The principle of investigation as a challenge to fully automated procedures
Since 1 January 2017, Germany has had the option of taxing without any human intervention, i.e. fully automatically. This is contrasted with the legislative project to introduce the possibility of fully automated assessment of customs duties, certain commercial transport taxes and the performance-related heavy vehicle tax in Switzerland. The article examines the possibilities and limits of full automation in largely standardized procedures.
FTA publishes legislative and ordinance amendments 2022-2024
The FTA has updated the lists of legislative and ordinance amendments in the area of direct federal tax, value added tax, withholding tax and stamp duties.
Federal Council responds to various tax proposals
At its meeting on 17 November, the Federal Council responded to various tax-related requests (see also the related FTA post):
Federal law on electronic procedures in the tax area enters into force in a staggered manner
The Federal Act on Electronic Procedures in Tax Matters regulates electronic procedures in all tax areas. For its implementation, the Federal Council decided in November on a staggered entry into force.
Federal Council enacts new legal basis for the implementation of international agreements in the tax area
In the StADG, the provisions of the existing national federal law of 22 June 1951 on the implementation of federal intergovernmental agreements for the avoidance of double taxation and the ordinances based on it are taken over as far as necessary and supplemented with new provisions. It now regulates the essential points for the relief of withholding tax as well as penalty provisions in connection with the relief of withholding taxes on investment income. It also regulates how mutual agreement procedures are to be carried out domestically if the applicable agreement does not contain any provisions to the contrary.
Selected parliamentary business in the tax area at federal level (October 2021)
The Federal Tax Administration (FTA) updated the selected parliamentary business in the area of tax at federal level on 22 October 2021.
Federal Council sets voting date for referendum against the amendment to the Stamp Duty Act
On 13 October 2021, the Federal Council set the referendum proposals for 13 February 2022. Among them is the referendum on the abolition of the emissions levy.
