Back to the areas of activity
Btn Arrow

tax law

Whether you have questions about tax law as an employer or an employee, we’re here to provide you with advice and assistance.
tax optimization; tax return; filing; tax assessment; objection; appeal; value-added tax (VAT); corporate taxation; restructuring; transfer tax; capital gains tax; inheritance and gift tax; succession planning; tax consulting; equity interests; securities; real estate; alimony; deductions; discretion; withholding tax; setoff; tax consequences of divorce; tax consequences of inheritance; tax office; tax agency; international tax issues; voluntary disclosure; back taxes and penalty taxes; criminal tax law
I am a shareholder in a successful corporation. Should I leave the profits in the company, pay myself an additional salary, or distribute them as dividends?

Various factors come into play when distributing corporate profits: corporate profits, personal income tax, the size of the equity stake, retirement planning, and future investments. A dividend can be tax-advantageous, but it is not the best solution in every situation. We assess the overall tax burden on both the company and the individual and develop a suitable tax strategy without neglecting social security contributions.

The tax office has adjusted my tax return and issued a higher assessment. What can I do?

The tax authority may correct individual items, such as disallowing deductions, offsetting income, or revaluing assets. If you disagree with the final assessment notice, you may file an objection within the specified time limit. We will review the tax authority’s reasoning and represent you in the objection or appeal proceedings.

I forgot to report a foreign bank account and my vacation home. What are the consequences?

If accounts, securities, or other assets and sources of income are not declared, back taxes and penalty taxes may be assessed. Depending on the situation, you may want to consider filing a (penalty-free) voluntary disclosure before the tax authorities initiate their own investigation.

My company sells services abroad. Do I have to report Swiss VAT?

For cross-border services, the VAT treatment depends on the type of service provided and where the place of supply is located. Errors in invoices, input tax deductions, or tax returns can result in additional tax assessments. We review your company’s VAT obligations and assist with clarifications with the Federal Tax Administration.

I live abroad and own shares in a Swiss corporation. However, I only receive 65% of the dividend. Can I claim a refund for the difference?

If a person residing abroad holds an interest in a Swiss stock corporation, Swiss withholding tax of 35% is generally levied on dividends and deducted directly at the time of payment. Whether and to what extent this tax can be reclaimed depends on the applicable double taxation treaty as well as on the correct reporting of the dividend in the country of residence. In practice, the refund is often subject to formal requirements and deadlines. Additionally, it must be determined whether and how the dividend is taxed abroad and whether a partial or full credit for the Swiss tax is possible. We assist with claiming a refund of the withholding tax and coordinating with the relevant tax authorities.

Moving to Switzerland or Moving Abroad. What Happens with Your Taxes?

A change of residence can affect income, assets, equity interests, real estate, and retirement planning. Key factors include the timing of the move, tax liability in the countries involved, and double taxation treaties. We advise individuals and businesses on international tax matters.

The tax office has opened an investigation against me for undeclared income. What should I do?

Criminal tax proceedings can result in back taxes, fines, and other consequences. It is crucial to review the allegations early on and communicate carefully with the tax authorities. We represent your interests in proceedings before the tax authorities and, if necessary, law enforcement agencies.

My husband and I are getting a divorce. We jointly own a condominium. How will this affect our taxes?

In the context of a divorce, the question often arises as to how assets, real estate, and retirement savings are to be divided and what tax consequences this entails. The tax burden can change significantly, particularly in connection with the transfer of real estate, adjustments to spousal support payments, and changes in marital status during the current tax year. We review the tax implications of property and spousal support arrangements and assist with their implementation.

Is it more cost-effective to own real estate through a corporation or as a private individual?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer; it depends heavily on the individual case. When property is held privately, rental income is taxed directly as income, supplemented by property tax. When held through a legal entity, rental income is subject to the company’s income tax. In addition, distributions to shareholders may result in an economic double tax burden. On the other hand, this structure offers advantages for reinvestments, greater flexibility in the allocation of profits, and easier management of larger real estate portfolios. If the property is not located in the same municipality as the shareholder’s residence, the differing tax burdens for individuals and legal entities also come into play. In many cases, private ownership is simpler and less burdensome, while a corporate structure is worth considering, particularly when there are multiple properties or an active real estate strategy. We would be happy to advise you on whether establishing a real estate company is worthwhile in your specific case.

tax optimization; tax return; filing; tax assessment; objection; appeal; value-added tax (VAT); corporate taxation; restructuring; transfer tax; capital gains tax; inheritance and gift tax; succession planning; tax consulting; equity interests; securities; real estate; alimony; deductions; discretion; withholding tax; setoff; tax consequences of divorce; tax consequences of inheritance; tax office; tax agency; international tax issues; voluntary disclosure; back taxes and penalty taxes; criminal tax law
Whether you’re an employer or an employee with questions about tax law—we’re here to provide you with practical support and advice on all tax-related matters.

Your contacts for tax law

I am a shareholder in a successful corporation. Should I leave the profits in the company, pay myself an additional salary, or distribute them as dividends?

Various factors come into play when distributing corporate profits: corporate profits, personal income tax, the size of the equity stake, retirement planning, and future investments. A dividend can be tax-advantageous, but it is not the best solution in every situation. We assess the overall tax burden on both the company and the individual and develop a suitable tax strategy without neglecting social security contributions.

The tax office has adjusted my tax return and issued a higher assessment. What can I do?

The tax authority may correct individual items, such as disallowing deductions, offsetting income, or revaluing assets. If you disagree with the final assessment notice, you may file an objection within the specified time limit. We will review the tax authority’s reasoning and represent you in the objection or appeal proceedings.

I forgot to report a foreign bank account and my vacation home. What are the consequences?

If accounts, securities, or other assets and sources of income are not declared, back taxes and penalty taxes may be assessed. Depending on the situation, you may want to consider filing a (penalty-free) voluntary disclosure before the tax authorities initiate their own investigation.

My company sells services abroad. Do I have to report Swiss VAT?

For cross-border services, the VAT treatment depends on the type of service provided and where the place of supply is located. Errors in invoices, input tax deductions, or tax returns can result in additional tax assessments. We review your company’s VAT obligations and assist with clarifications with the Federal Tax Administration.

I live abroad and own shares in a Swiss corporation. However, I only receive 65% of the dividend. Can I claim a refund for the difference?

If a person residing abroad holds an interest in a Swiss stock corporation, Swiss withholding tax of 35% is generally levied on dividends and deducted directly at the time of payment. Whether and to what extent this tax can be reclaimed depends on the applicable double taxation treaty as well as on the correct reporting of the dividend in the country of residence. In practice, the refund is often subject to formal requirements and deadlines. Additionally, it must be determined whether and how the dividend is taxed abroad and whether a partial or full credit for the Swiss tax is possible. We assist with claiming a refund of the withholding tax and coordinating with the relevant tax authorities.

Moving to Switzerland or Moving Abroad. What Happens with Your Taxes?

A change of residence can affect income, assets, equity interests, real estate, and retirement planning. Key factors include the timing of the move, tax liability in the countries involved, and double taxation treaties. We advise individuals and businesses on international tax matters.

The tax office has opened an investigation against me for undeclared income. What should I do?

Criminal tax proceedings can result in back taxes, fines, and other consequences. It is crucial to review the allegations early on and communicate carefully with the tax authorities. We represent your interests in proceedings before the tax authorities and, if necessary, law enforcement agencies.

My husband and I are getting a divorce. We jointly own a condominium. How will this affect our taxes?

In the context of a divorce, the question often arises as to how assets, real estate, and retirement savings are to be divided and what tax consequences this entails. The tax burden can change significantly, particularly in connection with the transfer of real estate, adjustments to spousal support payments, and changes in marital status during the current tax year. We review the tax implications of property and spousal support arrangements and assist with their implementation.

Is it more cost-effective to own real estate through a corporation or as a private individual?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer; it depends heavily on the individual case. When property is held privately, rental income is taxed directly as income, supplemented by property tax. When held through a legal entity, rental income is subject to the company’s income tax. In addition, distributions to shareholders may result in an economic double tax burden. On the other hand, this structure offers advantages for reinvestments, greater flexibility in the allocation of profits, and easier management of larger real estate portfolios. If the property is not located in the same municipality as the shareholder’s residence, the differing tax burdens for individuals and legal entities also come into play. In many cases, private ownership is simpler and less burdensome, while a corporate structure is worth considering, particularly when there are multiple properties or an active real estate strategy. We would be happy to advise you on whether establishing a real estate company is worthwhile in your specific case.

We are here for you

Thank you very much, your request has been sent.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.