Active investor/trader taxation?

D

decaf

New member
Hi guys!

How is active investing and derivatives (options, futures) trading taxed in Switzerland for a private person? Is it common/does it make sense to start a business for trading/managing your own wealth? I'll be moving to Switzerland in the near future and planning ahead a bit.

What would be the best place to get official information on this topic? Is an expat required/recommended to hire a tax consultant?
 
Welcome to the forum decaf!

The main difference between active investor and a passive investor is that capital gains will be taxed (as income) for the active investor.

As to whether it makes sense to create a company, I would say it depends on how much we are talking about. If you are a few thousands each year, it's probably not worth it because a company will be more complicated. But when you are talking about tens or hundreds of thousands per yera, this is different because the taxation will be lower in the company (granted you keep the money in the company).

As for official documentation, I don't know :)

thepoorswiss.com

The Truth About Capital Gains And Taxes In Switzerland - The Poor Swiss

Capital gains are appreciation in the value of your shares in the stock market. Find out how they are taxed in Switzerland and avoid paying capital gains tax!
thepoorswiss.com thepoorswiss.com
 
Can Swiss residents buy and sell American securities and derivatives without any problems? I read something about a stamp duty. Suppose I actively buy and sell US stocks and also do some options trading - is there going to be a tax or an additional cost on every transaction? Or only the total profit for the year is taxed at the personal income tax rate?
 
The stamp duty is only if you use a Swiss broker and it applies a fees on all securities you buy, foreign or not. I am not how it applies to derivatives. But most derivatives may trigger a professional trader status which will then make your capital gains tax.

But, yes, you can buy and sell American securities and derivatives as a Swiss resident.
 
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