Corporate tax: OECD demands likely to cause tax shortfalls
The adjustment of cantonal tax laws following the reform of corporate tax is underway. But the OECD has further demands. What does this mean for Switzerland? At its annual conference, EXPERTsuisse discussed with experts what strategy Switzerland should pursue.
Under the title "Taxes in digital times" the annual conference of EXPERTsuisse took place on September 25, 2019 at the Kursaal in Bern with more than 700 participants. President of EXPERTsuisse Peter Ritter emphasized that the topic of taxes was not chosen at random: "We use our expertise to draw attention to a highly underestimated, international debate." The association's function in the public interest was also acknowledged by Minister of Economic Affairs, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, in his welcoming message.
New OECD plans for corporate tax
Specifically, it concerns the OECD's plans to reorganize the worldwide distribution of corporate taxes. Any tax losses could have massive consequences for the federal government, but also for cantons and municipalities. Daniela Stoffel, Head of the State Secretariat for International Financial Matters, was the key Swiss figure in these negotiations. Her presentation showed that the OECD is pursuing an ambitious roadmap and that Switzerland could soon be confronted with concrete demands. How to approach the OECD was also debated by CVP Council of States member Erich Ettlin and SP National Council member Mattea Meyer, led by moderator Patrizia Laeri.
Modernization of the Labor Code - project with broad support
The association also noted with satisfaction the development of the labor law. Last week, the Council of States decided to write off the Keller-Sutter parliamentary initiative to liberalize the recording of working hours and to focus on the Graber parliamentary initiative. The latter legalizes proven forms of work by self-determined supervisors and specialists with a special annual working time model, combined with strengthened health protection. EXPERTsuisse welcomes this decision.
The bill puts proven forms of work by self-determined supervisors and technical specialists on a legal footing. This also serves to improve the compatibility of work and family. A modern working world needs a modern labor law and companies need healthy employees. A discussion between CVP Council of States member Konrad Graber, the author of the parliamentary initiative, and SP Council of States member Daniel Jositsch, President of the Association of Commercial Employees, showed that with the "plattform. - Angestellte Schweiz", important employee associations are behind Council of States member Graber's proposal. According to Council of States member Daniel Jositsch, improved health protection in particular would bring added value to employees.
Source: EXPERTsuisse
