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Switzerland Fact-File Part 2:
Individual Business Domestic Taxation

2.11 Switzerland Individual Business Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

Capital Gains Tax

For companies, there is no specific Capital Gains Tax (CGT) at federal level. Gains on the sale of assets are taxed as ordinary income and it doesn’t matter how long the assets have been held.

CGT can be payable by individuals on profits made from the sale of Swiss real estate, but is only applied at cantonal level, and the rules vary considerably. This tax is known as Immovable Property Gains Tax. The rate of tax is dependent on the length of time the property has been owned and in which canton it is located. The general rule is the shorter the period of ownership, the higher the CGT liability. Some cantons have abolished the tax on real estate, but where it is still levied, rates vary between 0.8% and 3.3%.

CGT is not levied at federal or cantonal levels on the proceeds from the sale of movable private assets such as paintings and securities, and generally speaking, there is no CGT on stocks and bonds.



 

Introductory Guides

Brief, clearly written summaries with links to relevant sections of the Fact-File. The Fact-File itself is linked in full below.

 

Fact-File

Part 1: Switzerland Business Formation for Individuals

  1. Switzerland Individual Business Structures
  2. Switzerland Individual Business Registration
  3. Switzerland Individual Business Registration Cost
  4. Switzerland Individual Business Licensing
  5. Switzerland Foreigners in Business
  6. Switzerland Business Organisations
  7. Switzerland Business Accounting
  8. Switzerland Family Business Ownership
  9. Switzerland Venture Capital
  10. Switzerland Individual Business Franchises

Part 2: Switzerland Individual Business Domestic Taxation

  1. Switzerland Individual Business Tax Residence Rules
  2. Switzerland Permanent Establishment
  3. Switzerland Individual Income Tax Rates and Bands
  4. Switzerland Personal Allowances and Business Deductions
  5. Switzerland Husband and Wife Partnerships
  6. Switzerland Partnership Income Taxation
  7. Switzerland Limited Companies Income Taxation
  8. Switzerland Business Profit Retention
  9. Switzerland Business Losses
  10. Switzerland Value Added Tax (VAT)
  11. Switzerland Individual Business Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
  12. Switzerland Individual Business Other Taxes
  13. Switzerland Individual Artists Royalties
  14. Switzerland Individual Business Tax-Efficient Profit Distribution

Part 3: Switzerland Individual Business International Taxation

  1. Switzerland Individual Business International Tax Liability
  2. Switzerland Individual Business Withholding Taxes
  3. Switzerland Double Tax Treaties

Part 4: Switzerland Individual Business Tax-Efficient Structures

  1. Switzerland Individual Business Tax-Efficient Structures
  2. Switzerland Individual Business Trusts and Foundations
  3. Switzerland Individual Business for Non-Residents
  4. Switzerland Individual Business use of Offshore
  5. Switzerland Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) Rules
  6. Switzerland Personal Estate and Inheritance Planning

Part 5: Switzerland Small Business Incentive Programs

  1. Switzerland Small Business Support Schemes
  2. Switzerland Training Incentive Schemes
  3. Switzerland R&D Tax Credits
  4. Switzerland Individual Business Tax Holidays

Part 6: Switzerland Individual Business Employment Issues

  1. Switzerland Individual Business Employer Responsibilities
  2. Switzerland Employment vs Self-Employment Tax Issues
  3. Switzerland Apprenticeship and Work Experience Schemes
  4. Switzerland Employee Dismissal Rules
  5. Switzerland Business Owner Employment and Invoicing Rules

Part 7: Switzerland Business Owner Welfare and Lifestyle

  1. Switzerland Business Social Security
  2. Switzerland Business Domestic Pensions
  3. Switzerland Offshore and International Pensions
  4. Switzerland Individual Business Healthcare
  5. Switzerland Individual Business Banking Services
  6. Switzerland Education
  7. Switzerland Individual or Business Leaving Switzerland
  8. Switzerland Domestic Real Estate
  9. Switzerland International Real Estate