Tax issues relating to real estate - current trends and hot topics
This issue is entirely dedicated to the topic of "Real Estate". The four articles shed light on the key issues that shape practice today. Real estate forms its own universe in tax law: the issues are complex and cantonal in nature. Between current taxation, property gains, corporate law structures and international interdependence, it is clear that even supposedly classic issues raise new questions. The latest developments impressively demonstrate how dynamic real estate taxation has become.
The Swiss taxation of real estate transactions in an international context
The Swiss real estate market is an increasingly interesting investment target for foreign investors. This article provides an introduction to the key tax aspects in connection with real estate transactions with cross-border implications. In addition to a brief outline of current tax issues, the article deals in depth with investments in commercial real estate and the question of whether an operating company or a real estate company exists for basic tax purposes, as well as the tax treatment of a sale of shares in a Swiss real estate company under Swiss unilateral law and treaty law.
Partnerships and other personal legal entities for supplementary taxes
It is not uncommon for privately held groups to have partnerships and other personal legal entities such as trusts, foundations or private individuals linked by shareholders' agreements at the top of the structure. This article analyzes how such legal entities are to be treated for Swiss and international supplementary taxes and to what extent the provisions of Swiss income and profit tax law have an influence on this.
Cross-border commuter regulation Switzerland-France
The home office has fundamentally changed cross-border taxation - also in the relationship between Switzerland and France. New rules have applied to French cross-border commuters since 2023, which allow more flexibility but also place greater demands on employers and employees. This article provides a concise overview of the current tax framework and shows what should be paid particular attention to.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on double taxation agreement with Zimbabwe
At its meeting on November 5, 2025, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the DTA with Zimbabwe.
Consultation agreement between Switzerland and Germany
The State Secretariat for International Financial Matters SIF announced on October 16, 2025 that the competent authorities of Switzerland and Germany have agreed to extend the consultation agreement on the application of Article 15 paragraph 4 of the double taxation agreement between Switzerland and Germany.
Signing and opening of the consultation on the protocol of amendment to the AEOI Switzerland-EU in tax matters
The Protocol of Amendment to the Agreement on the Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information to Promote Tax Compliance in International Matters, signed on October 20, 2025, adapts the agreement to the amended OECD standard and supplements it with new provisions on administrative assistance in the collection of VAT claims. The consultation will last until February 6, 2026.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on the exchange of information on OECD minimum taxation
At its meeting on September 12, 2025, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the approval of the international legal basis for the exchange of information for OECD minimum taxation.
Federal Council opens consultation on AEOI with 8 other partner states
At its meeting on August 13, 2025, the Federal Council opened the consultation on the introduction of the automatic exchange of financial account information (AEOI) with 8 additional countries. The AEOI with these partner states is scheduled to enter into force on January 1, 2027.
Supplementary tax: Date of application of the safe harbor rules on hybrid arbitrage arrangements in accordance with the administrative guidelines of December 18, 2023
The FTA announces that the rules regarding hybrid arbitrage arrangements under the temporary CbCR safe harbor of the administrative guidance of December 18, 2023 will apply to transactions after December 18, 2023.
Entry into force of the supplementary agreement (in particular home office) to the double taxation agreement between Switzerland and France
The supplementary agreement to the double taxation agreement between Switzerland and France entered into force on July 24, 2025.
Entry into force of the protocol of amendment to the double taxation agreement with Serbia
The protocol of amendment to the double taxation agreement (DTA) between Switzerland and Serbia entered into force on July 18, 2025. With a few exceptions, most of the amendments will apply from January 1, 2026.
ISIS seminar folder "Gratuitous transfer of assets under tax law"
All documents from the ISIS) seminar "Gratuitous transfer of assets in tax law" from October 28, 2025 under the direction of Peter Mäusli-Allenspach in one PDF document. Case studies, detailed solution notes and slides: Here you will find all documents of the individual workshops according to the following content description.
Practical examples of cross-border issues in relation to Germany
Case studies, slides and detailed solution notes from the workshop held by Hanna Brozzo and Iring Christopeit on October 28, 2025 on the occasion of the ISIS seminar "Gratuitous asset transfers in tax law".
