Parliament approves VAT refund scheme

After the Council of States, the National Council also approved a corresponding federal law on Thursday. The decision was made unanimously with 2 abstentions. The bill is therefore ready for the final vote. The credits on Serafe invoices could be made as early as next year, as Media Minister Simonetta Sommaruga announced.

The committee agrees with the Federal Council and the Council of States that a flat-rate fee could prevent a disproportionate administrative burden, said spokesperson Philipp Matthias Bregy (CVP/VS). In addition, fee payers would be relieved as they would no longer have to submit individual applications. "This is a pragmatic solution."

The Council of States had added a provision allowing companies to claim a lump sum. The National Council also approved this addition. The Federal Council could live with the new paragraph, said Sommaruga.

Accordingly, companies are entitled to a refund if they have paid fees for commercial or business reception and have not deducted input tax. The Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) is instructed to offer a simple procedure for reclaim requests. In addition, it should be expressly mentioned that lump-sum compensation is also possible.

A minority in the National Council requested that the lump sum in favor of households be increased to CHF 60 so that the entire interest payment could be reimbursed. The motion was narrowly defeated by 95 votes to 80 with 6 abstentions. There are therefore no differences with the Council of States. (SDA)