Tax issues relating to real estate - current trends and hot topics
This issue is entirely dedicated to the topic of "Real Estate". The four articles shed light on the key issues that shape practice today. Real estate forms its own universe in tax law: the issues are complex and cantonal in nature. Between current taxation, property gains, corporate law structures and international interdependence, it is clear that even supposedly classic issues raise new questions. The latest developments impressively demonstrate how dynamic real estate taxation has become.
The Swiss taxation of real estate transactions in an international context
The Swiss real estate market is an increasingly interesting investment target for foreign investors. This article provides an introduction to the key tax aspects in connection with real estate transactions with cross-border implications. In addition to a brief outline of current tax issues, the article deals in depth with investments in commercial real estate and the question of whether an operating company or a real estate company exists for basic tax purposes, as well as the tax treatment of a sale of shares in a Swiss real estate company under Swiss unilateral law and treaty law.
Partnerships and other personal legal entities for supplementary taxes
It is not uncommon for privately held groups to have partnerships and other personal legal entities such as trusts, foundations or private individuals linked by shareholders' agreements at the top of the structure. This article analyzes how such legal entities are to be treated for Swiss and international supplementary taxes and to what extent the provisions of Swiss income and profit tax law have an influence on this.
Cross-border commuter regulation Switzerland-France
The home office has fundamentally changed cross-border taxation - also in the relationship between Switzerland and France. New rules have applied to French cross-border commuters since 2023, which allow more flexibility but also place greater demands on employers and employees. This article provides a concise overview of the current tax framework and shows what should be paid particular attention to.
FTA publishes notices on FATCA group requests
On 30 November 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 30 November 2021, SIF announced that the consultation agreement between Switzerland and Germany of 11 June 2020 concerning the taxation of cross-border workers during the COVID-19 pandemic will not be terminated until at least 31 March 2022.
Federal Council adopts dispatches on amendments to the DTAs with Japan and Northern Macedonia
The Dispatches on the Protocols of Amendment to the DTAs with Japan and Northern Macedonia were adopted by the Federal Council on 17 November 2021.
Switzerland and Armenia sign Protocol of Amendment to the Double Taxation Agreement
Switzerland and Armenia signed a Protocol of Amendment to the corresponding DTA on 12 November 2021. The protocol implements the minimum standards from the BEPS project in matters of double taxation agreements as well as the international standard in matters of information exchange.
FTA publishes final ruling on the FATCA agreement
On 19 November 2021, the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) notified the issuance of a final ruling pursuant to Art. 5 No. 3 lit. b FATCA Agreement.
Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer meets Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov
Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer met the Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov in Bern on 19 November 2021. One of the topics discussed was the revision of the existing double taxation agreement demanded by Russia.
Reimbursement in international circumstances - current practice and problem areas
Workshop by Oliver Oppliger on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on August 30, 2022, entitled "Restitution in International Relations - Current Practice and Problem Areas".
International transactions involving intellectual property
Workshop by Napoleão Dagnese, Balthasar Denger and Thomas Hug on the occasion of the ISIS) seminar on 27 June 2022 entitled "International transactions involving intellectual property".










