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Germany has unveiled proposed changes to its inheritance tax laws, sparking widespread concern among families, property owners, and financial advisers.
The revisions, aimed at increasing revenue and addressing perceived inequalities in the system, could significantly impact how wealth is passed down through generations.
This article delves into the key aspects of these changes, the public reaction, and what taxpayers need to know.
The German government has outlined adjustments to the valuation rules for inherited assets, particularly real estate. The primary changes include:
Real estate will now be valued closer to its market value rather than using the previously favorable valuation formulas.
This could lead to significant increases in taxable value, especially in urban areas where property prices have surged.
The thresholds for tax exemptions remain unchanged, but with higher valuations, more estates will now fall within the taxable bracket.
Family homes that were often passed tax-free under specific conditions may now face increased scrutiny.
For estates exceeding €6 million, tax rates could rise from the current maximum of 30% to as much as 35%.
The government argues that the existing system disproportionately benefits wealthy families and is out of step with Germany’s broader goals of tax fairness and equity.
By aligning property valuations with market rates, they aim to close loopholes that have historically allowed significant wealth transfers with minimal tax liabilities.
Families owning property in high-demand areas, such as Berlin or Munich, will feel the brunt of these changes.
Wealth advisers are already reporting a surge in inquiries from clients concerned about these implications.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the proposals have been met with a mixed response:
The real estate and legal sectors have also voiced concerns, calling for transitional measures and exemptions to soften the blow.
Tax advisers recommend that families take proactive steps to mitigate the impact:
Germany’s proposed inheritance tax reforms mark a significant shift in the taxation landscape, with substantial implications for property owners and families.
The next few months will reveal whether these changes are enacted as proposed or modified following public feedback.
If you have any queries about this article on Germany’s inheritance tax rules, or tax matters in Germany, then please get in touch.
Alternatively, if you are a tax adviser in Germany and would be interested in sharing your knowledge and becoming a tax native, then there is more information on membership here.
Singapore has long been known for its robust economy, high standard of living, and thriving real estate market.
However, with property prices soaring in recent years, the government has decided to take action.
A significant increase in property taxes for luxury residential homes is set to take effect in 2025, a move aimed at addressing wealth inequality and stabilizing the housing market.
This new policy, while applauded by some, is expected to create ripples among high-net-worth individuals and foreign investors alike.
Under the updated tax regime, property owners will face a progressive tax structure.
For owner-occupied properties valued at more than SGD 2 million, tax rates will rise substantially, with those at the top end of the market seeing the sharpest increases.
The highest tax rates will climb from 12% to 20%, targeting homeowners of Singapore’s luxury residences.
Investment properties, which include those not used as primary residences, will also face a significant tax hike.
The rates here will rise from 20% to a maximum of 27%.
The government has been clear about its intention to discourage speculative investments, especially from foreign buyers, and has simultaneously raised stamp duties for this group.
For properties valued above SGD 10 million, often owned by the ultra-wealthy, the tax hike is particularly pronounced.
This category has been explicitly targeted as part of the government’s strategy to address inequality and channel wealth back into the economy.
The rationale behind these changes is clear: the government is looking to curb soaring property prices, particularly in the luxury segment, which has been fueled by strong demand from both local and foreign investors.
This price surge has made housing less accessible for middle-income families and young Singaporeans trying to get on the property ladder.
By imposing higher taxes on high-value properties, the government aims to make the market more equitable.
Additionally, the revenue generated from these taxes will likely be redirected into public housing projects, infrastructure improvements, and social programs, further supporting those in the lower- to middle-income brackets.
For those owning luxury properties, the financial implications are significant. Consider the case of a high-end condominium valued at SGD 5 million.
Under the current tax regime, the property owner pays around SGD 60,000 annually in property taxes.
Under the new rules, this figure will rise to approximately SGD 100,000, representing a substantial increase even for affluent homeowners.
Foreign investors, who have traditionally played a significant role in Singapore’s luxury property market, are also expected to feel the pinch.
The increase in both property taxes and stamp duties may lead many to reconsider future purchases, potentially cooling demand for high-end properties.
This could have a ripple effect, slowing price growth in the luxury segment and possibly redirecting investment into other areas, such as commercial real estate.
The new property tax rules are expected to stabilize prices in the luxury property market.
By making it less attractive for speculative investors, the government hopes to create a more balanced market.
However, the impact may extend beyond luxury homes.
Some investors might pivot toward commercial properties, which remain unaffected by these tax changes, or explore opportunities in less regulated markets outside Singapore.
Meanwhile, middle-income families could benefit indirectly from these measures.
With revenue from the tax hikes potentially funding public housing projects, affordable housing supply could increase, offering more opportunities for Singaporeans to own homes.
Luxury homeowners and property investors should start planning for these tax changes now. Reassessing property portfolios is a critical first step.
Those who own multiple properties may consider selling or restructuring their investments to minimize tax liabilities.
It’s also worth exploring any available tax reliefs or exemptions to offset some of the additional costs.
Seeking professional advice is equally important.
Tax advisers with expertise in Singapore’s property market can provide tailored strategies to help individuals and businesses navigate the changes effectively.
Singapore’s decision to hike property taxes on luxury homes reflects a bold commitment to addressing wealth inequality and stabilizing the housing market.
While the changes are expected to create challenges for high-net-worth individuals and foreign investors, they also present opportunities to promote greater equity and fund public housing initiatives.
As these changes take effect, careful planning and expert advice will be essential for those impacted.
If you have any queries about this article on Singapore’s property tax hike, or tax matters in Singapore, then please get in touch.
Alternatively, if you are a tax adviser in Singapore and would be interested in sharing your knowledge and becoming a tax native, then please get in touch. There is more information on membership here.
In June 2024, the Swiss Federal Court issued its second ruling on the tax treatment of French non-trading property companies, also known as Sociétés Civiles Immobilières (SCIs).
This decision, building on a previous ruling from December 2022, challenges the longstanding tax advantages many Swiss residents have enjoyed when using SCIs to acquire and manage property in France.
The rulings bring significant implications for Swiss residents who hold or plan to hold French property through these entities.
For years, SCIs have been a favored method for Swiss residents, especially in French-speaking cantons, to invest in French real estate.
These entities offered flexibility in property management and, until recently, a relatively favorable tax treatment in Switzerland, despite variations between cantons.
However, the Federal Court’s recent rulings have raised concerns over their continued tax efficiency.
The first of the two pivotal rulings, issued in December 2022 (2C_365/2021), addressed the treatment of SCIs concerning wealth tax.
The Swiss Federal Court determined that SCIs should be treated as fiscally opaque from a Swiss tax perspective, regardless of their tax status in France.
Moreover, the court ruled that the double taxation agreement (CDI CH-FR) between Switzerland and France does not prevent Switzerland from taxing SCI shares if France does not impose taxes on them.
This decision created uncertainty and raised concerns about whether these principles would apply to other tax areas, such as income tax.
On 5 June 2024, the Federal Court issued a second decision (9C_409/2024) that extended these principles to income tax.
The court emphasized that Swiss authorities must first evaluate the SCI under Swiss tax law and then consider whether the CDI CH-FR allows Switzerland to impose taxes.
The court reaffirmed that SCIs are fiscally opaque from a Swiss standpoint and, in the absence of taxation in France, Switzerland could exercise its taxation rights both on wealth and income tax.
While the second ruling resolved some uncertainties, it introduced new challenges for Swiss residents.
One significant issue stems from the differing treatment of SCIs in Switzerland and France.
In Switzerland, SCIs are seen as opaque, meaning their income is subject to taxation.
In France, however, SCIs are treated as translucent, meaning certain incomes, such as those from personal use of real estate, are not taxed.
This disparity could lead to situations where Swiss residents face taxation in Switzerland for benefits not taxed in France.
For instance, personal use of real estate held by an SCI in France, which is not subject to income tax there, could be taxed in Switzerland as an unrecognized rental benefit.
Since France does not impose income tax on such personal use, Switzerland is not obliged to prevent double taxation under the CDI CH-FR, leaving Swiss residents potentially liable for these taxes.
Given the Federal Court’s rulings, holding French real estate through an SCI could become increasingly inefficient for Swiss residents, especially in cases where properties are used for personal purposes.
The possibility of Swiss taxation on benefits not recognized by French tax authorities complicates the tax planning strategy for individuals using SCIs.
Swiss residents who own French property through SCIs should reconsider their approach to property management and ownership.
These rulings suggest that the traditional advantages of SCIs could be significantly diminished, prompting a re-evaluation of whether SCIs remain the best structure for cross-border real estate holdings.
In the short term, property owners will need to assess how these rulings affect their tax filings and ensure compliance with both Swiss and French tax authorities.
In conclusion, the Swiss Federal Court’s decisions from December 2022 and June 2024 mark a turning point for the use of SCIs by Swiss residents.
The evolving tax landscape will require careful navigation, and individuals should seek professional advice to avoid unexpected tax liabilities.
If you have any queries on this article on SCIs for French Property, or other Swiss tax matters, then please get in touch.
On 23 May 2024, the Luxembourg government introduced a bill of law and a draft of Grand Ducal regulation to address several key tax issues.
These proposals aim to:
Once enacted, these changes will enhance legal certainty for a wide range of taxpayers.
The Luxembourg government aims to address specific case law developments and increase legal certainty with these legislative amendments.
Effective 1 January 2025, the minimum NWT rules will be amended to align with the Constitutional Court ruling 185/23 from 10 November 2023.
The current two-tier NWT system will be replaced with a single system based on the taxpayer’s balance sheet total:
In response to 2023 court rulings, the bill clarifies that redeeming an entire class of shares qualifies as partial liquidation under article 101 of the income tax law if the following conditions are met:
Additionally, if the redeemed share class is held by an individual with significant participation, their identity must be reported in the annual tax return.
Taxpayers will have the option to waive the 50% dividend exemption and full participation exemption on dividends and capital gains if specific conditions are met.
This change aims to reduce mismatches between Luxembourg and other jurisdictions’ participation exemption regimes and to help taxpayers manage tax loss carryforwards effectively.
The waiver must be made annually and separately for each participation, starting from the tax year 2025.
From 1 January 2025, Luxembourg will mandate electronic filing for withholding tax returns on directors’ fees and wage withholding tax, streamlining tax compliance and assessment procedures.
The bill will be debated in Parliament and may be amended before the expected vote later in 2024.
For further information on Luxembourg Wealth Tax, or Luxembourg taxes more generally, then please get in touch.
In an effort to address economic inequality, the Biden Administration has put forth bold proposals aiming to tax the wealthiest Americans more effectively.
Highlighted in President Biden’s State of the Union Address, these proposals include a minimum tax on the ultra-wealthy, specifically targeting those with assets over $100 million.
This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to generate over $4.5 trillion in new taxes over the next decade, with a significant portion coming from corporations.
The new tax proposals mark a significant shift in how wealth is taxed in the United States.
For the first time, a 25% tax could be imposed not only on annual income but also on the increase in the value of holdings, such as stocks and real estate.
This approach aims to capture the unrealized gains of the ultra-wealthy, a wealth source traditionally elusive to the IRS.
Despite the innovative nature of these proposals, many tax experts (this one included!) express skepticism regarding their enforceability.
Concerns revolve around the IRS’s ability to accurately assess the net worth and complex assets of the ultra-wealthy.
Additionally, the volatility of assets like stocks raises questions about the stability of this revenue source.
Critics argue that simpler changes to the tax code could achieve similar goals without the complexities of estimating unrealised gains.
The Biden Administration’s proposals resonate with global trends toward more equitable taxation.
Following a historic agreement on a minimum tax rate for multinational corporations, international finance ministers have begun discussions on a minimum personal tax for the world’s billionaires.
This reflects a growing consensus on the need for tax systems that more effectively target the wealth of the ultra-rich.
Efforts to increase taxation on the wealthy are not new.
Past administrations, including Obama’s, have sought to implement measures like the “Buffett rule” without success.
Today, despite strong Democratic support for taxing the ultra-wealthy, opposition from Republicans and some centrist Democrats remains a significant barrier.
The ongoing debate reflects a broader conversation about economic equity and the role of taxation in achieving it.
As these tax proposals move through the legislative process, they promise to ignite vigorous debates on fairness, economic policy, and the future of taxation in America.
While the path to implementation may be fraught with challenges, the Biden Administration’s initiative underscores a commitment to addressing wealth inequality and ensuring that all Americans contribute their fair share to the nation’s fiscal health.
Whether these proposals are remotely workable, is a different matter.
If you have any queries about this article Biden Seeks New Taxes on the Ultra-Wealthy or US tax matters in general, then please get in touch.
Starting in 2024, France’s real estate wealth tax legislation introduces a significant change concerning the deductibility of certain debts.
This alteration ensures that debts incurred by entities unrelated to a taxable asset are excluded from the wealth tax assessment.
The Finance Law for 2024 has refined Article 973 of the French tax code, thereby affecting the valuation of shares for wealth tax calculations.
Under the new law, debts “not related to a taxable asset” by a company cannot influence the wealth tax.
This shift brings the rules for indirect debts, via companies, in line with those already set for direct taxpayer debts.
Prior to this update, there were no specific restrictions on the types of company debts that could be factored into the wealth tax calculation.
It meant that even debts for non-taxable assets, like movable or financial holdings, could be deducted.
However, starting with the 2024 tax year, the law will align the treatment of all debts, ensuring a consistent approach whether the debt is direct or through a company’s liabilities.
The FTC doesn’t explicitly define what constitutes a debt “relating to a taxable asset.”
Hence, guidance may be sought from Article 974, which outlines several deductible debt categories, including those for acquisition, maintenance, improvement, or associated taxes of real estate assets.
There’s an interesting twist in the amendment: the valuation cap.
The law states that the taxable share value after considering deductible debts should not exceed the market value of the shares or the market value of the company’s taxable real estate, less related debts – whichever is lesser.
This clause requires careful interpretation to safeguard taxpayers from undue taxation.
Nonetheless, this cap will not impact the enforcement of other deductibility limits, like those on shareholder loans.
In light of these changes, it’s crucial for taxpayers to diligently track the purpose of corporate debts to affirm their connection to taxable assets. Clear accounting practices and well-documented loan agreements outlining the use of funds are now more important than ever to ensure compliance and avoid potential overtaxation.
With the scope of wealth tax evolving, sensible planning and administration are key to navigating these changes effectively.
If you have any queries about this article on French Real Estate Wealth tax and the 2024 changes, or French tax matters more generally, then please get in touch.
Norway has seen a rise in the number of its billionaires leaving the country, in response to increased taxes.
The Norwegian government has implemented stricter rules for taxing its citizens, including the abolition of the five-year period for exit taxation of unrealized gains on shares and other assets.
This means that any gains on assets such as shares will be taxed immediately upon transfer or sale, rather than being taxed over a five-year period.
Additionally, the rules will be extended to include transfers of shares to close family members living abroad.
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As a result, many of Norway’s wealthiest individuals, whose net worth exceeds 1 billion Norwegian kroner (approximately 100 million euros), have reportedly relocated to countries such as Switzerland.
One of the main reasons for this trend is the significant difference in tax rates between Norway and other countries.
According to an analysis by the Heritage Foundation, the top tax rate in Norway is 47.8%, while the country’s total tax burden is 39.9% of total domestic income.
In comparison, Switzerland has a top income tax rate of only between approx. 25% to 40%, and its total tax burden is 28.8% of total domestic income.
Moreover, corporate profits are taxed at 28% in Norway, and dividends are taxed again at 28% income tax rate, leading to a de facto tax of 48.16% on company profits.
In contrast, Switzerland has lower profit taxes (between approx. 12% and 20%), lower income taxes (dividend privilege; between approx. 13% and 30%), lower wealth tax (0.1% to just under 1%), and certain cantons have regulations defining the maximum tax burden to prevent confiscatory taxation in special cases (especially in the case of large non-income-producing assets).
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The Swiss tax system is generally considered advantageous for high-net-worth individuals compared to other countries for several reasons.
First, Switzerland’s federal, cantonal, and municipal tax system allows for relatively low tax rates, especially for high-income earners.
In addition, Switzerland has favorable tax treatment for certain types of income, such as dividends and capital gains.
Dividends from significant shareholdings (10% or more) held as part of an individual’s private assets are subject to preferential taxation.
Capital gains from the sale of private assets are generally tax-free, with an exception on capital gains on Swiss real estate, which are taxed under a special regime.
The Swiss tax system is also decentralized, with each canton having the power to set its own tax rates, leading to a high degree of tax competition between the cantons. This can result in lower overall tax rates for individuals and companies.
Additionally, Switzerland has strict banking secrecy laws that provide wealthy individuals with a high degree of privacy and discretion in their financial affairs, and an extensive network of double taxation treaties that help avoid or significantly reduce double taxation and foreign withholding taxes on dividends.
Switzerland is also known for its high standard of living, excellent infrastructure, and high-quality health and education systems, making it an attractive location for wealthy individuals seeking a stable and prosperous environment.
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In conclusion, the increase in taxes in Norway has led to a rise in the number of billionaires leaving the country.
Switzerland has become a popular destination due to its advantageous tax system, which allows for relatively low tax rates, tax competition between cantons, strict banking secrecy laws, an extensive network of double taxation treaties, and a stable and prosperous environment.
Facing higher taxes in Norway? Don’t wait – see how relocating to Switzerland could dramatically reduce your tax burden and protect your wealth. Get in touch with an expert and take control of your finances now!
The content of this article is provided for educational and information purposes only. It is not intended, and should not be construed, as tax or legal advice. We recommend you seek formal tax and legal advice before taking, or refraining from, any action based on the contents of this article.
Several weeks ago, we commented on the Spanish Government’s recently proposal to introduce a Solidarity Wealth Tax.
However, this article considers new wealth tax proposals – in respect of the Net Wealth Tax and the Solidarity Wealth Tax – for non-Spanish-tax-resident individuals who hold Spanish real estate through one or multiple non-Spanish-resident entities.
It is envisaged that non-Spanish-tax-resident individuals would be subject to the Net Wealth Tax (“NWT”) when they hold shares in an unlisted entity. This would be where “at least 50% of its assets are directly or indirectly made up of real estate located in Spain”.
These new proposals would replace the current domestic provisions which historically have required non-resident individuals to pay NWT in circumstances where they directly own real estate only.
Additionally, the Spanish Government plans to bring in the Solidarity Tax (“ST”) to supplement the regional NWT. The ST will be calculated and assessed at the federal level.
The ST will be levied on non-Spanish-tax-resident individuals with a net wealth in Spain of at least EUR 3 million. It should be noted that this will include any interests in non-resident entities that own Spanish real estate
The NWT can be credited against any ST liability.
It is expected that these measures will be passed before the end of 2022.
If the new legislation is published prior to the end of 2022, then both would apply to indirect holdings of Spanish real estate held on 31 December 2022.
It is currently expected that both would have to be paid in June or July of the following year.
If you have any queries about the Spanish Net Wealth Tax or Solidarity Wealth Tax, or Spanish tax matters in general, then please do get in touch.
The content of this article is provided for educational and information purposes only. It is not intended, and should not be construed, as tax or legal advice. We recommend you seek formal tax and legal advice before taking, or refraining from, any action based on the contents of this article.