Swiss cities demand end to opaque cantonal tax competition
The proposed 15% minimum corporate tax rate is an opportunity for Switzerland to unite its tax code for the better, says an organisation representing Swiss cities.
City finance directors have criticised cantons for trying to plug expected tax gaps unilaterally, rather than find a common approach nationwide.
The United States is currently leading efforts by the G7 top industrialised countries to change the way that multinationals are taxed globally.
One of the proposals is to impose a minimum rate of corporate tax – mooted at 15%. Opponents say this would disadvantage smaller countries, like Switzerland, which set lower taxes to attract multinational regional HQs.
More
More
Switzerland fears impact of minimum corporate tax rate
This content was published on
Global corporate tax reform could threaten Switzerland’s status as a hub for multinational companies.
“The cities have always spoken out in favour of appropriate taxation for large corporations and companies,” said vice-president Daniel Leupi. “They should contribute appropriately to participate in services and the infrastructure that cities offer.”
Should the minimum corporate tax rate become a reality, Luepi warns against an opaque and piecemeal response, such as research tax credits in some cantons and different measures in others.
The Association of Swiss Cities has already made this appeal, arguing in a position paper on June 9External link that “new reforms harbour the risk of creating new inter-cantonal inequalities”.
Swiss cities want to replace cantonal tax competition with a nationwide harmonisation of the tax code.
“It is particularly important to highlight the real strengths of our country, such as security, a well-qualified workforce, top infrastructures and political stability,” they state.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
This content was published on
A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
This content was published on
The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Dortmund’s Kobel is first Swiss goalie in Champions League final
This content was published on
Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has achieved history by becoming the first Swiss goalkeeper to reach a Champion’s League final.
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
This content was published on
Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Switzerland plans subsidies to offset G7 corporate tax plan
This content was published on
Swiss-based multinationals will receive subsidies and other incentives under plans Switzerland is drawing up to maintain its competitive tax rates.
Global minimum tax deal bad for Switzerland, say experts
This content was published on
The G7 decision to support a global minimum tax of 15% for large corporations is not good news for Switzerland, say some Swiss economists.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.