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Crypto accounting & tax in Switzerland

Reporting framework, corporate tax and individual tax treatment for digital assets in Switzerland, from CryptaCount's jurisdiction database covering 72 countries.

Switzerland: tax & reporting data

General Information

Default Framework
IFRS
Permitted Frameworks
IFRS, SWISS_GAAP_FER, OR
IFRS Mandatory For
Listed on SIX: IFRS or Swiss GAAP FER. Others: OR (Code of Obligations).
Tax Year
Calendar Year (end M12)
Functional Currency
CHF
FX Source (Reporting)
SNB
FX Source (Tax)
FTA
Transaction Rate
Daily Spot
Hyperinflationary
✗ No

Reporting — OR

Framework Available
✓ Yes
Crypto Classification
Current Asset, Fixed Asset
Classification Notes
IAS 38 intangible (most common); IAS 2 inventory if held for sale in ordinary course. No dedicated IFRS crypto standard.
Measurement Basis
Historical Cost
Permitted Cost Methods
FIFO, WAVG, LIFO
Prohibited Cost Methods
Impairment Required
✓ Yes
Impairment Type
Prudence Principle
Reversal Allowed
✗ No
NRV Write-down
✓ Required — Only if classified as inventory (IAS 2)
Fair Value Hierarchy
Recent Standards
No dedicated IFRS crypto standard. IFRIC agenda decision (2019) confirmed IAS 38/IAS 2. IASB crypto project in pipeline, no ED yet.

Corporate Tax — Rate & Classification

Corporate Tax Rate
14.6%
Crypto Classification
Ordinary Income
Notes
Corporate crypto = business income. Federal + cantonal taxes.

Corporate Tax — Cost Basis

Measurement Basis
Historical Cost
Default Cost Method
FIFO
Permitted Methods
FIFO, WAVG
Taxpayer Can Elect
✓ Yes
Country Override
Standard
Override Notes
ESTV publishes official crypto valuations for wealth tax. Year-end FMV used for Vermögenssteuer.
LIFO Conformity Req.
✗ No
Differs from Reporting
✓ Yes

Corporate Tax — Anti-Avoidance

Wash Sale
✗ Off
Window (before/after)
Same-Day Rule
✗ No
Loss Restriction
Unrestricted
Loss Carryforward
Unlimited

Corporate Tax — Holding Period

Holding Period Benefit
✗ No
Period
Benefit Type

Corporate Tax — Crypto Event Treatment

Staking Rewards
FMV at Receipt
Gas Fee Treatment
Add to Cost
Gas = Disposal of Native
✓ Yes
Crypto↔Crypto Taxable
✓ Yes
DeFi Wrapping
Unclear
Fork Cost Basis
Zero

Individual Tax — Regime

Tax Regime
Exempt
Regime Notes
Private capital gains on movable property (including crypto) are TAX-FREE for individuals. Wealth tax applies to year-end value. Professional traders taxed as income.
Tax Rate
0% (exempt)
Rate Notes
0% CGT for private individuals. Wealth tax ~0.3-1% of year-end value (cantonal). Professional traders: progressive income tax.

Individual Tax — Cost Basis

Measurement Basis
FAIR VALUE YEAREND
Cost Method
N/A
Method Electable
✗ No
Permitted Methods
Country Override
WEALTH TAX

Individual Tax — Exemptions

CGT Exempt
✓ Yes
Exempt Conditions
Private CGT exempt. Reclassified as professional trader if: high volume, leveraged, short holding, resembles business activity (ESTV Kreisschreiben 36).
Holding Period
HP Benefit
Annual Exemption
Threshold Exemption

Individual Tax — Anti-Avoidance

Wash Sale
✗ Off
Same-Day Rule
✗ No
Superficial Loss
✗ No
Loss Restriction
Unrestricted
Loss Carryforward
Unlimited

B2C vs B2B Differences

Differs from B2B
✓ Yes
Notes
Tax: Maßgeblichkeitsprinzip (tax follows books) with adjustments. OR hidden reserves may differ from tax values.
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