Summary
The Swiss Federal Government has set the imputed interest rate on equity capital for the tax year 2026. This rate is determined in accordance with Article 25abis of the Tax Harmonisation Act (StHG) based on the yield of ten-year Federal Bonds. The interest rate for 2026 is 0.333% and is based on the yield from the last trading day of 2025.
Persons
- Swiss Federal Authorities
Topics
- Tax law
- Equity taxation
- Interest rates
- Federal bonds
Detailed Summary
The Swiss Federal Authorities published on 7 January 2026 the official determination of the imputed interest rate for the current tax year. This measure is based on the legal foundation of the Tax Harmonisation Act (StHG), specifically Article 25abis paragraph 4.
The interest rate is recalculated annually and is based on the yield of ten-year Federal Bonds. The reference date is the last trading day of the calendar year preceding the tax year – for 2026, therefore the last trading day of 2025.
The calculation is carried out in accordance with the Ordinance of 13 November 2019 on the tax deduction for equity financing of legal entities (SR 642.142.2). With a rate of 0.333%, this value is significantly below historical averages and reflects the current interest rate environment.
Key Messages
- The imputed interest rate for 2026 is 0.333%
- The determination is based on the yield of ten-year Federal Bonds from 31 December 2025
- The regulation is anchored in the Tax Harmonisation Act (StHG)
- The rate applies to the tax treatment of equity capital of legal entities
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
- Affected: Legal entities (companies, foundations) with equity capital in Switzerland
- Beneficiaries: Companies with high equity capital through lower tax burden
- Losers: Cantons and municipalities through reduced tax revenues at low interest rates
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Lower tax rate relieves companies | Reduced tax revenues for cantons |
| Improved competitiveness | Long-term volatile interest rates |
| Planning certainty through transparent regulation | Dependence on bond market |
Action Relevance
Relevant for decision-makers:
- Companies should adjust tax planning in light of the new rate
- Cantons must update budget planning
- Finance departments should examine the impact on equity capital structure
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and figures verified
- [x] Official source: Federal News Service confirmed
- [x] Legal foundations correctly cited
- [x] No unverified data present
Supplementary Research
- Tax Harmonisation Act (StHG) – Swiss Federal Council
- Ordinance SR 642.142.2 of 13 November 2019
- Current yields Swiss Federal Bonds – Federal Finance Administration
Source Directory
Primary Source:
Imputed interest rate on equity capital – Federal News Service, 7 January 2026
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/v-HzOSjHfFU5gLND1eIT4
Supplementary Sources:
- Tax Harmonisation Act (StHG) – Swiss Federal Council
- Ordinance of 13 November 2019 on the tax deduction for equity financing of legal entities (SR 642.142.2)
- Federal Finance Administration – Federal Bonds and Interest Rates
Verification Status: ✓ Facts checked on 7 January 2026
This text was created with the support of Claude.
Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 7 January 2026