The city of Lugano in Switzerland has attracted the attention of the cryptocurrency community by deciding to accept payments with cryptocurrency for municipal services and taxes. Lugano city officials officially announced on December 5th that they will accept payments with cryptocurrency for local government taxes and other community fees.
Lugano residents and companies will be able to pay all their local bills with various cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Tether. Payments will be made through Switzerland’s corporate cryptocurrency platform, Bitcoin Suisse.
City residents will be able to make Bitcoin payments by scanning the QR code on their bills or using their preferred mobile wallet and selected cryptocurrency.
This decision by Lugano aims to transform the city’s financial system using Bitcoin technology, especially in collaboration with Tether under the Plan B framework. Bitcoin Suisse supports Lugano by providing integrated payment solutions for tax collection and other municipal services.
Lugano started accepting cryptocurrencies for tax payments in partnership with Tether in March 2022. Previously, they offered blockchain-based solutions such as the MyLugano application, LVGA Points payment token, Lugano crypto franc, and 3Achain blockchain infrastructure. In Switzerland, the Zug Canton started accepting tax payments with Bitcoin and Ethereum from companies and residents in 2021. The Zermatt municipality in the Valais Canton partnered with Bitcoin Suisse in January 2020 to offer the option of paying taxes with Bitcoin.