Swiss Federal Council adopts dispatches on amendment of tax treaties with Liechtenstein, Malta and Cyprus

During its meeting on November 11, 2020, the Swiss Federal Council adopted the protocols of amendment to the tax treaties with Liechtenstein, Malta and Cyprus. The protocols implement the minimum standards for the tax treaties. 

The protocols of amendment contain an abuse clause which refers to the main purpose of a tax arrangement or transaction and thus ensures that the tax treaties are not abused. In addition, they strengthen the mutual agreement procedure and thus promote the effective avoidance of double taxation. 

The cantons and the business circles concerned have welcomed the conclusion of the protocols of amendment. The protocols have to be approved by the legislative bodies of the countries in question before they can come into force.

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