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THE FUTURE OF DIGITAL GOVERNMENT: EFFICIENT TAX PROCESSES FOR SWITZERLAND

'DIGITAL PUBLIC SERVICES SWITZERLAND' STRATEGY AND SUPPORT FROM SPS

The strategy is scheduled for implementation from 2024–2027 and is intended to facilitate effective, transparent and secure digital interaction between public, businesses, other stakeholders and public administration. Within this framework, federal, cantonal, city and communal administrations will act as a linked-up.

 

OPTIMISING TAX RETURNS WITH SPS SOLUTIONS

The latest National eGovernment Study by Digital Public Services Switzerland demonstrates that digital tax returns are one of the Swiss authorities’ most-used digital services. At the same time, however, there’s a need to step up the digitisation of tax returns.

Facts

  • 75% of the population complete their tax returns online and 46% apply for extensions.
  • 60% of companies complete their tax returns online and 54% apply for extensions; 53% settle their VAT online and 47% register online; 25% settle withholding tax online.
  • The most urgent need for change lies in the expansion of digital tax returns: 56% classify the process as fully digitised and 36% as partly digitised

Implications

  • Need for fully digitised services.
  • The importance of digital contact channels, such as email or online portals, is growing constantly – other channels such as telephone, letter and in-person interaction are in decline.
  • Complex processes are seen as an obstacle to the use of digital services.
  • Online support for managing online services required.

Optimisation options offered by SPS

  • Implementing digitisation strategy on a central, modular platform – requirements can be adjusted as needed.
  • Continuing to boost stakeholder satisfaction through consistent communication across all physical and digital channels.
  • Reducing complexity and increasing automation with simplified end-to-end processes – for the tax authorities and stakeholders alike.
  • Enhancing the use of digital services with efficient processes and an expanded offering.

 

 

TAX RETURN AUTOMATION PROCESS

Tax returns submitted to a canton’s communal administrations by post are redirected and collected at a central digitisation hub by SPS, where algorithms review them for completeness and accuracy. Taxpayers are asked to submit any missing documents, etc. Alongside the scanned documents, electronically submitted tax documents are then transmitted to the relevant tax departments (individuals, withholding tax, etc.) for the communal administrations and cantons via digital mailboxes. Provisional and definitive tax bills can then be sent to taxpayers via their preferred communication channel.

The aim is to increase the rate of automated background processing on an ongoing basis and ease the burden on the tax authorities.

 

CASE STUDY: INTEGRATING THE SPS OMNICHANNEL OUTPUT FACTORY

The entire tax return automation process can also be structured as sub-processes or implemented in stages. For instance, the omnichannel output factory (OCOF) can be connected to a cantonal tax system to optimise the sharing of information with taxpayers via a range of communication channels.

 

WOULD YOU LIKE MORE INFORMATION?

The information here is just a brief overview of the many options available with SPS services. We’d be happy to arrange an informal discussion with you.