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.
Home office and the cross-border commuter agreement with Italy
Today, around 85,000 Italian residents work in the border cantons of Ticino, Grisons and Valais. The cross-border commuter agreement concluded with Italy is of great importance especially for the canton of Ticino with its approximately 75,000 cross-border commuters, of which around 66,000 are considered cross-border commuters within the meaning of the agreement.
Cross-border commuter regulation Switzerland-Liechtenstein
The double taxation agreement between Switzerland and Liechtenstein contains a special rule for cross-border commuters, according to which the income from employment earned in the State of activity is allocated to the State of residence for taxation. If, on the other hand, an employee in a cross-border context does not meet the criteria established for cross-border commuters, the earned income is allocated for taxation to the State of activity and the State of residence on a pro rata basis in accordance with the general principles. Against this background, employers who employ cross-border commuters from Liechtenstein or Switzerland have different clarification and declaration obligations.
Social security aspects of home office
Home office work, which was imposed by the authorities during the pandemic, gave an additional boost to teleworking and the associated flexibilization of work. Even after the pandemic, home office remains widespread in many areas. Employees appreciate the new flexibility and no longer want to do without it. This also applies to the numerous cross-border commuters. The following article clarifies social security issues in connection with home office, especially in cross-border situations.
OECD clarifies the commentary on Article 26 (exchange of information)
On February 19, 2024, the OECD Council updated the commentary on Article 26 of the OECD Model Tax Convention. It was clarified that information received in the context of administrative tax assistance can also be used in relation to unnamed persons.
Federal Council creates national basis for the taxation of teleworking by cross-border commuters
At its meeting on March 1, 2024, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the taxation of teleworking in international relations.
Introduction of the OECD/G20 minimum taxation on January 1, 2024
On December 22, 2023, the Federal Council decided to levy the supplementary tax in Switzerland from January 1, 2024.
Memorandum of Understanding on the DTA between Switzerland and Liechtenstein
The State Secretariat for International Financial Matters SIF has announced the conclusion of a new Memorandum of Understanding between Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Switzerland and Angola sign a double taxation agreement
On November 30, 2023, Switzerland and Angola signed an agreement to avoid double taxation (DTA) in the area of taxes on income.
Consultation opened on lowering the tax-free limit for travel
In implementation of the 19.3975 Motion FK-N "Improving tax justice in the flow of goods in local border traffic", the FDF is planning to reduce the tax-free limit for goods in tourist traffic from CHF 300 to CHF 150 per person. The consultation on this has been opened.
Special issues in trust and foundation structures
Workshop on "Special Issues in Trust and Foundation Structures" by Andrea Opel and Stefan Oesterhelt on the occasion of the ISIS seminar "Structuring Private Assets by Means of Trusts or Foundations" on October 31, 2023.
Cross-border restructuring
Workshop on "Cross-border Restructuring" by Patrick Schmid and Thomas Hug on the occasion of the ISIS seminar "Corporate Restructuring" on August 29, 2023.
ISIS) seminar folder "Corporate Restructuring" (2023)
Case studies, detailed solution notes and slides: Here you will receive all documents of the individual workshops according to the following content description from the ISIS)-Seminar "Corporate Restructuring" of August 29, 2023 under the direction of René Schreiber.