Stamp duties

In Switzerland, stamp duties are governed by the Federal Stamp Duty Act (LT), which aims to regulate indirect taxes and stamp taxes in the country. This law is complemented by cantonal provisions on stamp duties, which define the rules applicable at the local level. Stamp duties are levied on various transactions and legal acts, making them an important source of revenue for the cantons and the Swiss Confederation. The amounts of the duties vary depending on the nature of the transaction, its value, and the canton in which the transaction takes place. The acts concerned include sales contracts, loan agreements, real estate leases, succession deeds, partition deeds, and gift deeds. In this context, it is important for businesses and individuals to understand the different types of stamp duties (infra B.), the times when they are levied (C.), and the methods of calculation (D.), in order to minimize the costs associated with these fees (E.). 

The different types of stamp duties in Switzerland

There are three types of stamp duties in Switzerland: the issuance duty, the negotiation duty, and the insurance premium duty. The issuance duty is levied on the creation and issuance of certain securities such as shares, bonds, and participation certificates. Companies that issue these securities to finance their activities are required to pay this duty. The issuance duty only applies to securities issued in Switzerland, not to those issued abroad. The negotiation duty is levied on stock exchange transactions. Stockbrokers and companies that carry out transactions on financial markets must pay this duty when they buy or sell shares, bonds, or other financial instruments. The negotiation duty only applies to transactions carried out on Swiss exchanges, not on foreign exchanges. Finally, the insurance premium duty is levied on insurance premiums paid by policyholders. Insurance companies must pay this duty on every insurance premium they collect. The rate of this duty depends on the type of insurance.

When and why are stamp duties levied in Switzerland

The reasons for levying these taxes and the times at which they are levied depend on the type of stamp duty in question and vary according to the cantons and municipalities. The issuance duty is levied at the time of the creation and issuance of certain securities. The negotiation duty, on the other hand, is levied on each transaction carried out on financial markets, while the insurance premium duty is levied on the insurance premiums paid by policyholders. Stamp duties are levied in Switzerland to finance the activities of the Swiss State. The revenues are used to provide quality public services to Swiss citizens, such as roads, hospitals, and schools. Stamp duties are an important source of revenue for the State, and their collection is essential to maintain public services and infrastructure in Switzerland.

Calculation of stamp duties in Switzerland

The calculation of stamp duties in Switzerland depends on several factors, including the type of legal act carried out, the value of the act, and the region where the act is performed. Stamp duties are generally calculated as a percentage of the value of the act and may vary between cantons. To calculate stamp duties, it is important to refer to the current cantonal laws and regulations, which set the applicable rates for each type of legal act. The amount of stamp duties can be calculated by multiplying the value of the act by the applicable rate. In some cases, there may be exemptions or reductions in stamp duties. For example, some transactions between companies may be exempt from stamp duties. Similarly, some cantons offer reductions in stamp duties for real estate transactions involving low-value properties.

How to minimize costs associated with stamp duties in Switzerland

Businesses can implement various strategies to minimize the costs associated with stamp duties in Switzerland. First, they can optimize their structure. Then, they can negotiate stamp duty rates with local tax authorities. Additionally, by working with brokers offering competitive rates for brokerage and transaction services, businesses can reduce the costs associated with stamp duties. Furthermore, they can seek to group their transactions, in order to reduce the number of stamp duties they must pay. Tax planning can also help businesses minimize the costs associated with stamp duties. They can consider restructuring their business or reducing their tax exposure in certain regions to reduce the amount of stamp duties they must pay. Finally, tax treaties can allow businesses to reduce stamp duty rates in countries with which Switzerland has concluded double taxation agreements. By implementing these measures, businesses can minimize the costs associated with stamp duties in Switzerland.