Corporate taxation in the canton of Schwyz 2026
Key tax data
- Profit tax rate: 1.95% (single tax)
- Capital tax: 0.003% of equity (minimum CHF 100)
- Effective total charge: from 11,75% including federal tax
- STAF instruments: patent box 90%, additional R&D deduction 50%, relief limitation 70%
System of corporate taxation
The taxation of legal entities in the canton of Schwyz follows the Swiss three-tier system with federal, cantonal and municipal levels. The cantonal profit tax amounts to a standardised 1.95% on the taxable net profit. In addition, a capital tax of 0.003% is levied on the taxable equity capital, with a minimum amount of CHF 100 being regarded as simple tax.
The actual tax burden is calculated by multiplying it by the respective tax rate, which is made up of cantonal, district and municipal components. The municipal tax rates vary, for example, between 65% and 160%, which results in different total burdens.
Offsetting principle for profit and capital tax
In the canton of Schwyz, an imputation system is applied: either the profit tax or the capital tax is owed, not both cumulatively. The higher of the two taxes is decisive. In the case of profitable companies, the profit tax generally exceeds the minimum tax on capital. If profits are low or non-existent, capital tax applies as minimum taxation.
Tax reform and AHV financing (STAF)
The canton of Schwyz implemented the federal requirements of the STAF on 1 January 2020. The support instruments include the patent box with a relief of 90% and an additional deduction for research and development expenses of 50%.
Patent box
Income from patents and comparable rights can be excluded from the tax base at 90%. Qualifying income is determined using the internationally recognised nexus approach. The prerequisite is proof of a direct link between the company's own research and development expenses and the income generated.
| Qualifying rights | Nexus quotient | Documentation obligations |
|---|---|---|
| Patents, supplementary protection certificates, plant variety protection | Own R&D / Total R&D × 130% | Patent register, R&D cost statement, revenue allocation |
| Software (with predominantly R&D character) | Maximum 100% | Development documentation, cost centre accounting |
Additional deduction for research and development
Expenses for research and development incurred in Switzerland can be claimed for tax purposes with a surcharge of 50%. This applies to both own R&D activities and contract research to third parties in Switzerland. The definition of qualifying expenses is based on the provisions of the OECD Frascati Manual.
Relief limitation
The total of all STAF reliefs is subject to a limit of 70% of the profit before the application of these instruments. This rule ensures that at least 30% of the original profit is subject to ordinary taxation. If the 70% limit is exceeded, the relief is reduced proportionately.
Valuation principles for unlisted companies
Shares in unlisted corporations are valued in accordance with the guidelines of the Swiss Tax Conference. In principle, the practitioner's method is applied, which determines the enterprise value as a weighted average of the capitalised earnings value and net asset value.
Special regulation for start-up companies
For innovative start-up companies in the development phase, the Schwyz Tax Administration applies the pure net asset value. This valuation method applies to companies with technology-driven, scalable business models as long as representative business results are not yet available. It is applied on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific circumstances.
Tax deductibility
The canton of Schwyz has generous regulations for tax deductions. All federal, cantonal and municipal taxes are deductible as business-related expenses. This leads to a reduction in the assessment basis and thus to effective tax relief.
Depreciation and amortisation
For movable business equipment and intangible rights, there is the option of immediate amortisation to the memo value of CHF 1 . This practice allows the taxable profit to be organised flexibly.
Provisions
Provisions may be recognised for various operating risks. These include warranty provisions, value adjustments on receivables (bad debts), provisions for impending losses from pending transactions and restructuring provisions. The creation and reversal of provisions is subject to documentation requirements and must be justified on business grounds.
Procedural aspects
The assessment is made on the basis of the submitted tax return with the corresponding enclosures. Legal entities are obliged to submit their annual financial statements and notes. If STAF instruments are utilised, additional evidence and calculations must be enclosed.
The Schwyz Tax Administration offers the option of advance rulings for complex situations. These create legal certainty for planned transactions or reorganisations. Processing usually takes place within 30 days of receipt of complete documents.
Intercantonal and international aspects
In the case of inter-cantonal business activities, tax differentiation is carried out in accordance with federal law. The factors for permanent establishments, real estate and permanent facilities are decisive. The cantonal minimum tax amount of CHF 100 is not reduced proportionally in the case of intercantonal differentiation.
The provisions of double taxation agreements apply to internationally active companies. The canton of Schwyz applies the international standards for the avoidance of base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS). The documentation requirements for transfer prices are based on the OECD guidelines.
Outlook and current developments
The implementation of the OECD minimum taxation of 15% for large multinational companies is in preparation. The canton of Schwyz is examining measures to maintain its attractiveness as a business location within the new international framework. The existing STAF instruments remain unaffected and can continue to be utilised.
