Implementation of global minimum taxation - safe harbor transitional rules for investment entities
On January 1, 2024, Switzerland partially introduced the OECD minimum tax by means of the Minimum Tax Ordinance (MindStV). The implementation of the global legal requirements poses considerable challenges for companies due to the complexity of the regulations and the technical implementation in the accounting systems. For this reason, many companies fall back on safe harbor regulations provided by the OECD. In this context, the following article examines whether these also apply to investment entities that are part of the corporate group.
The new double taxation agreement between Italy and Liechtenstein - advantages and specific cases of application
On July 12, 2023, Liechtenstein and Italy signed a double taxation agreement (DTA). The agreement is based on the international standard of the OECD Model Tax Convention 2017, takes into account the results of the BEPS project and follows the agreement on the exchange of information (TIEA) that was concluded with Italy in 2015. The DTA increases legal certainty, leads to significant withholding tax reductions, reduces existing barriers to investment and financing and will make a decisive contribution to further strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
The definition of turnover according to the Minimum Tax Ordinance
According to the Minimum Tax Ordinance (MindStV), business units belonging to Switzerland are subject to Swiss supplementary tax if they belong to a group of companies with a turnover of at least EUR 750 million. The concept of turnover as a central prerequisite for subjective tax liability is only rudimentarily regulated in the ordinance. This article examines this concept from different perspectives with reference to various OECD/G20 documents and identifies open questions.
Taxation of spouses in international relations - tax segregation issues
In the zsis) issue of November 2019, the authors dealt with tax law stumbling blocks in the taxation of spouses in international relationships. In this article, they have focused on the tax segregation of international spouses. On the basis of a test scheme with three questions, they show that a systematic procedure is essential for correct tax segregation and that there is still a need for action here on the part of the assessment authority and the courts.
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.
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