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.
Federal Council adopts messages on the new DTA with Bahrain and on the amendments to the DTA with Kuwait
At its meeting on 26 August 2020, the Federal Council adopted the messages on a new double taxation agreement (DTA) with Bahrain and on the Protocol of Amendment to the DTA with Kuwait.
FTA publishes Circular Letter No. 49 "Proof of business-related expenses for foreign transactions abroad" and Circular Letter No. 50 "Inadmissibility of tax deduction of bribes paid to public officials".
On 13 July 2020, the FTA published Circular No. 49 "Evidence of business-related expenses for foreign-foreign transactions" and Circular No. 50 "Inadmissibility of the tax deduction of bribes paid to public officials". At the same time, the predecessor circulars of the same name, No. 9 of 22 June 2005 and No. 16 of 13 July 2007, are repealed.
Memorandum of Understanding between Switzerland and the USA
The State Secretariat for International Financial Matters (SIF) reports the conclusion of a memorandum of understanding between the Swiss Confederation and the United States of America concerning the rules of procedure of the arbitration procedure provided for in Art. 25 para. 6 and 7 DBA CH/USA.
Switzerland and Malta sign Protocol of Amendment to the Double Taxation Convention
On 16 July 2020, Switzerland and Malta signed a protocol amending the agreement to avoid double taxation (DTA) in the area of taxes on income and wealth. The protocol implements the minimum standards from the BEPS project in matters of double taxation agreements.
Switzerland and Cyprus sign Protocol of Amendment to the Double Taxation Convention
On 20 July 2020, Switzerland and Cyprus signed a protocol amending the agreement to avoid double taxation (DTA) in the area of taxes on income and wealth. The protocol implements the minimum standards from the BEPS project with regard to double taxation agreements.
Switzerland and Liechtenstein sign Protocol of Amendment to the Double Taxation Convention
On 14 July 2020, Switzerland and Liechtenstein signed a protocol amending the agreement to avoid double taxation (DTA) in the area of taxes on income and wealth. The protocol implements the minimum standards from the BEPS project in matters of double taxation agreements.
International transactions involving intellectual property
Workshop by Napoleão Dagnese, Balthasar Denger and Thomas Hug on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on 27 June 2022 entitled "International transactions involving intellectual property".
Current cases on intercantonal and international corporate tax law
Workshop by René Matteotti and Philipp Betschart at the ISIS) seminar on 13/14 June 2022 entitled "Corporate Tax Law 2022".
