Swiss voters likely to reject proposed tax of 50% on super rich

By John Revill

ZURICH (Reuters) -A Swiss referendum on a proposal to impose a 50% tax on inherited fortunes of 50 million Swiss francs ($62.53 million) is likely to be rejected by voters, a poll showed on Wednesday.

Two-thirds of respondents opposed the initiative seeking to raise funds to help combat climate change, with only 31% in favour, the October 8-9 survey of 11,178 people in Switzerland by media groups 20 Minuten and Tamedia showed.

The referendum will be held on November 30.

Currently around 2,500 taxpayers in Switzerland have assets worth more than 50 million francs, according to Swiss tax authorities, with a total wealth of about 500 billion francs.

If enacted, the proposal would theoretically lead to an extra 4 billion francs in tax revenues.

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