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.
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Federal Council adopts dispatch on AEOI with 12 other partner states
At its meeting on 18 May 2022, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the introduction of AEOI with 12 other partner states.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on the amendment of the double taxation agreement with Armenia
The Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the Protocol of Amendment to the DTA on 4 May 2022.
Memorandum of Understanding between Switzerland and France
On 12 April 2022, SIF notified the conclusion of a mutual agreement dated 11 April 2022 to repeal the mutual agreement on the effects of measures to combat Covid-19 under the Switzerland-Germany DTA.
Working visit by Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer to his German counterpart
Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer met the German Finance Minister Christian Lindner for a working visit on 28 March 2022. The exchange concerned, among other things, the OECD/G20 project on taxing the digital economy.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on DTA with Ethiopia
On 18 March 2022, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the DTA with Ethiopia. With this DTA, Switzerland is extending its network of agreements to East Africa for the first time.
Federal Council opens consultation on implementation of OECD/G20 minimum taxation
On 11 March 2022, the Federal Council decided that the OECD/G20 project on the taxation of the digital economy in Switzerland should be implemented in stages with a constitutional norm and transitional provisions. The corresponding consultation will last until 20 April 2022.
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