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 with France on cross-border taxation of home office workers extended
The State Secretariat for International Financial Matters (SIF) reported on 3 December 2020 that the provisional mutual agreement of 13 May 2020 between Switzerland and France on the taxation of cross-border workers who work in the home office as a result of measures taken to combat COVID-19 will remain in force until 31 March 2021.
ESTV - Agreement on mutual understanding between Switzerland and Austria
The State Secretariat for International Financial Matters SIF reported on 12 November 2020 the conclusion of a new Memorandum of Understanding between Switzerland and Austria on the implementation of Article 25 paragraph 5 (arbitration).
Federal Council adopts dispatches on the amendments to the DTAs with Liechtenstein, Malta and Cyprus
On 11 November 2020 the Federal Council adopted the Dispatches on the Protocols of Amendment to the double taxation agreements (DTAs) with Liechtenstein, Malta and Cyprus. The protocols implement the DTA minimum standards.
Federal Council puts revised law and ordinance on AIA into force
In the course of an examination of the Global Forum's audit of Switzerland, recommendations were made. The amendments take these into account and include in particular the abolition of the exemption for condominiums communities and an adjustment of the applicable due diligence obligations.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on the Federal Act on the Implementation of International Agreements in the Tax Field
On 4 November 2020, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the totally revised Federal Act of 1951 on the Implementation of Interstate Agreements of the Confederation for the Avoidance of Double Taxation (new: StADG).
FTA - Memorandum of Understanding between Switzerland and Liechtenstein
On 27 October 2020, the State Secretariat for International Financial Matters SIF reported the conclusion of a new memorandum of understanding between Switzerland and Liechtenstein on the effects of measures to combat COVID-19 on the treatment of cross-border commuters under the DTA.
Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer meets with Ticino government on the agreement with Italy on cross-border commuters
On 16 October 2020, Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer met with the Cantonal Government of Ticino and informed about the latest exchange with the Italian Ministry of Finance on the agreement with Italy on the taxation of cross-border commuters.
OECD public consultation on Pillar One and Pillar Two in the taxation of digital business models
On 12th October the OECD published the blueprints for Pillar One and Pillar Two and launched a public consultation until 14th December 2020. The aim is to reach an agreement between the states on the open points by mid 2021.
Reimbursement in international circumstances - current practice and problem areas
Workshop by Oliver Oppliger on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on October 21, 2024 entitled "Restitution in international relations - current practice and problem areas"
Current cases on intercantonal and international corporate tax law (2024)
Workshop by René Matteotti and Philipp Betschart on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on June 3 - 4, 2024 entitled "Current cases on intercantonal and international corporate tax law"
Special issues in trust and foundation structures
Workshop on "Special Issues in Trust and Foundation Structures" by Andrea Opel and Stefan Oesterhelt on the occasion of the ISIS seminar "Structuring Private Assets by Means of Trusts or Foundations" on October 31, 2023.
ISIS) seminar folder "Corporate Restructuring" (2023)
Case studies, detailed solution notes and slides: Here you will receive all documents of the individual workshops according to the following content description from the ISIS)-Seminar "Corporate Restructuring" of August 29, 2023 under the direction of René Schreiber.