Swiss set to tackle divisive fiscal reform

Under pressure from the European Union the Swiss government outlined plans on the 17 May 2013 to scrap controversial tax privileges for international firms. But the reform risks undermining the complex federal fiscal system and leading to a major drop in revenue.

The EU, which is Switzerland’s largest export market, had given Bern until the end of June 2013 to come up with reform plans or face punitive measures.

• Primary Source

Swissinfo.ch: Tags: EU-Switzerland relations http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/Surrounded_by_Europe.html?cid=34571706

Wikipedia: Taxation in Switzerland http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxation_in_Switzerland

Reuters, 17.05.13: Swiss propose corporate tax reforms after EU pressure http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/05/17/uk-swiss-tax-companies-idUKBRE94G0HR20130517

Deutsche Welle, 24.05.13: Days of Swiss banking secrecy could be numbered http://www.dw.de/days-of-swiss-banking-secrecy-could-be-numbered/a-16832293

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