About 13,000 companies are not listed in the commercial register – a serious problem, notes the Swiss Federal Audit Office. Increased cooperation with the tax authorities could be a solution.
The report found that in addition to the unregistered firms, other company entries had not been updated in decades.
“In certain cantons there are listings that haven’t changed since the 19th century. That cannot be,” Michel Huissoud of the audit office told Swiss public television, SRFExternal link.
At the start of the year, there were nearly 630,000 entries listed in the trade register; now, some 13,000 firms or associations are missing.
As SRF reported on Thursday, the Federal Office of the Commercial Register struggles to enforce the applicable laws. “It’s just not that easy to chase after all of these companies,” office director Nicholas Turin told SRF. However, many of these could be independent contractors who don’t know that they need to register as soon as they have an annual turnover of more than CHF100,000 ($100,692).
The Swiss branch of the NGO Transparency InternationalExternal link is calling on the federal authorities to create an “effective and independent” anti-corruption body.
“A federal agency that effectively combats corruption needs a comprehensive mandate from the government and the necessary resources, which the Federal Council has unfortunately failed to provide,” said Transparency International Switzerland President Eric Martin in a statement released in responseExternal link to the audit office’s report.
In its evaluation, the Swiss Federal Audit OfficeExternal link noted that a new model is essential. In addition, more cooperation with the cantonal tax authorities could help flag up firms failing to comply with the law.
Swiss justice minister hopes EU reform will reduce irregular migration
This content was published on
The European Union’s (EU) New Pact on Migration and Asylum aims to curb irregular migration within Schengen, Justice Minister Beat Jans said on Tuesday.
Swiss electricity supply outlook positive despite uncertainties
This content was published on
Thanks to well-filled gas stores in Europe and increased availability of French nuclear power, the Swiss Federal Electricity Commission is optimistic.
Finance minister wants Swiss banks to hold more equity
This content was published on
Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter has repeated calls for banks and their holdings in subsidiaries abroad to hold more equity.
Telecoms sector kept Swiss competitions regulator busy in 2023
This content was published on
Last year, the Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO) conducted 27 investigations and initiated 17 preliminary investigations.
This content was published on
Although Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) achieved higher revenue at the start of the year, it suffered a dip in profits.
40,000 signatures against animal testing in Switzerland
This content was published on
Switzerland should do away with “restrictive” animal testing and should become a model for innovative, effective, and pain-free scientific research.
More than 45,000 signatures in favour of federal funding for UNRWA
This content was published on
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives (FAC) is expected to decide on the funding of the UNRWA at the beginning of the week.
This content was published on
At the end of January 2024, 6,881 men and women were behind bars in Switzerland. Almost 95% of all places were occupied, the highest number since 2014.
Offshore havens challenge Switzerland for swelling ICO funds
This content was published on
Blockchain start-ups obtained some $13.7 billion (CHF13.6 billion) in ICO capital until the end of May this year, according to a report by audit firm PwC and the Zug-based Crypto Valley Association. This is nearly double the total of all other funds raised until the start of this year. Companies raise start-up capital through this…
Will the thousand-franc note become the cash of choice for crooks?
This content was published on
A proposal that would see the Swiss 1000-franc note become valid for life has angered transparency advocates and the political left.
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.