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.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on double taxation agreement with Zimbabwe
At its meeting on November 5, 2025, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the DTA with Zimbabwe.
Consultation agreement between Switzerland and Germany
The State Secretariat for International Financial Matters SIF announced on October 16, 2025 that the competent authorities of Switzerland and Germany have agreed to extend the consultation agreement on the application of Article 15 paragraph 4 of the double taxation agreement between Switzerland and Germany.
Signing and opening of the consultation on the protocol of amendment to the AEOI Switzerland-EU in tax matters
The Protocol of Amendment to the Agreement on the Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information to Promote Tax Compliance in International Matters, signed on October 20, 2025, adapts the agreement to the amended OECD standard and supplements it with new provisions on administrative assistance in the collection of VAT claims. The consultation will last until February 6, 2026.
Federal Council adopts dispatch on the exchange of information on OECD minimum taxation
At its meeting on September 12, 2025, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the approval of the international legal basis for the exchange of information for OECD minimum taxation.
Federal Council opens consultation on AEOI with 8 other partner states
At its meeting on August 13, 2025, the Federal Council opened the consultation on the introduction of the automatic exchange of financial account information (AEOI) with 8 additional countries. The AEOI with these partner states is scheduled to enter into force on January 1, 2027.
Supplementary tax: Date of application of the safe harbor rules on hybrid arbitrage arrangements in accordance with the administrative guidelines of December 18, 2023
The FTA announces that the rules regarding hybrid arbitrage arrangements under the temporary CbCR safe harbor of the administrative guidance of December 18, 2023 will apply to transactions after December 18, 2023.
Entry into force of the supplementary agreement (in particular home office) to the double taxation agreement between Switzerland and France
The supplementary agreement to the double taxation agreement between Switzerland and France entered into force on July 24, 2025.
Entry into force of the protocol of amendment to the double taxation agreement with Serbia
The protocol of amendment to the double taxation agreement (DTA) between Switzerland and Serbia entered into force on July 18, 2025. With a few exceptions, most of the amendments will apply from January 1, 2026.
ISIS seminar folder "Gratuitous transfer of assets under tax law"
All documents from the ISIS) seminar "Gratuitous transfer of assets in tax law" from October 28, 2025 under the direction of Peter Mäusli-Allenspach in one PDF document. Case studies, detailed solution notes and slides: Here you will find all documents of the individual workshops according to the following content description.
Practical examples of cross-border issues in relation to Germany
Case studies, slides and detailed solution notes from the workshop held by Hanna Brozzo and Iring Christopeit on October 28, 2025 on the occasion of the ISIS seminar "Gratuitous asset transfers in tax law".
