Swiss City Lugano Accepts Bitcoin and Tether for Municipal Taxes

According to Cointelegraph: Lugano, Switzerland, is boosting the local embrace of Bitcoin and Tether by facilitating cryptocurrency payments for municipal services and taxes. As per the official announcement on Dec. 5, the local administration has begun accepting cryptocurrency payments for all community fees, including taxes. Residents and businesses in Lugano can immediately use Bitcoin and Tether through the institutional-grade cryptocurrency platform, Bitcoin Suisse, for an automated payment process. According to the statement, irrespective of the service nature or invoiced amount, all local bills can be paid with cryptocurrencies. By scanning the Swiss QR-bill on their invoice, Lugano's inhabitants can settle taxes or services using their preferred mobile wallet and selected cryptocurrency. This initiative to accept cryptocurrencies forms part of Lugano's Plan B, a collaborative project with Tether intended to employ Bitcoin technology to overhaul the city's financial system. In its role as the technical partner, Bitcoin Suisse provides an integrated payment solution that facilitates the acceptance of Bitcoin and Tether for the collection of taxes and other municipal services. Lugano's embracement of cryptocurrencies for tax payments commenced in March 2022 in partnership with Tether. Additionally, the city has implemented blockchain-based solutions like the MyLugano app, its LVGA Points payment token, the Lugano digital franc, and the 3Achain blockchain infrastructure. But Lugano is not alone in its adoption of Bitcoin for payments in Switzerland; other regions are experimenting with blockchain technology as well. For example, the canton of Zug began accepting Bitcoin and Ether for tax payments from local businesses and individuals in 2021. In January 2020, the municipality of Zermatt rolled out a Bitcoin tax payment option in collaboration with Bitcoin Suisse.