Here the ZH situation from the ESTV overview that I shared. The calculation in the blog quoted above is garbage.
Back on foreign-located properties for a moment. What exchange rate does one use when calculating? Say someone bought a flat in 1990 for 100K GBP. That was a very different exchange rate than if one converts 100K GBP to CHF today.
I would use the exchange rate for today as listed on the Swiss tax authority website, quote the original price in foreign currency and then the Swiss converted price so the Tax authority can complain if they do not like it.
Our Eigenmietwert works out at 2.1% on what we paid 15 years ago…
Mine is more than twice that
Me too!
Zürich Canton made the decision to stop Eigenmeitwert years ago but show no signs of implementing the decision.
Now they tell us that they are reviewing the numbers and will likely double next year
Source?
Maybe you just got a much better purchase price then.
Do you think you are me?
I have no idea what you’re talking about, marton, I just thought I missed this piece of information and higher taxes are never good news. You are you, obviously. Lol. After reading your links I think one should worry only if their house was undervalued i.e. you bought it 20-30 years ago.
I always thought this tax is abusive anyway.
I meant asking for the source is typically my posting
Lol. True.
Well I learned something.
Looks like it’s going to go:
The Parliament is working step by step towards the abolition of the own rental value. On Wednesday, the Council of States approved the solution of a complete change in the system proposed by the Unification Conference, with 22 to 15 votes with 6 abstentions - as did the National Council with 114 to 57 votes and 19 abstentions.
Unclear. What is the deal then on deduction of interest payments and maintenance?
Looks like it will be a two-edged sword. Repairs and maintenance and the likes of solar panels and mortgage interest will not be deductible - or will be reduced.
When we see the handwringing still going on about the 13th pension payment, you can bet this will shake the Swiss money tree…
I have read before that a referendum will be needed, at a minimum for the new proposed but not yet approved property tax.
Deleting imputed rental income now would make sense as Zürich Canton is planning a big increase in 2025 and that would be a lot of work for nothing when it is deleted in the near future.
I smell a rat.
Machine translation:
Summary: The Swiss Parliament is working towards the abolition of the Eigenmietwert (self-occupation tax), a system that taxes homeowners based on a fictional rental income. The process has taken an unexpected turn as the Ständerat (Council of States) has now aligned with the Nationalrat (National Council) on a full system change, despite previous opposition. This decision comes with several challenges and further steps required before the tax can be fully abolished.
Detailed Article:
The Swiss Parliament is making progress towards the abolition of the Eigenmietwert (self-occupation tax), a system that taxes homeowners based on a fictional rental income. The Ständerat (Council of States) has now aligned with the Nationalrat (National Council) on a full system change, a move that was unexpected given their previous stance.
Background
The Eigenmietwert is a unique system in Switzerland, where homeowners are taxed based on a fictional rental income. Many homeowners find this system unfair, as they do not actually receive this income. The National Council and the Einigungskonferenz (Unification Conference) have both proposed a complete system change to abolish the Eigenmietwert.
Recent Developments
- Ständerat’s Decision: The Ständerat, which had previously expressed strong opposition to the full system change, now supports the proposal with 22 votes in favor, 15 against, and 6 abstentions.
- National Council’s Decision: The National Council also voted in favor of the full system change with 114 votes in favor, 57 against, and 19 abstentions.
Reasons for the Kehrtwende (U-turn)
The Ständerat’s sudden change of heart can be attributed to the potential consequences of not abolishing the Eigenmietwert. If the system change is not implemented, it could lead to another failure in abolishing the tax, despite previous attempts over the past decades.
Further Steps
- Schlussabstimmungen: The proposal still needs to pass several final votes before it can be implemented.
- New Tax Proposal: To compensate for the loss of revenue from the Eigenmietwert, the National Council has proposed a new tax on second homes, which would come into effect simultaneously with the abolition of the Eigenmietwert.
- Referendum: The introduction of the new tax requires a constitutional amendment, which would necessitate a referendum with Ständemehr (additional votes from the Council of States).
Impact on Bergkantone (Mountain Cantons)
The Bergkantone (mountain cantons) are particularly concerned about the loss of revenue from the Eigenmietwert. These cantons have a higher proportion of residents living in their own homes, making them more vulnerable to the tax changes. The loss of revenue could be significant, with estimates of up to 120 million Swiss francs in Graubünden and Wallis alone.
Conclusion
While the path to abolishing the Eigenmietwert has taken an unexpected turn, the process is far from complete. The proposal still needs to navigate several more hurdles before it can be fully implemented. The introduction of a new tax on second homes is a significant step, but it also faces challenges, including potential legal and political obstacles.
It ain’t over until it’s over.
Can someone please explain to me why the tenants’ association announced they will launch a referendum against abolishing the Eigenmietwert? What is it to them?