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.
Consultation agreement between Switzerland and Germany
On 30 November 2021, SIF announced that the consultation agreement between Switzerland and Germany of 11 June 2020 concerning the taxation of cross-border workers during the COVID-19 pandemic will not be terminated until at least 31 March 2022.
Federal Council adopts dispatches on amendments to the DTAs with Japan and Northern Macedonia
The Dispatches on the Protocols of Amendment to the DTAs with Japan and Northern Macedonia were adopted by the Federal Council on 17 November 2021.
Switzerland and Armenia sign Protocol of Amendment to the Double Taxation Agreement
Switzerland and Armenia signed a Protocol of Amendment to the corresponding DTA on 12 November 2021. The protocol implements the minimum standards from the BEPS project in matters of double taxation agreements as well as the international standard in matters of information exchange.
FTA publishes final ruling on the FATCA agreement
On 19 November 2021, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) notified the issuance of a final ruling pursuant to Art. 5 No. 3 lit. b FATCA Agreement.
Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer meets Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov
Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer met the Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov in Bern on 19 November 2021. One of the topics discussed was the revision of the existing double taxation agreement demanded by Russia.
Federal Council adopts report on relations with Italy in the financial and tax area
At its meeting on 27 October 2021, the Federal Council adopted the report on relations with Italy in the financial and tax area.
Entry into force of the double taxation agreement with Bahrain
On 05 November, SIF announced that the DTA between Switzerland and Bahrain had entered into force and that the provisions would apply from 01 January 2022.
Federal Council enacts new legal basis for the implementation of international agreements in the tax area
In the StADG, the provisions of the existing national federal law of 22 June 1951 on the implementation of federal intergovernmental agreements for the avoidance of double taxation and the ordinances based on it are taken over as far as necessary and supplemented with new provisions. It now regulates the essential points for the relief of withholding tax as well as penalty provisions in connection with the relief of withholding taxes on investment income. It also regulates how mutual agreement procedures are to be carried out domestically if the applicable agreement does not contain any provisions to the contrary.
Reimbursement in international circumstances - current practice and problem areas
Workshop on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on 21 September 2020 entitled "Practical cases on withholding tax and outlook on current developments".
Current cases on intercantonal and international corporate tax law
Workshop from the ISIS) seminar on 2/3 March 2020 entitled "Corporate Tax Law 2020
Structuring of real estate assets with a view to estate planning
Workshop on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar of 28 November 2019 entitled "Tax Aspects of Estate Planning for Real Estate".
Possibilities and limits of tax planning for inheritances and gifts - national and international
Workshop on the occasion of the ISIS seminar on 9/10 September 2019 entitled "Tax planning in the area of conflict between cost optimisation, tax compliance and Good citizenship - opportunities and risks".
