MPs move to stop tip tax

Several parliamentarians have come out against a proposal by the Federal Office of Social Insurance that tips given to bar and restaurant staff should be taxable.

Vincent Maitre, a Geneva representative in Bern, has tabled a motion to stop the idea of taxing tips. 

He says when a customer leaves a tip – it’s a donation, not pay. 

He’s being backed by several others from across political lines. 

He also says it will be difficult to keep track of tips, but he feels the Confederation is trying to take advantage of electronic payments which means tips are more traceable. 

Unions are also against the idea. The umbrella organisation for restaurants, GastroSuisse, says the current system has proven itself and it’s accepted by the population. 

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