Yes to Swiss tonnage tax consultation
Berne proposes a flat-rate tax based on net tonnage multiplied by a staggered tariff and the number of operating days
At its meeting on 24 February 2021, the Federal Council initiated the consultation procedure on the Federal Act on the Tonnage Tax on Ships.
The tonnage tax is a widely used instrument in international shipping.
The introduction of a tonnage tax in Swiss tax law would be a targeted instrument to ensure the competitiveness of Switzerland as a business location in the shipping sector.
A popular taxation model in the European Union
The tonnage tax enjoys wide international acceptance and is widely used, particularly in the European Union.
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Its introduction would create a level playing field in a competitive environment aimed at attracting highly mobile shipping companies active in the transport of goods and persons.
The Federal Council considers it appropriate to introduce environmental criteria into the Swiss tonnage tax.
Tax breaks for more sustainable maritime enterprises
The draft therefore provides tax breaks for environmentally friendly shipping companies.
The tonnage tax is an alternative method of determining the profit tax.
The taxable profit is calculated as a lump sum based on the net tonnage (cargo volume of the ship) multiplied by a staggered tariff and the number of days of operation.
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The profit thus determined is taxed at the ordinary income tax rate.
The project originates from a 2016 parliamentary mandate given as part of the consultations on Corporate Tax Reform III.
This instructed the Federal Council to review the constitutional conformity of the tonnage tax.
Is an eco-tax also justified from a Swiss perspective?
From the point of view of constitutionality, there are arguments for and against the introduction of this tax. From the point of view of Switzerland’s political and economic interests, however, it appears justified.
The financial impact of a tonnage tax cannot be reliably estimated due to the lack of statistical data.
In view of the expected positive effects on Switzerland as a business location, any loss of revenue should be negligible.
