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.
Switzerland and Ethiopia sign a double taxation agreement
On 29.07.2021, Switzerland and Ethiopia signed an agreement to avoid double taxation in the area of taxes on income. Before the agreement can enter into force, it must still be approved by the parliaments of both countries.
Switzerland and Japan sign protocol of amendment to double taxation agreement
On 16 July 2021, Switzerland and Japan signed an amendment protocol to the double taxation agreement that implements the minimum standards under BEPS.
New Form 12 FL for the declaration of the insurance stamp by Liechtenstein policyholders
A new Form 12 FL concerning the self-declaration of stamp duty on insurance premiums / insurance with a foreign insurer by Liechtenstein policyholders was published on 9 July 2021.
SIF Explanatory Notes on the German Tax Relief Procedure DTA-D for Income from Rights Registered in Germany
On 02 July 2021, the State Secretariat for International Financial Matters (SIF) published explanatory notes on the German tax relief procedure DTA-D for income from rights registered in Germany.
Memorandum of Understanding with Chile
On 29 March, Switzerland and Chile concluded a mutual agreement on the amendment of the double taxation agreement.
FTA publishes notices on FATCA group requests (June 2021)
On 28 June 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 22 June 2021, Germany and Switzerland announced that the mutual agreement on the taxation of international workers would be extended until 30 September 2021. The parties will then consult again in due course.
Mutual agreement on arbitration pursuant to Art. 24, para. 5 of the DTA with the United Kingdom
On 16 June 2021, Switzerland and the United Kingdom concluded a mutual agreement on the conduct of arbitration proceedings in accordance with Art. 24 para. 5 of the DTA between Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
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"
