Taxes Practice Group

Advising you on tax matters
Competence – Independence – Cooperation

Constantly changing market requirements mean businesses must continuously reconsider their locations, structures and procedures. Tax consequences must always be taken into account. New tax rules and regulations often bring new opportunities. The tax department in our law firm not only has the required expertise, but also combines a wealth of practical experience. Our understanding of the economics of each case allows us to devise practical solutions. We employ an integrated working method, working closely with our clients’ representatives and other advisers in the project. The general business framework is as much a factor in our recommendations as is the law and the accounting standards. Globalization leaves traces in the qualifications and approaches of our lawyers. We are well prepared to tackle transnational projects. Our excellent relationship with government tax offices enables us, if necessary, to enter into a quick dialogue with the authorities and back up our plans with advance rulings. Independence and professional confidentiality are the cornerstones of our business. We help our clients to increase the value of their assets and work with them in a genuine partnership.

Representing you on tax matters
Expertise – Court experience

As attorneys, we are qualified to represent our clients in their dealings with the tax authorities, as well as in tax-related proceedings at all levels in state and federal courts. We combine expertise in our field with experience of conducting legal actions, and also a keen eye on the tactical issues. We are open and honest in our assessment of the chances and risks, fair in our negotiations with the authorities, and persuasive in our pleadings and submissions before the courts.

Our tax services include:

Transactions and reorganizations

• Purchase and sale of companies including due diligence procedures
• Optimized national and international reorganizations (mergers, absorptions, de-mergers, joint ventures, etc.)
• Planning and implementation of tax-advantageous financing structures
• Monitoring of existing corporate structures
• Structuring new business activities

Tax advice for legal entities

• Accounting practices and profit appropriation planning
• Optimization of internal group transfer price policy
• Optimizing the taxation aspects of relations between companies and their shareholders
• Founding, reorganizing and liquidating companies
• Devising employee participation schemes and expense account regulations
• Advising on value added tax issues

Tax advice on real estate transactions

• Real estate capital gains and transfer tax
• Real estate companies / real estate agents
• Economical transfer of real estate

Tax advice for private individuals

• Optimization of the tax burden / advice on tax returns
• Social security planning (state pension (AHV), pension fund, voluntary providence)
• Tax advice on changing domicile in Switzerland and abroad
• Tax planning in succession and inheritance cases
• Tax advice on professional and personal changes (succession planning, divorce, retirement, inheritance)

Conducting legal proceedings and appeals

• Appeals against tax assessments
• Supplementary and penalty tax proceedings
• Value added tax and social security proceedings
• Legal assistance proceedings on tax matters