Facing the challenges of reform – ITR's Switzerland Special Focus launched

Click here to read the 2021 Switzerland Special Focus guide

Businesses across Switzerland began 2020 anticipating a range of challenges emerging from the widest corporate tax reform in decades. Economic plans were drawn and tax experts were summoned. Little did they know that just months later, the COVID-19 pandemic would bring a second wave of equally strong tax-related challenges.

Partnering with expert practitioners who are closest to the action, ITR brings you an exclusive insight into some of the most significant developments that the Swiss tax world faces in the coming year.

International tax reforms have added a further dimension of complexity to the proceedings. The article by Bär & Karrer explains how the implementation of the Swiss tax reform has been influenced by the impact from the OECD’s BEPS Action Plan and the EU’s implementation of the Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive (ATAD).

The need to strengthen the country’s reputation as a global business centre forms the crux of burckhardt Ltd’s article, which also looks at how Swiss modifications to the automatic exchange of information (AEOI) implementation can help optimise legal and planning certainty.

Deloitte Switzerland’s article tracks how the pandemic has forced companies to accelerate their digitalisation plans, and discusses how tax departments can accordingly reshape their data, process and people functions.

A further revolution brought about by the pandemic to the traditional workplace is the subject of Tax Partner AG’s article. Swiss authorities have sought to address international tax queries that have emerged from the rise of the ‘home office’.

Amid the pandemic and waves of reforms, Switzerland continues to harbour a culture of innovation by offering tax incentives on patents and research and development (R&D) programmes. The article from Meyerlustenberger Lachenal considers how companies can benefit from the Swiss innovation toolkit.

Showcasing its strength and resilience, Switzerland has reacted soundly to novel tax challenges. We hope that you enjoy hearing from the tax experts leading the progression in our ninth Switzerland Special Focus.

Click here to read the 2021 Switzerland Special Focus guide

Prin Shasiharan

Senior commercial editor ITR LinkedIn profile E: prin.shasiharan@euromoneyplc.com Prin Shasiharan drives thought leadership with global tax advisors for ITR’s insight projects, in addition to managing contributions from partner firms. He has hosted and moderated high-level events involving eminent tax practitioners. He also manages commercial collaborations for other Euromoney brands including The Deal, Managing IP and IFLR. Prin has experience in tax compliance, financial crime and regulatory roles, and has previously worked for international organisations including the United Nations and the Council of Europe.