A whole host of new laws and regulations came into effect as June turned to July. Here we have gathered the most important for business owners.
During the first half of 2021, and for some time afterwards, many new laws will come into effect, several of which Result has previously written about.
The government has now gathered all the material in the document More important laws and regulations from mid-year 2021. This applies to both completely new laws and regulations, and to amendments to existing ones.
Here, Resultat in brief has gathered the most important information for you as a business owner.
A temporary opportunity for entrepreneurs to undertake marketing activities while retaining unemployment benefits
A change is being made to the temporary provision that allows an entrepreneur to undertake certain limited activities in their business and still be considered unemployed. Effective date 1 June 2021. Valid until 31 December 2021.
2. New rules to prevent a type of tax planning are being introduced
The new rules aim to counteract tax planning through so-called reverse hybrid mismatches that arise due to differences in different countries' tax legislation. Came into effect 1 July 2021.
3. The FOU deduction is further strengthened
The so-called R&D deduction means that employers pay lower employer contributions for employees working with research and development. Applicable from 1 July 2021.
4. The calculation of the car benefit is adjusted
The template used to calculate the car benefit value is adjusted so that two components of the calculation are changed – the interest-related amount and the price-related amount. Applies from 1 July 2021.
5. Amended VAT rules for e-commerce between businesses and consumers
The new rules mean that the previous exemption from VAT on imports of low-value consignments will be abolished, and that electronic marketplaces (platforms) will in certain cases be liable for VAT on goods sold via the platform. Came into effect 1 July 2021.
6. Tax scrapped for more self-sufficient energy producers
The change means that more actors who produce their own electricity, for example in solar power plants, are covered by the exemption from tax liability. It came into force on 1 July 2021.
7. Changes to facilitate write-downs for financial companies in crisis
In the event of a crisis, a financial undertaking may be placed into resolution instead of liquidation or bankruptcy, and it is the owners and creditors, not the taxpayers, who will bear the losses of such an undertaking. Applies from 1 July 2021.
8. Tax and duty exemption for the benefit of free parking and gifts to employees is extended
Both tax reliefs are now being extended to apply to 2021 as well. In addition, the amount limit for gifts is being raised to SEK 2,000 per employee. Effective from 1 May 2021 (applies retroactively from 1 January 2021).
9. Decisions on short-time working support will be made public
An exception will be introduced to the confidentiality rules so that the public and journalists can access decisions on short-term work support and scrutinise, for example, which companies have been granted support and the amounts involved. Came into force 1 August 2021. Decisions on support relating to applications submitted before 22 October 2020 are covered by the secrecy exception from 21 October 2021 onwards.
10. Employers' contributions for young people are further reduced during June–August 2021
Between January 2021 and March 2023, employers pay a lower employer's contribution for individuals aged 19–23. This reduction is now being further strengthened. Effective from 19 June 2021.
11. Temporary reduction of employer contributions for up to two employees
The temporary reduction applies to companies with no employees that hire one or two people, and companies with one employee that hire an additional person. Came into effect on 1 July 2021. Valid until 31 December 2021.
12. Competition management becomes more efficient
New rules are being introduced with the aim of streamlining and modernising bankruptcy proceedings. All written communication in bankruptcy proceedings must be possible in digital form. The same shall apply to corporate restructuring. Applies from 1 July.
13. Enhanced protection for geographical indications and clearer rules for good faith registration of trademarks and company names
The changes to the law mean that the provisions of the Trade Marks Act concerning, among other things, damages can be applied in cases of infringement of geographical indications protected within the EU. The changes also mean that the possibilities for refusing the registration of trade marks and company names are extended with regard to new case law from the Court of Justice of the European Union concerning applications for registration made for an improper purpose (bad faith). Entered into force 1 July.
14. Enhanced support for measures to reduce emissions
Amendments to the so-called industrial emissions ordinance mean that support can also be provided for measures that reduce emissions indirectly linked to industrial processes and other measures that significantly contribute to achieving climate goals. Entry into force 23 February 2021.
15. The emission limit is tightened and bonus amounts are increased for climate bonus cars
The emissions limit is tightened to 60 grams of CO2/km and the maximum bonus amount is raised to SEK 70,000 for climate bonus cars. Takes effect April 1, 2021.
16. The Competition Authority is granted greater powers
The Swedish Competition Authority's supervision of competition rules is to become more effective. The Swedish Competition Authority will also be able to decide on penalty fees against companies that defy the Authority's decisions during the investigation of an infringement that the company is suspected of (investigation penalty fee). Entry into force 1 March 2021.
17. Rent Support Reintroduced for 2021
To mitigate the economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, the state support implemented in spring 2020, whereby certain commercial tenants receive rent discounts, is being reintroduced for a further nine months, from January to September 2021. Effective dates are 3 May and 2 July 2021.
18. Event organisers will have the opportunity to borrow for refunds
It provides opportunities for an organiser or reseller of package tours to borrow money in order to repay their debts to travellers in accordance with the Package Travel Act. Came into force 10 February 2021.
19. General partnerships can receive state turnover support
New regulation containing provisions on state aid for partnerships, including limited partnerships, with at least one natural person as a partner. The aid covers the period March 2020–February 2021. Entry into force 29 March 2021.
20. State turnover support for sole traders extended
The new regulation contains provisions on state aid to sole traders. The aid covers the period August 2020–February 2021. Entry into force 2 March 2021.
21. Continued authority to exercise market surveillance of goods and products
For the purposes of Swedish law, market surveillance refers to authorities' control of products after they have been placed on the market. By preventing manufacturers whose products do not meet applicable requirements from selling their products, unfair competition is counteracted while end-users are protected from dangerous products. Applies from 16 July 2021.
Sofia Hadjipetri Glantz
This article is published in collaboration with Resultat
