News
Switzerland and Germany sign tax agreement
On September, 21, 2011 in Berlin, a tax agreement was signed by Germany's Finance Minister, Wolfgang Schäuble, and Switzerland's Finance Minister, Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf. The agreement will resolve the outstanding issues that have existed for decades between Germany and Switzerland concerning the taxation of German investors' investment income in Switzerland. The negotiations led to a fair outcome that ensures a balanced reconciliation of interests between the two countries, particularly from a tax equity viewpoint.
Introduction of capital gains tax as of 1st January 2012
After postponing the introduction of a Greek capital gains tax several times, this tax will now apply satrting from January, 1, 2012. Investors liable for income tax in Greece will be subject to the capital gain tax.
With regard to old positions, the sales tax of 0.2% continues to apply on all securities purchased prior to 1 January 2012. Securities purchased after December, 31, 2011 will not be taxable for foreign investors any longer. Greek investors, on the other hand, will have to pay capital gains tax on securities acquisitions taking place after December, 31, 2011.
U.S. News and Best Lawyers honor our US partner law office Lieff Cabraser as the U.S.A. national "Law Firm of the Year"
U.S. News Media Group and Best Lawyers have selected Lieff Cabraser as their national "Law Firm of the Year" for 2011-2012 in the category of Mass Torts Litigation/Class Actions - Plaintiffs.
U.S. News and Best Lawyers rank firms nationally in 75 different practice areas. The rankings are the result of extensive client feedback and incorporate 3.9 million evaluations from nearly 42.000 lawyers. For the first time, one law firm in each of the practice areas ranked nationally received the prestigious "Law Firm of the Year" recognition.
Amended double taxation agreement between Greece and Switzerland
The Swiss Federal Department of Finance (FDF) has announced that the Protocol of Amendment of November 4, 2010 (see our article below from Nov, 4, 2010) to the double taxation agreement (DTA) between Switzerland and Greece entered into force on January, 1, 2012.
According to the FDF, the protocol contains an OECD administrative assistance clause and will contribute to the further positive development of bilateral economic relations.