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SFTA – Withholding Tax: Deadlines for Submission of Declaration / Notification

The Swiss Federal Tax Administration consistently enforces deadlines for withholding tax declarations and initiates administrative penalty proceedings with fines of up to a maximum of CHF 5,000 for delays. It is therefore strongly recommended that companies strictly adhere to the deadlines to avoid unnecessary hassle and potential fines.

The declaration (and also notification) must be submitted within 30 days after the approval of the annual financial statements at the general meeting or the designated dividend due date. This requirement applies not only to companies that actually distribute dividends but also to those with a balance sheet total exceeding CHF 5 million (balance sheet values) and companies claiming the participation deduction for the respective tax year. Additionally, companies claiming treaty benefits (e.g., on interest, dividends, and license fees) under a double taxation agreement between Switzerland and another state must also submit the corresponding declaration.

Please promptly provide your advisor with the minutes of the general meeting and the approved annual financial statements to ensure timely submission of the necessary forms along with attachments for withholding tax.

For individual consultation or further information, please contact Remo Merz, Swiss certified tax expert, remo.merz@fineac.ch.

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Remo Merz, 14.03.2024

Keywords: SFTA, Withholding Tax, Declaration, Notification, Penalty, Annual Financial Statements, General Meeting