The latest figures from the Federal Finance Administration (FFA) show that Swiss taxpayers paid more income tax than any year since 2008, reported RTS. The average rate of cantonal and municipal tax paid reached 19.6% of income. This percentage is in addition to federal taxes and payroll taxes. The rate of tax paid ranged from […]
The rapidly fading economics of solar panels in Switzerland
Electricity prices in Switzerland are set for a shake up. Prices paid for electricity put into the grid are falling fast in some parts of the country, reported RTS. From 2026, these prices will be adjusted every quarter, rather than once a year. This will add further uncertainty to prices and the investment case for […]
Switzerland to allow personal bankruptcy
Currently, it is impossible for individuals to legally escape their debts in Switzerland, even when they have no chance of ever paying them back. Some find themselves trapped in debt for the rest of their lives. This week, the Federal Council unveiled a new legal procedure that will offer some heavily indebted people a second […]
Swiss supermarkets require customers to choose fruit and vegetable bags
Since the beginning of the year, a new step has been added to buying fresh fruit and vegetables in Swiss supermarkets. Previously, the produce went on the scales, the relevant number was entered, a button pushed, and a price sticker produced. Now there’s an extra step: a bag choice must be made. What is going […]
Switzerland cuts low emission heating subsidies
In 2023, Swiss voters accepted a plan to provide subsidies to replace oil and basic electric heating with cleaner more efficient heating, such as electric heat pumps. The plan involved spending CHF 200 million a year on such incentives over a 10-year period starting on 1 January 2025. However, Switzerland’s federal parliament decided in December […]
Swiss central bank to share recent profits
The Swiss National Bank (SNB), Switzerland’s central bank, has a narrow role: to ensure price stability, which means managing inflation. Sometimes in the course of this task it generates a profit. For the year ended 31 December 2024, the SNB made a profit of CHF 80 billion, of which CHF 3 billion will be paid […]
Swiss tax free allowance cut from 1 January 2025
Until 31 December 2024 it was possible to enter Switzerland with CHF 300 of shopping per person per day without paying Swiss VAT. From 1 January 2025, the limit is CHF 150 per person per day. The Federal Council decided in October 2024 to cut the tax-free limit, despite negative reactions from many consumers and […]
Federal parliament approves abolition of imputed rent
After a stalemate last week, Switzerland’s federal parliament and upper house found a way forward this week on the abolition of imputed rent that both houses could agree on, reported SRF. For more than seven years, the National Council and the Council of States have been discussing how to do away with the imputed rent, […]
Health and health insurance remain top concern for Swiss
Every year, the bank UBS publishes its Worry Barometer, a poll that ranks the greatest concerns among Swiss voters. This week, it released the results for 2024. This year’s top concerns are healthcare, environmental and climate protection and retirement provision. Polling for the survey conducted from mid-August to mid-September and included the views of 2,250 […]
Reversal of higher retirement age for Swiss women rejected by top court
In 2022, Swiss voted to increase the official retirement age of women from 64 to 65, bringing it into line with the age for men. Later, an error was found in some of the numbers presented to voters to justify the change. After the error was revealed, the Socialist and Green parties asked Switzerland’s highest […]