level with a certain ratio of the taxable income).
A deduction can be claimed on the tax return for maintenance costs for self-owned real estate (actual or lump-sum). A deduction can be claimed on the tax return for certain bank charges.
Medical care and insurance allowances are often deductible. Other deductible expenses include business income expenses, social security premiums and interest on loans.
Find out more about Taxes and Accounting in Switzerland on GlobalTrade.net, the Directory for International Trade Service Providers.
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Actualitzacions: May 2022