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.
Technical information "Withholding tax according to DTA" has been updated
The following documents have been updated:
FTA updates the publication "Tax burden in international comparison
The publication summarises the tax rates and tax ratios in various OECD countries. Among other things, it compares corporate tax rates, capital tax rates for companies, withholding tax rates, emissions and turnover taxes, VAT rates and the treatment of losses in 2020. In particular, the publication also contains various statements on the ratio of direct to indirect taxes.
FTA updates guidance on the standard for AEOI in tax matters
The FTA has updated the guidance on the standard for the automatic exchange of information (AEOI) in tax matters.
New cross-border commuter agreement between Switzerland and Italy of 23 December 2020
On 23 December 2020, Switzerland and Italy signed a new agreement on cross-border commuters, which replaces the current agreement of 1974 and now applies reciprocally.
Canton of Zurich: Tax segregation of companies with foreign permanent establishments
Section 57 para. 3 StG ZH was adapted to the corresponding provision in the law on direct federal tax with effect from 01 January 2021.
Memorandum of Understanding with the Philippines
The State Secretariat for International Financial Matters SIF has concluded a mutual agreement with the Philippines on the recognition and provision of Philippine tax residency certificates. This agreement will enter into force on 10 December 2020.
FTA publishes notices on FATCA group requests
On 1 December 2020, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published FATCA group requests pursuant to Article 12(1) of the FATCA Law.
Consultation agreement with Germany on cross-border workers and state benefits extended
The State Secretariat for International Financial Matters (SIF) reported on 3 December 2020 that the consultation agreement between Switzerland and Germany on the taxation of cross-border commuters and treatment of state support benefits will remain in force until 31 March 2021 (see our article of 13 June 2020).
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.
Current cases on intercantonal and international corporate tax law (2023)
Workshop on intercantonal and international corporate tax law by René Matteotti and Philipp Betschart on the occasion of the ISIS seminar "Corporate Tax Law 2023" on June 19/20, 2023.
Seminar folder ISIS)-Seminar "Real Estate Transactions - Tax Consequences National and Cross-Border
Case studies, detailed solution notes and slides: Here you will receive all documents of the individual workshops according to the following DeepL description from the ISIS) seminar "Real Estate Transactions - Tax Consequences National and Cross-Border" from September 12 and 13, 2022 under the direction of Julia von Ah.
