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.
OECD publishes Transfer Pricing Guidelines
On 20 January 2022, the OECD published the latest version 2022 of the Transfer Pricing Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and Tax Administrations.
Federal Council opens consultation on the automatic exchange of information with twelve other partner states
At its meeting on 3 December 2021, the Federal Council opened the consultation on the introduction of the automatic exchange of information on financial accounts (AEOI) with twelve additional states and territories.
Memorandum of Understanding between Switzerland and France
On 7 December, SIF announced that the mutual agreement between Switzerland and France of 13 May 2020 on the taxation of cross-border workers who work in the home office as a result of measures to combat Covid-19 will remain in force until 31 March 2022. Unless terminated by either party, it will then remain in force until 30 June 2022.
Entry into force of the amending protocols of three DTAs (Cyprus, Malta, Liechtenstein)
The protocols amending the DTAs with Cyprus, Malta and Liechtenstein have entered into force. Most of the amendments apply from 1 January 2022, but some already apply from the date of entry into force.
FTA publishes notices on FATCA group requests
On 30 November 2021, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) published FATCA group requests pursuant to Article 12 paragraph 1 of the FATCA Act.
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.
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
