Federal Council to review radio and TV levy for companies
The Federal Council should examine alternatives to the current method of calculating radio and television license fees for companies based on revenue. This is the view of the Council of States, which referred a corresponding postulate on Tuesday.
The small chamber voted in favor of Fabio Abate's (FDP/TI) proposal by 25 votes to 11 with two abstentions. The postulant argued that there are numerous companies that have difficulties with the turnover-based calculation of the radio and TV fee. This is because turnover does not correspond to the actual profit made.
At the same time, he made it clear that he did not doubt the corporate tax model in general, but only its design. The Federal Council should simply examine "a different system for calculating the levy".
Media Minister Simonetta Sommaruga opposed the proposal. The Federal Council is still of the opinion that the company levy system is the most suitable of the conceivable alternatives for achieving the objectives set. In addition, there is already a hardship provision for small companies.
Nevertheless, the Federal Council had already decided in its decision to introduce the new levy system that it would review its impact by mid-2020 at the latest, based on the experience of the first year of collection. If the results of the new levy system show that there is a need for legislative action, it will take the necessary steps. (SDA)
