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.
Tax relief for various countries
On April 7, 2025, the SIF updated the overview of the effects of the agreement (extent of relief) for various countries.
Switzerland and Zimbabwe sign a double taxation agreement
On March 19, 2025, Switzerland and Zimbabwe signed an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation (DTA) in the area of income taxes in Harare.
Memorandum of Understanding between Switzerland and Italy - Administrative cooperation
On March 19, 2025, the SIF reported that the competent authorities of Switzerland and Italy, in accordance with Art. 7 para. 1 of the Agreement of December 23, 2020 between Switzerland and Italy on the taxation of cross-border commuters, have defined the details of the application of administrative cooperation by mutual agreement.
Supplementary tax: Tax treatment of business units that qualify as permanent establishments
On March 18, 2025, the FTA explained the treatment of business units that are considered permanent establishments in a communication on the minimum taxation of multinational enterprise groups.
Federal Council opens consultation on change to FATCA model
At its meeting on March 7, 2025, the Federal Council opened the consultation process for a new FATCA agreement.
Federal Council opens consultation on the exchange of information on OECD minimum taxation
On January 29, 2025, the Federal Council opened the consultation on the exchange of information regarding OECD minimum taxation.
Remboursement de l'impôt anticipé: pratique des anciennes réserves, liquidation remplaçante et transposition internationale étendue
Cas pratiques présentés par Stefan Oesterhelt et Raphaël Fellay lors du séminaire ISIS) du 03 novembre 2021, intitulé "Restructurations / Fusions / Acquisitions".
Transfert de siège et restructurations transfrontalières
Cas pratiques présentés par Rebecca Dorasamy lors du séminaire ISIS) du 03 novembre 2021 intitulé "Restructurations / Fusions / Acquisitions".
