Switzerland's intergovernmental contacts with the US regarding financial and tax matters are diverse and are regularly used by the authorities. In recent years, the focus has been on the amendment to the double taxation agreement and the implementation of the FATCA agreement.
Double taxation agreement
The protocol of amendment to the double taxation agreement (DTA) in the field of income tax between Switzerland and the US entered into force on 20 September 2019. It is a milestone in the tax relations between the two countries as it introduces the exchange of information upon request between Switzerland and the US in tax matters, in accordance with international standards. Furthermore, the entry into force of the protocol paves the way for a further revision of the DTA. The aim of such a revision is to make further improvements which take account of developments since the DTA was signed in 1996.
FATCA
The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) is a unilateral set of US regulations that applies worldwide for all countries. With FATCA, the United States wishes to ensure that all accounts held abroad by US taxpayers can be taxed. The agreement between Switzerland and the United States on cooperation to simplify the implementation of FATCA entered into force on 2 June 2014; the corresponding implementing act has been in force since 30 June 2014.
Further information
Last modification 13.02.2024