Tax avoidance through offshore structures
On Sunday evening, 4 October 2021, various media around the world simultaneously published the so-called "Pandora Papers", which once again accuse various individuals of tax evasion and tax avoidance through structures, be it in the form of foundations, trusts or companies based in so-called tax havens. There have been similar revelations before, namely in April 2016 in the "Panama Papers" and in November 2017 in the "Paradise Papers". What all these revelations have in common is that they are based on data leaks and target prominent people from politics, business, sports and entertainment with media attention. The revelations have led to an increased call for transparency and increasingly strict compliance regulations. However, the media also reveal that these offshore companies are legal structures used to optimise taxes, but not to evade them. Foundations and trusts are indeed legal structures that are usually not set up for purely tax considerations. Nevertheless, such (offshore) structures can lead to under-taxation if they are treated as fiscally transparent by the Swiss tax authorities and the founder/trustee and/or beneficiary resident in Switzerland has not declared the assets and income.
"Mother-daughter" arrangement between Italy and Switzerland
Opinion No. 537 of 6 August 2021 of the Italian tax authorities, described in this article, is a further sign of the "normalisation" of income tax relations between Italy and Switzerland.
Refund of withholding tax in international relations
The refund of withholding tax on dividends from Swiss companies by foreign shareholders can only be made on the basis of a double taxation agreement between Switzerland and the country of residence of the claimant. In order to claim relief from withholding tax under the applicable double taxation treaty, the residence of the claimant must be confirmed by the foreign tax authorities.
Transfer of the registered office to Switzerland - A case for the old reserve practice?
The problem of old reserves has become an integral part of daily tax consulting practice in Switzerland. The corresponding problem will be examined in this article on the basis of a transfer of the registered office of a foreign company to Switzerland. Here, too, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) initially assumed that the "old reserves" brought into Switzerland were subject to Swiss abuse practice without restriction.
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Protocol of Amendment to the DTA between Switzerland and the United States of America comes into force
Switzerland and the United States of America exchanged the instruments of ratification of the Protocol of Amendment to their Double Taxation Convention in the area of taxes on income (DTA) in Bern on 20 September 2019. The Protocol, which came into force on the same day, represents a milestone in tax relations between Switzerland and the USA.
Federal Council adopts dispatches on the amendments to the DTAs with Ireland and Korea
At its meeting on 20 September 2019, the Federal Council adopted the Dispatches on the Protocols of Amendment to the double taxation agreements (DTAs) with Ireland and Korea. The protocols implement the minimum standards in the area of DTAs. In addition, an arbitration clause is included in the DTA with Ireland. Both messages were referred to the Federal Assembly.
Federal Supreme Court ruling of 26 July 2019 (2C_653/2018): Administrative assistance to France regarding the identity of UBS clients
The Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) may provide France with information regarding the identity of UBS clients presumed to be taxable in France.
Switzerland and Ireland sign Protocol of Amendment to the DTA
Switzerland and Ireland signed a Protocol of Amendment to the Convention on the Avoidance of Double Taxation in the Field of Taxes on Income and Capital (DTA) on 13 June 2019.
Switzerland and the Netherlands sign Protocol of Amendment to the DTA
On 12 June 2019, Switzerland and the Netherlands signed a Protocol of Amendment to the Convention on the avoidance of double taxation in the area of taxes on income (DTA).
Federal Council adopts dispatch on the introduction of AIA with 19 other countries and approves audit report
At its meeting on 29 May 2019, the Federal Council opened the Dispatch on the introduction of the automatic exchange of information on financial accounts (AIA) with 19 other states and territories.
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Intercantonal and international tax differentiation for real estate of business and private assets
ISIS)-Seminar on 11-12 September 2017 - Intercantonal and international tax differentiation for real estate held as business and private assets
