TAX EXPERT International AG: Reclaiming Switzerland’s Attractive Tax Environment - Interview with: Richard Wuermli, Managing Partner, TAX EXPERT International AG, a sponsor company at the marcus evans European Tax Summit 2012, on benefiting from the attractive tax environment that Switzerland has to offer.

1. TAX EXPERT International AG:
Reclaiming Switzerland’s
Attractive Tax Environment
Switzerland found itself under heavy relocated and moveable/immovable
attack when it was placed on the tax intellectual property rights when
haven grey list in 2009. The Swiss moving to the nation.
principle of bank secrecy strictly
limited any information from being
shared with third parties, making it
difficult to come off that list due to There is a
the information exchange clause in
the double tax treaty. move to make
Nevertheless, Switzerland signed new
double tax treaties in agreement with Switzerland
even more
Interview with: Richard Wuermli, international standards set by the
Managing Partner, TAX EXPERT OECD, and was thus removed from
International AG the list. Through this course of action,
numerous benefits for businesses,
including lower tax rates, the capital
attractive
After Switzerland was placed on the
Organisation for Economic Co-
contribution principle and arbitration
board clauses in the double tax than before
operation and Development’s (OECD) treaties were introduced.
grey list in 2009, there has been a
move to make the tax environment Although we are no longer seen as a How should organisations
even more attractive than before, tax haven, there are now movements develop their transfer pricing
says Richard Wuermli, Managing to lower the tax rates even further strategies?
Partner, TAX EXPERT International and a new Licence Box Rule has been
AG. Businesses are now benefiting introduced which is very favourable to Respective authorities are becoming
from zero rates, arbitration board companies. There is a move to make more aggressive and attacking
clauses and a new Licence Box Rule, Switzerland even more attractive than companies on transfer pricing
he adds. before. aspects.
From a sponsor company at the What guidance would you give Having a centralised filing system, a
upcoming marcus evans European regarding international mergers master file, is crucial. If an
Tax Summit 2012, taking place and acquisitions? organisation were to be attacked in a
in Dublin, Ireland, 26 - 27 March, certain jurisdiction, it would have
Wuermli shares his views on why Many European headquarters are easy access to all documents needed
more European company moving to Switzerland in order to to defend its transfer policy. In many
headquarters are moving to benefit from the low tax rates for countries, an Advanced Pricing
Switzerland to take advantage of its companies as well as for employees. Agreement (APA) would resolve
favourable tax environment. Organisations value political stability, transfer pricing disputes in a
strong currencies and security, and cooperative manner. A best practice
How has Switzerland bounced that is what the country has to offer. is to have a strong centralised filing
back from being put on the OECD The question arises whether there is system for all documents and
grey list? heavy exit tax, taxation of assets contracts.

2. About the European Tax Summit 2012
The Finance Network –
marcus evans Summits group
This unique forum will take place at The Four Seasons, Dublin, Ireland, 26 - 27
delivers peer-to-peer information
2012. Offering much more than any conference, exhibition or trade show, this
on strategic matters, professional
exclusive meeting will bring together esteemed industry thought leaders and
trends and breakthrough
solution providers to a highly focused and interactive networking event. The
innovations.
Summit includes visionary presentations and interactive forums on substantial fiscal
deficits, minimising tax gaps and developing transfer pricing strategies.
www.taxsummit.com
Contact
Please note that the Summit is a
Stacey Melvin, Journalist, marcus evans, Summits Division
closed business event and the
number of participants strictly
Tel: + 357 22 849 400
limited. Email: press@marcusevanscy.com
For more information please send an email to info@marcusevanscy.com
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inform us by sending an email to press@marcusevanscy.com
About TAX EXPERT International AG
We are a world-wide leading international tax consulting firm. Our tax expert teams reliably assist you when it comes to complex
national and international tax set-ups. We develop tax strategies and concepts that are easy to be translated into practice - tailor-
made for your needs. Together, we determine your success, implement solutions orientated towards the future and generate
surplus value for your group of companies.
www.taxexpert.ch
About marcus evans Summits
marcus evans Summits are high level business forums for the world’s leading decision-makers to meet, learn and discuss
strategies and solutions. Held at exclusive locations around the world, these events provide attendees with a unique opportunity to
individually tailor their schedules of keynote presentations, think tanks, seminars and one-to-one business meetings.
For more information, please visit: www.marcusevans.com
Upcoming Events
CFO Summit 2012 (Australia & New Zealand) - www.cfo-anz.com
CFO Summit (North America) - www.cfosummits.com
Tax Officers Summit 2012 - www.taxofficerssummit.com
To view the web version of this interview, please click here: www.taxsummit.com/RichardWuermli