Tag: Switzerland

Switzerland – file VAT returns electronically

Michaela Merz1 Comment

PwC_R_Vinesh.Naidoo_Yoginee.Sharma_Vernie.Slabert_SouthAfrica_Jhb_P_CW_0017.JPGSwiss VAT Authorities informed that a pilot project to electronically file the VAT returns will start next year.

Beginning from Q04/2014 every taxpayer in the respective cantons of “zone 1” (Basel, Solothurn, Thurgau and Uri) has the possibility to file the VAT returns electronically.

The taxpayer will be notified about this new possibility together with the VAT return of the 4th quarter 2014.

During the testing phase every participant still has the chance to file the VAT returns by regular mail.

Switzerland – new liabilities for foreign companies as from 1 January 2015

Michaela Merz1 Comment

Kappelbrücke_04.jpg Lucerne, Switzerland Corinne Kramer - PwC staff Bridge in Lucerne (Kappellbrücke) - PwCThe Federal Council defines new VAT liability for foreign companies carrying out construction work in Switzerland. The Federal Council approved two amendments to the Value Added Tax Ordinance, which are valid as from 1 January 2015. The aim of the new rule is to reduce the competitive disadvantages for domestic companies in comparison to foreign companies who are not obliged to register for VAT purposes.Read More »

Switzerland: New Customs Regulations as from 1 July 2014

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On 1 July 2014, new regulations come into force in case goods are imported to Switzerland by travelers. The aim of those new rules is to simplify touristic traffic and make it more transparent.  

From now on, travelers attempting to import goods into Switzerland are required to answer two questions:

(1)   Does the total value of all goods exceed CHF 300?

(2)  Are defined duty free limits exceeded?Read More »

Free Trade Agreement between China and Switzerland as from 1 of July 2014

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The bilateral Free Trade Agreement concluded in 2013 between China and Switzerland comes into force on 1 July 2014. Switzerland will abolish all customs duties on imports of Chinese industrial goods. China is abolishing or reducing the large majority of its customs duties on imported Swiss industrial goods, in whole or in part, Read More »

Switzerland – Turnover reconciliation

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The aim of the turnover reconciliation is to reconcile a business’s annual revenue and input VAT as declared in the four quarterly VAT returns to the financial statements (P&L) of the same year.

Pursuant to article 72 of the new VAT Law there is a possibility (but also an obligation) to correct errors in the VAT declaration within 180 days of the end of a tax period. This “finalisation” gives the VAT payer the opportunityRead More »

A new double tax treaty (DTT) between Bulgaria and Switzerland into force as of 1 January 2014

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A new double tax treaty (DTT) between Bulgaria and Switzerland was ratified by the parliaments of both countries and will enter into force as of 1 January 2014. New rules on exchange of information and lower tax rates are introduced.

Swiss Double Tax Treaty

Uninvited guest

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My friend Cathy is American. She received a job offer in Switzerland to which she could not resist. Now it has been living here for one year, fell in love with Switzerland and is busy learning German. As a very systematic lawyer she is progressing well with the language.

She rented a shockingly expensive maisonette with a fantastic view. Her house parties are much sought-after.Read More »

Malta – Double Treaty with Switzerland as from 1 of January 2013

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The Swiss Federation has announced that the Treaty with Malta is in force and should be effective as of 1 January 2013.

Switzerland vs Swaziland

Michaela Merz1 Comment

When looked at from the outside, VAT seems to be dry and boring, as many things. However when one knows the subject, it starts getting exciting and often also very entertaining. In the last years I experienced many unbelievable stories, which took their start in VAT consulting.Read More »

Switzerland vs Swaziland

Michaela MerzLeave a comment

Die Mehrwertsteuer scheint wie so vieles von aussen betrachtet als trocken und langweilig. Wenn man sich in einer Materie auskennt, beginnt sie spannend und oft auch sehr unterhaltsam zu sein. Ich habe in den letzten Jahren viele unglaubliche Geschichte miterlebt, die ihren Anfang im Bereich Mehrwertsteuerberatung nahmen.Read More »