Moving to Trasquera from a border crossing: pros and cons (cross-border guide)

A frontaliere in a car crossing the border between Italy and Switzerland

Tax settings, permits, expectations: what to know before moving to Trasquera from a border crossing

Context

In a nutshell

  • The New Frontier Agreement was signed on 23 December 2020 and enters into force on 1 January 2024.
  • The new agreement provides for exemption from taxation for old border workers up to €7,500.
  • New frontier workers will have a deductible of €10,000.
  • The Italy-Switzerland Double Taxation Convention was signed on 9 December 1976.
  • Switzerland is not a member of the EU/EEA.

Moving to Trasquera from a border crossing: pros and cons

For Italian citizens who intend to move to Trasquera, a municipality in the Canton of Ticino, Switzerland, with border status, it is important to understand the pros and cons of this choice.

I Pro

  • Reduced taxation : old frontier workers will enjoy an exemption from taxation of up to €7,500, while new frontier workers will have an exemption of €10,000.
  • Free movement: border workers will be able to move freely between Italy and Switzerland, without having to comply with the rules of residence.
  • Access to services: Border workers will be able to access Swiss services, such as health and education, without having to pay accommodation fees.

I against

  • Complex tax rules : Tax rules for frontier workers are complex and can be difficult to understand.
  • Income threshold : Border workers must meet the income threshold established by the agreement, otherwise they could be considered residents and have to pay taxes in Switzerland.
  • Request for

Operational details

Practical analysis Frontier workers who intend to move to Trasquera will have to consider the following implications: The tax at source will be withheld only in Switzerland. For example, if a frontier worker earns CHF 60,000 per year in Switzerland, the source tax will only be withheld in Switzerland and not in Italy. Double taxation will be avoided with the Italian tax credit. According to the agreement between Switzerland and Italy of 1976, the labour income of border workers is subject to taxation in only one of the two countries, thus avoiding double taxation. Border workers will also need to consider the following procedures: They will need to apply for the G or B Permit, which allows them to work in Switzerland without being subject to residence restrictions. They will have to register with the Revenue Agency, which will be responsible for collecting Italian taxes and providing the tax return. In addition, frontier workers will have to consider the following expectations: The management of labour income. Border workers must take into account the Swiss and Italian tax rules to avoid being subject to double taxation. Property tax. If frontiersmen purchase property in Switzerland, they will need to consider Swiss and Italian property tax.

Concrete scenarios A border worker moving to Trasquera may need to consider the following options: * Working in Switzerland and residing in Italy. For example, a border crossing could | Non-EU/EEA member Switzerland |

References Swiss Federal Law of 14 December 1966 on Income and Wealth Taxes (RL 642.11) Agreement between Switzerland and Italy of 9 December 1976 on the Prevention of Double Taxation * New Frontier Agreement of 23 December 2020

Key points

Step-by-step procedure

Border workers who intend to move to Trasquera must follow the following procedures:

1. Apply for Permit G or B, which allows you to work in Switzerland as a border worker. You must apply within 14 days of arrival in Switzerland. 2. Register with the Revenue Agency, where they must provide their data and receive a registration number. 3. Manage employment income, including the calculation of taxes and the management of tax returns.

Deadlines

Border workers must consider the following deadlines:

  • On 1 January 2024, the entry into force of the New Frontier Agreement, which provides for new rules for frontier workers in Switzerland.
  • Registration with the Revenue Agency within 30 days of arrival in Switzerland.
  • The filing of the tax return by March 31 of each year.

Tools

To learn more about working income management, check out our salary calculator, which can help you calculate your net salary and payroll taxes.

Concrete examples

For example, if a frontier earns CHF 4,500 per month and has a 10% tax, his net salary will be around CHF 4,050. If you decide to move to Trasquera, you will need to consider transfer costs, such as the cost of travel and renting an apartment.

Operational Checklists

For efficient management of employment income, it is advisable to follow the following checklist:

*

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for G or B Leave?
To apply for the G or B Leave, you will need to contact the Federal Tax Administration (AFC/ESTV) or visit their website.
How do I register with the Revenue Agency?
To register with the Revenue Agency, you will need to submit the required documents and fill out the registration form available on their website.
How can I manage my work income?
To manage your employment income, you will need to consult our salary calculator and consider the applicable taxes and fees.

Related articles