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 Italy agree on permanent tax rules for working from home
On 10 November 2023, Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter and the Italian Minister of Finance and Economy signed a declaration that permanently regulates the issue of taxation of home office for cross-border commuters.
OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework publishes new multilateral agreement to address the tax challenges of globalisation and digitalisation
On 11 October 2023, the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework published a new multilateral agreement to address the tax challenges of globalisation and digitalisation.
Entry into force of the DTA between Switzerland and Ethiopia
On September 21, 2023, SIF announced that the DTA Switzerland - Ethiopia entered into force on August 10, 2023. The provisions are applicable for Switzerland as of January 1, 2024 and in Ethiopia as of July 8, 2024.
Switzerland and Serbia sign Protocol of Amendment to Double Taxation Agreement
On September 19, 2023, Switzerland and Serbia signed a Protocol of Amendment to the DTA, which implements the minimum standards in double taxation treaty matters.
Switzerland and Germany sign protocol of amendment to DTA
Switzerland and Germany signed the revision protocol amending the DTA of 11 August 1971 on 21 August 2023 on the fringes of the meeting of German-speaking finance ministers in Aschau im Chiemgau.
FDF publishes first report on cantonal measures in connection with the implementation of the OECD minimum tax
On August 8, 2023, the FDF published the first report on the expected impact of the implementation of the OECD minimum tax on the individual cantons as well as the planned measures of the individual cantons as of May 31, 2023.
Transfer pricing documentation - International and Switzerland (2025)
Workshop by Ivo Manatschal, Simona Studer and Thomas Hug on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on June 02 + 03, 2025 with the title "Transfer pricing documentation - International and Switzerland"
Current cases on intercantonal and international corporate tax law (2025)
Workshop by René Matteotti and Philipp Betschart on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on June 02 + 03, 2025 entitled "Current cases on intercantonal and international corporate tax law"
