The Swiss corporate and financial world is at a crossroads this fall. Several developments could permanently change the tax burden, the digital infrastructure and the auditing landscape. At the center of it all:
- the votes on September 28, 2025 (e-ID and second home tax),
- the OECD minimum tax and the planned GIR reporting,
- new auditing standards for less complex companies (ISA for LCE),
- and a tense environment in cantonal tax competition.
Votes on September 28, 2025
e-ID Act
The proposal for a state electronic identity (e-ID) is emblematic of the next step in the digitalization of administration. This opens up opportunities for companies in the fiduciary and auditing sector: digital signatures, board declarations and powers of attorney could be processed more easily and securely in future.
Example: A limited liability company that currently has to obtain physical signatures for every change to its articles of association could completely digitize the process in future – with a legally valid signature.
Pros: Simplified processes for KYC, signatures and customer portals; higher security.
Cons: Dependence on state infrastructure; costs for system integration.
Second home tax – indirect route to owner-occupied rental value reform
The bill provides for cantons to be allowed to introduce special taxes on second homes in future. Politically, it is seen as the key to abolishing the controversial imputed rental value in the long term.
Effects:
- Owners would no longer be able to deduct mortgage interest in future, which would make financing residential property more expensive.
- The tax burden for second homes in vacation regions would vary greatly from canton to canton.
Pros: Simpler tax system, less utilization of deductions, potentially fairer distribution.
Cons: Loss of tax deductions, uncertainty for developers and investors, cantonal patchwork.
OECD minimum tax & GIR reporting
The OECD minimum tax rate (15%) for large corporate groups has been in force since 2024. From 2025, the federal government also intends to introduce a GloBE Information Return (GIR) – a standardized reporting system for tax payments and profits in all countries in which a group is active.
Practice:
- For multinational groups with Swiss subsidiaries, the data and documentation requirements increase considerably.
- ERP systems, consolidation software and BI tools must be expanded in order to reliably map the GIR data.
- Domestic subsidiaries may also be affected if they are part of an international group.
Pros: Standardized reporting, more transparency, lower risks in international tax audits.
Cons: High implementation effort, additional testing and coordination work, considerable costs for IT adjustments.
Location policy: tax competition remains volatile
In May 2025, voters in the canton of Zurich clearly rejected a reduction in taxes on profits. This shows that cantonal differences remain and companies must weigh up their location decisions even more carefully.
Consequence:
- Switzerland remains attractive for companies with an international focus – but the cantonal burden can increasingly become a competitive factor.
- The political mood is also changing: the population is increasingly weighing up tax breaks for companies against the financing of public tasks.
Pros: Stable revenues for cantons, clear prioritization of public investments.
Cons: Less leeway in tax competition, less attractive for start-ups.
Auditing: LCE standard & artificial intelligence
The International Standards on Auditing for Less Complex Entities (ISA for LCE) are expected to be applicable in Switzerland from 2026. Objective: To make SME audits more efficient without diluting the audit objective.
The use of AI in auditing is developing in parallel:
- Journal entry screening,
- Full checks of entire databases,
- Pattern recognition for anomalies.
However, the professional judgment and responsibility of the auditors remain central.
Pros: Increased efficiency, focus on risk-relevant audit areas, faster results.
Cons: Necessary further training for auditors, possible overdependence on algorithms, investment in technology.
Recommendations for CFOs & finance managers
Short-term (0-3 months):
- Prepare scenarios for the votes (in particular imputed rental value & e-ID).
- GIR reporting: Check data requirements, start initial test runs in reporting.
- Check whether ISA for LCE is relevant for your own audit.
Medium-term (3-12 months):
- Update location strategies: cantonal differences, funding logic, infrastructure.
- Integrate digital identities (e.g. e-ID) into portals & internal processes.
- Prepare IT & BI systems for GIR data structure.
How we support you
We assist our clients with:
- OECD minimum tax & GIR: structure of reporting, control systems, disclosure texts.
- Voting impact analyses: imputed rental value, e-ID, location consequences.
- Exam planning: application of the ISA for LCE, integration of digital tools.
- Location scenarios: Tax comparisons, location and investment decisions.
Contact us – we translate complex regulations into clear decisions.
