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> Instead of taxing salaries at high percentages — a practice that puts most of the tax burden on the middle class, where most income comes from wages and not f
by atmosx 11y ago
> Instead of taxing salaries at high percentages — a practice that puts most of the tax burden on the middle class, where most income comes from wages and not from capital gains — Switzerland immediately taxes dividends at a maximum of 35 percent and also has a wealth-based tax.
That's the secret. The Swiss are brave enough to tax the wealth. They are not afraid to do so. They also are extremely respectful of their electorate: They do referendums often and for any reason (building a bridge or allowing foreigners to work in their country). There is a sort of just distribution of social responsibility which unfortunately lacks elsewhere.
If you look for the city with highest living standard in the world though, it's not in Switzerland but right next to it, the beautiful Vienna :-)
- comrade1 11y agoTaxes in Switzerland are quite low. Federal around 2 or 3 %, and at the state level, from 7% to 22%. Wealth tax is usually less than 1%. But it is always a level society.
- atmosx 11y agoTaxes in Bulgaria are quite low too (10% for businesses and 5% when you pay dividends). Salaries are extremely low too, compared to Switzerland. Unfortunately Bulgaria doesn't look like Switzerland at all, I wonder why.
- Nosewearer 11y ago50 years in the Warzaw pact?
- lordnacho 11y agoWhere is this coming from? I got a dividend in Switzerland, and it isn't taxed at 35%. What they do is they keep 35% until the next year, at which time you can have it. Dividend tax is a much lower amount.
- atmosx 11y agoHere: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxation_in_Switzerland#Federal_withholding_tax https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxation_in_Switzerland#Federa... http://www.lawyersswitzerland.com/dividend-tax-in-switzerland http://www.lawyersswitzerland.com/dividend-tax-in-switzerlan... ps. Is there any change you're tax-evading? :-) j/k probably to get taxed at 35% you need to be pass a specific amount or something (not sure though).
- lordnacho 11y agoIt says it can be deducted in full. That's not really a tax now, is it?
- atmosx 11y agoDepends on the specifics, I don't know how easily and under what circumstances you get the refund. But you have a point there, sure. On the other hand, their tax system seems to work wonders and gives you the impression that there is a strong justice estate.