Individual taxation will not go into effect before 2032; Switzerland to enact legislation on salary data exchange with neighbour countries; and more news in our Thursday roundup.
Individual taxation will not go into effect before 2032
On March 8th, Swiss voters approved the move to allow married couples to declare their income and assets separately instead of being taxed jointly, as has been the case until now.
However, this measure will take six years to implement, the government said on Wednesday.
Concretely, the relevant legislation will go into effect on January 1st, 2032, in order to give the cantons sufficient time for the preparation of the new law.
“By setting the latest possible start date, the government allows the cantons the time needed to implement individual taxation at both the political and technical levels,” The Federal Council pointed out.
That’s because introduction of the new tax regime is a long process, requiring cantons to review and, if necessary, revise their tax rates and the social deductions they grant. They may also be required to hold public votes on the matter.
READ MORE: How would Switzerland’s planned individual tax law affect you?
Switzerland to enact legislation on salary data exchange with neighbour countries
The government will enforce the Federal Act on the International Automatic Exchange of Information on Salary Data from January 1, 2027, the Federal Council said in a press release on Wednesday.
This Act establishes the legal basis required for the exchange of information that Switzerland has agreed upon with France and Italy.
In particular, it establishes the procedures for the automatic exchange of information regarding salary data necessary for the taxation of cross-border workers who are employed in Switzerland but living in one of the two countries.
Zurich voters will decide on their waste disposal coupons
In 2025, the city council discontinued financial incentives – that is, annual coupons – for disposal of up to 400 kg of bulky waste free of charge at recycling centres.
However, an initiative launched by the Swiss People’s Party has gathered enough signatures to bring this issue to the ballot box and let voters decide on the future of their waste disposal vouchers.
The date for the vote has not yet been set.
Lake Zurich sees water level hit record low amid drought
Lake Zurich’s water level sank to its lowest level in 75 years on Wednesday, official measurements showed, as a drawn-out drought also took a toll on a range of other major Swiss lakes.
Switzerland has been experiencing “a marked drought” since spring as it has been hit by repeated heatwaves and below-average rainfall, according to the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN).
“The situation has resulted in dry soils and low levels of surface and ground water,” the office said, noting that the drought had “worsened in recent weeks”. (AFP)
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