Administrative and tax law

Possible case of tax evasion The director of the company that employs me uses the company's money for private purposes, for example for his weekend shopping or the cost of his personal car, even though he deducts a lump sum for transport on his tax return. He is also taking back the company's old IT equipment. In addition to...

Firefighters: are there any limits to Air Horns?" For some months now, some fire engines have been using powerful horns, originally made for river navigation, in addition to their usual sirens. As this is a fairly recent development and their sounds are very powerful and aggressive, I'd like to know whether they have any...

Can a fictitious tax domicile be reported? A wealthy neighbour bought flats in my condominium, where he lived for four years before moving out. He was not domiciled in the municipality and therefore paid no tax there. I'd like to know whether wealthy people can get a tax credit for...

No customs officer at the post to declare VAT On my return from a weekend of shopping in Paris, I zero-rated my purchases at French customs. When I arrived at Swiss customs, where I wanted to pay VAT, I was surprised to find that they were closed. After searching in vain for a guard...

Don't you have the right to quit your job? I didn't get on so well with my boss that I ended up slamming the door on my job. The unemployment fund informed me that I would have to pay a penalty. I think that's unfair when we're required to pay insurance every month against this kind of...

Terms and conditions of RHT in COVID-19 time "The Geneva Employment Office has just informed me of its decision to grant my company compensation for reduced working hours. I am surprised to learn, however, that my application is considered late because it was made after 31 March 2020 and that, as a result, my company has been...

Demonstrations: the rules "I'm a member of an environmental association. To get our message across to the public, I'd like to suggest to our committee that we organise a march. But I'm wondering what kind of authorisation you need to demonstrate in the streets of Geneva. Can you tell me what I need to know? Jacques,...

Day mums " We're looking for a day mum for our little girl. Recently, I was strongly recommended to someone who is not approved. I'm going to meet her. What does she risk if she's reported?" Tania, Geneva Under the Federal Council's Ordinance regulating the placement of children for maintenance purposes and with a view...

Law on administrative procedure The question you raise relates to what Swiss law calls the principle of promptness. First enshrined in Article 29 of our Federal Constitution, this principle guarantees everyone the right to an administrative or judicial decision within a reasonable time. In Geneva, the principle of promptness is...