It’s about a mammoth business and billions of dollars: the reform of the occupational pension scheme (BVG). This week the National Council’s Social and Health Commission is brooding over this once again. Most recently, a bourgeois alternative model prevailed against the Federal Council bill that spares top earners. To the annoyance of the left.
In addition, the Left is freaking out an element that a narrow bourgeois majority put in the package before the summer holidays. “The commission wants to expand the possibilities of voluntary provision”, it says in the media release from then. For example, the tax-free contributions to the third pillar should also be increased – and significantly.
SVP parliamentary group leader Thomas Aeschi (42) had submitted a corresponding application. Insured persons who belong to a pension fund should in future be able to pay up to 10,324 francs into the third pillar instead of the current 6883 francs. For self-employed people without a pension fund, the maximum amount would increase from CHF 34,416 to CHF 37,857. The contributions can be deducted from taxable income – with noticeable consequences for the public coffers.
Over half a billion francs
A new report by the Federal Social Insurance Office shows the full extent of the losses: The federal treasury goes up to 170 million francs annually. In the case of cantons and municipalities, a good 340 million would be lost. A tax loss of more than half a billion francs! At least if all those who use the higher deduction are already claiming the maximum amount today.
With reference to other planned tax breaks, the Federal Office speaks of a “disproportionate expansion”.
The premium increase only benefits a “limited group of taxpayers”. According to the report, almost a third of taxpayers make contributions to the third pillar – but only a good eleven percent can afford the maximum amount.
SP-Gysi: “Template is misused for tax gifts”
For SP National Councilor Barbara Gysi (57, SG) it is therefore clear: “The increase is an unnecessary tax break for higher earners. Normal earners hardly have a chance to benefit from it. ” It is particularly annoying that the bourgeoisie want to pack the adjustment into the BVG reform. “The template is being misused for tax gifts.”
The bourgeois reform model is already lacking solidarity enough. “The bourgeoisie massively overloaded this proposal. If the parliament does not follow the Federal Council’s proposal with the compensatory measures, the referendum will be inevitable, ”emphasizes the SP politician.
FDP-Nantermod: “improve pension”
FDP National Councilor Philippe Nantermod (37), on the other hand, defends the higher tax deduction. “Yes, it costs the public purse money,” says the Valaisan. “But there is a strong incentive to save in the third pillar, which is very positive for society in general.”
Due to legal restrictions and low interest rates, pensions are currently falling. “The planned measure will enable citizens to improve their pensions. “This is a win for the citizens,” says Nantermod.