The definition of turnover according to the Minimum Tax Ordinance
According to the Minimum Tax Ordinance (MindStV), business units belonging to Switzerland are subject to Swiss supplementary tax if they belong to a group of companies with a turnover of at least EUR 750 million. The concept of turnover as a central prerequisite for subjective tax liability is only rudimentarily regulated in the ordinance. This article examines this concept from different perspectives with reference to various OECD/G20 documents and identifies open questions.
Taxation of spouses in international relations - tax segregation issues
In the zsis) issue of November 2019, the authors dealt with tax law stumbling blocks in the taxation of spouses in international relationships. In this article, they have focused on the tax segregation of international spouses. On the basis of a test scheme with three questions, they show that a systematic procedure is essential for correct tax segregation and that there is still a need for action here on the part of the assessment authority and the courts.
Taxation of employees in the case of cross-border work in the home office
Sarah Bühler, René Matteotti and Peter Vogt address the taxation of international employees and their home office activities. They provide an overview of the existing regulations and pay particular attention to the cross-border commuter agreements with Switzerland's neighboring countries.
Implications of the home office for cross-border commuters between Switzerland and Germany
Working from home has become much more important due to the Corona pandemic. Many employers have found that working from home has proven successful and have introduced regulations that enable mobile working. This also affects cross-border commuters between Germany and Switzerland. A variety of tax regulations, especially in the DTA D-CH, as well as consequences under social security law must be taken into account.
Renewed consultation agreement with Germany on the taxation of cross-border workers and state benefits
Germany and Switzerland have amended the consultation agreement again with the date 27 April 2021.
FTA publishes FATCA final rulings (II)
On 30 April 2021, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) notified the issuance of final rulings pursuant to Art. 5 No. 3 lit. b FATCA Agreement.
Entry into force of the double taxation agreements with Brazil and Saudi Arabia
The double taxation agreement (DTA) in the area of taxes on income between Switzerland and Brazil entered into force on 16 March 2021 and the DTA with Saudi Arabia in the area of taxes on income and assets entered into force on 1 April 2021. Both DTAs are effective from 1 January 2022.
FTA publishes notices on FATCA group requests
In a letter dated 5 February 2021, the IRS requests administrative assistance based on the FATCA agreement and the DTA CH-USA. Information is requested on accounts that were identified as US accounts or as accounts of non-participating financial institutions to which foreign reportable amounts were paid and which the respective financial institution had reported in aggregated form - in the absence of consent to report the account data. The following financial institutions and years are affected:
Memorandum of Understanding between Switzerland and France
In view of the fact that the measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 are still topical, Switzerland and France have agreed that the mutual agreement signed on 13 May 2020 should remain in force until 30 June 2021.
Federal Council opens consultation on tonnage tax
At its meeting on 24 February 2021, the Federal Council opened the consultation on the Federal Act on the Tonnage Tax on Sea-going Ships. An introduction in Swiss tax law would be a targeted means of ensuring the competitiveness of Switzerland as a business location in the area of maritime shipping companies.
FTA publishes circulars Leaflets on withholding tax and DTA overviews
With the circular Merkblätter für die Quellenbesteuerung und Übersichten über die Doppelbesteuerungsabkommen dated 15 February 2021, the FTA provides information on changes to the double taxation agreements (DTAs), the various withholding tax information sheets and the associated DTA overviews as at 1 January 2021. The changes compared to the previous year (in particular DTA Netherlands) are marked accordingly in the enclosures.
Remboursement de l'impôt anticipé: pratique des anciennes réserves, liquidation remplaçante et transposition internationale étendue
Cas pratiques présentés par Stefan Oesterhelt et Raphaël Fellay lors du séminaire ISIS) du 03 novembre 2021, intitulé "Restructurations / Fusions / Acquisitions".
Transfert de siège et restructurations transfrontalières
Cas pratiques présentés par Rebecca Dorasamy lors du séminaire ISIS) du 03 novembre 2021 intitulé "Restructurations / Fusions / Acquisitions".