Switzerland and the Czech Republic sign revised double taxation agreement

Bern, 11.09.2012 - Today in Prague, Switzerland and the Czech Republic signed a protocol to amend the double taxation agreement (DTA) in the area of taxes on income and capital. It contains provisions on the exchange of information in accordance with the international standard applicable at present and some adjustments to the existing agreement. The new DTA will contribute to the further positive development of bilateral economic relations.

Aside from an OECD administrative assistance clause, Switzerland and the Czech Republic have agreed that both countries may levy withholding tax of no more than 15% on gross dividend amounts. If, however, a company holds a stake of at least 10% in the capital of the distributing company for at least a year, the dividends will be exempt from withholding tax. Moreover, there will be no withholding taxes on dividends paid to the national banks of the two countries or to pension funds.

After negotiations finished, a report on the protocol to the DTA with the Czech Republic was submitted to the cantons and the business associations concerned for their comments. They approved the signing. The revision still has to be approved by parliament in both countries before it can come into force.

Address for enquiries

Pascal Duss, State Secretariat for International Financial Matters, tel. +41 (0)31 322 71 57, pascal.duss@sif.admin.ch