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.
Combating the misuse of letterbox companies
On 22 December 2021, the European Commission published a draft directive to combat the abusive use of letterbox companies within the EU. The directive, which is to be classified under ATAD III, imposes reporting obligations on letterbox companies and leads to the loss of tax benefits if certain substance criteria are not met.
Mutual agreement between Switzerland and Liechtenstein
On 02 March 2022, SIF announced the termination of the Mutual Understanding between Switzerland and Liechtenstein of 20/22 October 2020 on the impact of COVID-19 measures on the treatment of cross-border commuters under the DTA on 31 March 2022.
Tax relief for Ireland and the Philippines
On 25 February 2022, SIF updated the overview of the effects of the agreement on tax relief for Ireland and the Philippines.
Update of the overview of the effects of the agreement (extent of relief) concerning Australia
The State Secretariat for International Financial Matters (SIF) has updated the overview of the effects of the agreement (extent of relief) concerning Australia.
OECD publishes Transfer Pricing Guidelines
On 20 January 2022, the OECD published the latest version 2022 of the Transfer Pricing Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and Tax Administrations.
Federal Council opens consultation on the automatic exchange of information with twelve other partner states
At its meeting on 3 December 2021, the Federal Council opened the consultation on the introduction of the automatic exchange of information on financial accounts (AEOI) with twelve additional states and territories.
Memorandum of Understanding between Switzerland and France
On 7 December, SIF announced that the mutual agreement between Switzerland and France of 13 May 2020 on the taxation of cross-border workers who work in the home office as a result of measures to combat Covid-19 will remain in force until 31 March 2022. Unless terminated by either party, it will then remain in force until 30 June 2022.
