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.
Entry into force of the Protocol of Amendment to the DTA with Japan
The Protocol of Amendment to the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) between Switzerland and Japan has entered into force. With the exception of individual provisions, most of the amendments are applicable as of January 1, 2023.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on the amendment of the DTA with Tajikistan
On 16 November 2022, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the amending protocol to the DTA with Tajikistan. The protocol implements the minimum standards from the BEPS project.
Switzerland and United Arab Emirates sign protocol of amendment to DTA
Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates signed a protocol amending the agreement for the avoidance of double taxation (DTA) in the area of taxes on income in Abu Dhabi on November 5, 2022. The protocol implements the minimum standards from the BEPS project in matters of double taxation agreements.
Memorandum of Understanding between Switzerland and France
On October 27, 2022, SIF announced that the mutual agreement of July 18, 2022, on the taxation of telework between Switzerland and France will remain in force until December 31, 2022.
Memorandum of Understanding between Switzerland and the Kingdom of the Netherlands
On October 13, 2022, SIF published the "Mutual Agreement of September 6 and 29, 2022, respectively, on the procedural rules of the arbitration procedure provided for in Article 25 (Mutual Agreement Procedure), paragraph 5, of the Agreement of February 26, 2010, between the Swiss Confederation and the Kingdom of the Netherlands for the avoidance of double taxation in the field of taxes on income and for the prevention of fiscal fraud and tax evasion."
Suspension of the exchange of information with Russia
On 16 September 2022, the Federal Council decided to temporarily suspend the exchange of tax information with Russia based on the public policy reservation of the Administrative Assistance Convention in Tax Matters.
SIF updates overview of tax relief for Turkey
On August 30, 2022, SIF updated the overview of the effects of the agreement (extent of relief) concerning Turkey.
FTA publishes circular regarding the refund of withholding tax on lump-sum pension benefits in relation to Italy
On August 12, 2022, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published the circular "Explanatory notes on the refund of withholding tax on lump-sum pension benefits to recipients resident in Italy".
Withholding taxes
Workshop by Dominique Frison and Jennifer Herren on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on May 22, 2025 entitled "Withholding taxes"
Social security law
Workshop by Franziska Stadtherr and Andreas Schiek on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on May 22, 2025 entitled "Social Security Law"
