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.
The Confederation regulates the implementation of the OECD minimum tax in Switzerland
In order to implement the OECD/G20 project on the taxation of the digital economy, the Federal Council proposes a supplementary tax, with 25% of the revenue going to the Confederation and 75% to the cantons and municipalities.
VAT refund to foreign companies
The Federal Administrative Court has confirmed the practice of the FTA regarding the content of the entrepreneur's certificate: This must be valid for the remuneration period (calendar year).
Federal Council adopts dispatch on AEOI with 12 other partner states
At its meeting on 18 May 2022, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the introduction of AEOI with 12 other partner states.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on the amendment of the double taxation agreement with Armenia
The Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the Protocol of Amendment to the DTA on 4 May 2022.
Memorandum of Understanding between Switzerland and France
On 12 April 2022, SIF notified the conclusion of a mutual agreement dated 11 April 2022 to repeal the mutual agreement on the effects of measures to combat Covid-19 under the Switzerland-Germany DTA.
Working visit by Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer to his German counterpart
Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer met the German Finance Minister Christian Lindner for a working visit on 28 March 2022. The exchange concerned, among other things, the OECD/G20 project on taxing the digital economy.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on DTA with Ethiopia
On 18 March 2022, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the DTA with Ethiopia. With this DTA, Switzerland is extending its network of agreements to East Africa for the first time.
Federal Council opens consultation on implementation of OECD/G20 minimum taxation
On 11 March 2022, the Federal Council decided that the OECD/G20 project on the taxation of the digital economy in Switzerland should be implemented in stages with a constitutional norm and transitional provisions. The corresponding consultation will last until 20 April 2022.
Switzerland as a location for the tax planning of international corporations (inbound)
Workshop on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar of 8 March 2018 entitled "Structuring Cross-Border Business Activities
Tax challenges of cross-border business activities for Swiss groups
Workshop on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar of 8 March 2018 entitled "Structuring Cross-Border Business Activities
