Switzerland has introduced a number of measures to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19, which were approved by the Federal Council on 20 March. For companies, the measures include the possibility of deferring the payment of social security contributions, without interest. Further, companies are allowed to postpone tax payments without default interest for taxes due during the period 21 March to 31 December 2020, including VAT, certain customs duties, and special consumption taxes. The same is provided for direct federal taxes, but the period begins from 1 March.

Additional information has been published by the Swiss Federal Tax Administration, including a circular on the waiver of interest. The circular notes that the waiver is available for both natural and legal persons in respect of taxes for the 2020 fiscal period as well as previous periods if the tax becomes due during the waiver period. The circular also notes that further payment facilities may be granted, including extended payment periods or payment in installments.