Tax for businesses in Sweden
Sweden, known for its strong welfare state and high standard of living, has a unique and structured tax system for businesses. The Swedish tax system aims to strike a balance between promoting economic growth and ensuring revenue for the provision of social services. This article will provide an overview of the tax system for businesses in Sweden, discussing the different types of taxes that businesses need to be aware of, as well as key exemptions and deductions.
Corporate tax in Sweden
The corporate income tax rate in Sweden is a flat 20.6%. Making it one of the lower rates in Northern and Western Europe. This tax is applied to all limited liability companies (aktiebolag) on their worldwide income. However, foreign companies with a permanent establishment in Sweden are taxed only on the income derived from their Swedish operations. It is important to note that the corporate income tax rate is subject to change, so businesses should stay up to date with the latest information.
Receiving dividends from a Swedish AB in a holding company
In Sweden, dividends paid from one Swedish AB (Aktiebolag) to a Swedish holding AB can be exempt from taxation under certain conditions. This arrangement is in accordance with the Swedish participation exemption rules. To qualify for tax exemption on dividends, the following conditions must be met:
- The holding company must hold at least 10% of the share capital in the subsidiary company paying the dividends.
- The shares must be classified as "business-related shares" (näringsbetingade andelar) for tax purposes.
- The holding company must have held the shares for at least one year, both at the time of the dividend distribution and when the dividend is received.
- The subsidiary paying the dividend must not be considered a "so-called low-taxed company" according to the Swedish Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) rules.
If these conditions are met, the dividend received by the holding company from the subsidiary company can be tax-exempt, allowing the holding company to receive and accumulate profits from its subsidiaries without incurring additional tax.
It is important to note that tax laws and regulations can change, so it is always a good idea to consult up-to-date sources or a tax professional for the most accurate and current information.
Receiving dividends from a Swedish AB as a personal shareholder living in Sweden
When a Swedish resident receives dividends from a Swedish AB (Aktiebolag), the dividends are taxed at a flat rate of 30%.
Assuming a 100,000 Euro profit after corporate income tax has been paid, the calculation for dividends tax would be as follows:
First, we need to determine the amount available for dividends:
100,000 Euros (Profit) - 20,600 Euros (Corporate Income Tax) = 79,400 Euros (Available for Dividends).
Now, we can calculate the dividend tax for the shareholder:
79,400 Euros (Available for Dividends) * 0.30 (Dividend Tax Rate) = 23,820 Euros (Dividend Tax).
So, if a shareholder who is a person and a resident in Sweden receives the entire 79,400 Euros as dividends, they would have to pay 23,820 Euros in dividend tax.
Receiving dividends as a personal shareholder living abroad
If a foreign person (non-resident) owns shares in a Swedish private AB (Aktiebolag) and receives dividends, the dividends are subject to Swedish withholding tax. The general withholding tax rate on dividends paid to non-residents is 30%. However, the applicable rate may be reduced or exempt under a tax treaty between Sweden and the shareholder's country of residence.
To benefit from a reduced withholding tax rate or an exemption under a tax treaty, the foreign shareholder may need to provide documentation proving their residence in the treaty country, typically by obtaining a Certificate of Residence (CoR) from their local tax authority.
It is essential to consult the specific tax treaty between Sweden and the shareholder's country of residence to determine the applicable withholding tax rate or any exemptions. Tax laws and regulations can change over time, so it is always a good idea to consult up-to-date sources or a tax professional for the most accurate and current information.
Value added tax (VAT) in Sweden
Sweden's VAT system is harmonized with the European Union's (EU) VAT directive. The standard VAT rate is 25%, with two reduced rates of 12% and 6%. The 12% rate is applicable to goods and services such as food, hotel accommodations, and cultural events, while the 6% rate applies to printed materials, public transport, and sports events. The VAT registration requirement for a small business operating in Sweden is activated when the annual turnover (covering a 12-month period) reaches or exceeds SEK 80,000. If the turnover remains below this amount, VAT registration is not mandatory.
Salary for director
In Sweden, there is no legal requirement for a shareholder who is also a director in an AB (Aktiebolag) to pay themselves a salary. However, there are certain practical and tax considerations to take into account when deciding on the compensation structure for a director who is also a shareholder.
- Social security contributions: If a director receives a salary, the company will need to pay employer's social security contributions on the salary, and the director will also be subject to personal income tax on the salary received.
- Tax planning: Paying a salary to a director-shareholder can be advantageous from a tax perspective, as it may allow the individual to benefit from personal tax allowances and lower tax rates on earned income compared to dividend taxation.
- Corporate governance and external perceptions: Paying a salary to a director-shareholder can help demonstrate good corporate governance and commitment to the company, which may be important for the company's reputation and relationships with stakeholders.
Ultimately, the decision of whether a shareholder-director should receive a salary will depend on the specific circumstances and financial goals of the individual and the company. It is always a good idea to consult a tax professional or financial advisor to discuss the best compensation strategy for a shareholder-director in an AB.
Holding company regime in Sweden
Sweden's holding company regime stands out as one of Europe's most favorable jurisdictions for holding companies, thanks to its competitive tax rules and exemptions on capital gains and dividends.
The country's participation exemption system generally exempts capital gains and dividends from business-related shares from taxation, promoting investment and efficient group structuring. This exemption can apply to shares held in, or dividends received from, both Swedish and foreign companies, making it a strategic location for multinational corporations seeking to optimize their tax strategies. As a result, Sweden continues to attract businesses and investors looking to benefit from its advantageous holding company environment.
Sorry, we couldn't find any professionals that match your criteria.
Taxes on partnership (HB/KB)
In Sweden, there are two common types of partnerships: Handelsbolag (HB) and Kommanditbolag (KB). In both HB and KB, the partners are personally responsible for the partnership's debts, and the taxation for each partner varies depending on their individual situation. Here is an overview of how partners in Swedish partnerships (HB and KB) are taxed for their part of the partnership's surplus, which includes income tax and social security contributions.
Income tax
Partners in a Swedish partnership (HB or KB) are taxed individually for their share of the partnership's surplus. The partnership itself is not subject to corporate income tax. Instead, the income is allocated to the partners, who report their share of the partnership's income on their personal income tax returns.
The income derived from the partnership is taxed as personal income for each partner. In Sweden, the income tax rates for individuals are progressive, which means that the rate increases as the income level rises.
Social security contributions:
In Sweden, self-employed individuals, including partners in a partnership (HB or KB), are required to pay social security contributions known as egenavgifter. These contributions cover benefits such as pension, health insurance, and unemployment insurance.
Comparing Sweden’s tax system
Comparing Sweden's tax system to those of Denmark, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and Estonia provides insight into the different approaches taken by these countries. While each country has its unique tax structure, some general observations can be made about the overall tax landscape in these countries.
Corporate Income Tax Rates:
- Sweden: 21.6%
- Denmark: 22%
- Norway: 22%
- Finland: 20%
- Netherlands: 19% (for taxable profits up to €200,000) and 25,8% (for taxable profits over €200,000)
- Estonia: 0% on retained and reinvested profits, 20% on distributed profits
Sweden's corporate income tax rate is fairly competitive in comparison to its Scandinavian neighbors. The Netherlands offers a progressive tax rate, with lower rates for smaller businesses. Estonia stands out with its unique corporate income tax system, which taxes only distributed profits.
Value Added Tax (VAT) Rates:
- Sweden: Standard rate 25%, reduced rates 12% and 6%
- Denmark: Standard rate 25%
- Norway: Standard rate 25%, reduced rates 15% and 11.11%
- Finland: Standard rate 24%, reduced rates 14% and 10%
- Netherlands: Standard rate 21%, reduced rates 9% and 0%
- Estonia: Standard rate 20%, reduced rate 9%
Most of these countries have a similar standard VAT rate, with Sweden, Finland, and Estonia having slightly higher rates than the Netherlands. All countries have reduced VAT rates for specific goods and services, with varying thresholds.
Personal Income Tax Rates:
Although the top rate does not say everything about the total system, below is a comparison of the top rates in these countries:
- Sweden: Progressive tax system, with a top marginal rate of around 52%
- Denmark: Progressive tax system, with a top marginal rate of around 56%
- Norway: Progressive tax system, with a top marginal rate of around 38.2%
- Finland: Progressive tax system, with a top marginal rate of around 57%
- Netherlands: Progressive tax system, with a top marginal rate of around 49.5%
- Estonia: Flat tax rate of 20%
Sweden, Denmark, and Finland have relatively high top marginal personal income tax rates compared to Norway and the Netherlands. Estonia has a flat income tax rate, which simplifies the tax system but may be seen as less progressive.
Dividend Taxation:
Dividend taxation varies across these countries, with different rates for residents and non-residents. Some countries offer reduced tax rates or exemptions under specific conditions or tax treaties.
In conclusion, Sweden's tax system is broadly comparable to those of Denmark, Norway, and Finland, with some differences in specific tax rates and structures. The Netherlands and Estonia have more distinct tax systems, with the Netherlands offering a progressive corporate income tax and Estonia implementing a unique corporate tax structure. Businesses and individuals should carefully consider each country's tax system when deciding where to establish operations or reside.
Tax advantages for businesses in Sweden
Sweden offers several tax advantages for businesses, making it an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign entrepreneurs. These incentives and benefits help companies grow, invest, and maintain their competitiveness in the global market. Some of the key tax advantages for businesses in Sweden include:
Competitive Corporate Income Tax Rate: With a corporate income tax rate of 20.6%, Sweden's tax rate is relatively competitive compared to other European countries, providing a favorable environment for businesses to grow and prosper.
R&D Tax Incentives: Sweden offers generous R&D tax incentives, including a deduction for certain R&D costs. These incentives aim to encourage innovation and development, which can be crucial for businesses operating in technology-intensive sectors. Compare Europe's R&D tax incentives in this guide.
Tax Relief for Key Foreign Employees: To attract international talent, Sweden provides a tax relief program for qualifying foreign employees. Under this program, 25% of an eligible employee's income is exempt from both income tax and social security contributions for the first three years of employment.
Participation Exemption: Sweden has a participation exemption system that allows holding companies to receive dividends from their subsidiaries without being taxed, provided certain conditions are met. This can encourage investment and group structuring while minimizing the overall tax burden.
Double Taxation Treaties: Sweden has an extensive network of double taxation treaties with numerous countries. These agreements help to reduce the tax burden on cross-border transactions by preventing double taxation and often providing reduced withholding tax rates on dividends, interest, and royalties.
VAT Reverse Charge Mechanism: For certain transactions involving non-resident suppliers, Sweden employs a reverse charge mechanism for VAT. This mechanism shifts the responsibility of paying VAT from the non-resident supplier to the Swedish customer, simplifying the VAT compliance process for foreign businesses.
Tax Deductions and Allowances: Sweden offers various tax deductions and allowances for businesses, including deductions for expenses related to business operations, depreciation allowances on fixed assets, and the possibility to carry forward losses to offset future profits for tax purposes.
Skilled Workforce and Infrastructure: While not a direct tax advantage, Sweden's highly educated and skilled workforce, combined with its advanced infrastructure, can contribute to increased productivity and cost efficiency for businesses operating in the country.
Would you like a personalized tax calculation?
Reach out to us to learn more about our company services in Sweden. We are committed to helping you advance your business in Sweden and achieve your goals.
