New laws come into force in 2016

From January 1, 2016, taxpayers will have to delve a little more deeply into their pockets and the Swiss financial centre will be subject to stricter rules. Transport fare dodgers will be under tighter scrutiny and consumers will have better protection.  The arrival of the New Year brings with it several important legislative changes. For example, there will be a large increase in Swiss carbon tax: from CHF60 ($60) to CHF86 ($86) per tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted. Particularly feeling the financial heat of this change: those heating with gas and oil. The rise comes because Switzerland is below target for reducing its CO2 emissions by 2020. Renewable energy will benefit from a surcharge of 0.2 centimes per kilowatt hour. This translates to CHF9 per family of four per year. There will also be an extra charge of CHF9 per resident to finance the upgrading of water treatment plants. Those paying an annual flat-rate tax will be receiving a higher tax bill due to ...