Varese 2026: Swiss-Italy Congress on Taxation and Cross-Border Work

Context

TL;DR

• 10th Swiss-Italy Congress in Varese on cross-border work and investments.
• Tourism between Lombardy and Ticino up 10% in 2025.
• Stricter tax rules on cryptocurrencies and foreign assets.
• Cross-border workers face complex tax regulations and double taxation risks.

Key facts

• Event: 10th Swiss-Italy Congress organized by Studio Giallo.
• Location: Ville Ponti, Varese, Italy.
• Tourist arrivals: 1.7 million in 2025, up 10% from 2024.
• Overnight stays: 3.2 million in 2025, up 10% from 2024.
• Cryptocurrency tax: Italy's capital gains tax rate on cryptocurrencies rises to 33% from 2026.
• Penalties: Up to 15% of undeclared value for not monitoring foreign assets in Italy.
• Border crossings: Over 200,000 daily crossings between Italy and Switzerland.
• Tax return deadline: End of November (730 form) or end of June (Redditi PF form) in Italy.

📊 The 10th Swiss-Italy Congress, organized by Studio Giallo at the Ville Ponti in Varese, brought together experts, businesses, and cross-border workers to tackle the challenges of employment and investments across borders. Key topics included taxation, cryptocurrencies, and the mobility of assets between Italy and Ticino.

Growing tourism between Lombardy and the Canton of Ticino

Mauro Vitiello, President of the Varese Chamber of Commerce, opened the event by presenting 2025 data: 1.7 million tourist arrivals and 3.2 million overnight stays, both up by 10% compared to 2024. The Varese Welcome Foundation, involving over 30 municipalities, aims to coordinate territorial promotion with initiatives such as the Lakes Cycle Path, designed for both tourism and daily mobility. The project strengthens ties with Ticino, where daily cross-border connections are becoming increasingly frequent.

Vitiello also highlighted a shift in residency choices: 'We have received requests from citizens working in Switzerland who want to relocate to Italy due to rising living costs.' This trend is reshaping the balance between the two countries, historically linked by strong labor interconnections.

Focus on cross-border taxation and assets

The heart of the conference focused on tax obligations for those holding assets abroad. Salvatore Giallo, an international taxation expert, reminded attendees that Italian regulations require financial monitoring in the RW framework for foreign assets, with penalties up to 15% of the undeclared value. 'Monitoring costs little, but not doing so can cost dearly,' Giallo warned, citing automatic information exchanges between states that make it increasingly difficult to hide undeclared assets.

Particular attention was given to safety deposit boxes, often considered opaque but which, according to Giallo, 'are increasingly traceable thanks to targeted controls.' Capital gains on foreign real estate are also subject to reporting obligations, with taxation varying according to local regulations.

Cryptocurrencies: stricter rules in Italy and Switzerland

Andrea Puzone and Pietro Soldati analyzed cryptocurrency taxation in Italy and Switzerland. In Italy, from 2026, the capital gains tax rate on many cryptocurrencies has risen to 33%, up from the previous 26%. Financial monitoring is also mandatory, with penalties up to 15% for omitted declarations. From September 2027, the OECD’s Common Reporting Standard (CRS) will come into force, increasing the traceability of international transactions.

In Switzerland, private capital gains remain tax-exempt only if the activity is not considered professional. This is a competitive advantage for cross-border workers investing in cryptocurrencies, but it requires careful attention to local regulations to avoid disputes.

Controls and borders: the challenge for the Guardia di Finanza

Francesca Bertone, Lieutenant Colonel of the Guardia di Finanza, outlined control activities on the Italian-Swiss border, one of Europe’s most dynamic with over 200,000 daily crossings. Bertone stressed that 'tax fraud does not respect borders,' and collaboration between Italy and Switzerland is crucial to combating evasion. Key issues include cracking down on currency smuggling and suspicious capital movements, particularly near crossings like Brogeda and Ponte Chiasso.

Real estate investments: what changes for cross-border workers

Another central topic was cross-border property purchases. Experts highlighted how Italian regulations impose an obligation to declare foreign real estate, with taxation both in Italy and in the country of residence. In Switzerland, taxation depends on the canton and type of property, with rates varying significantly between Ticino and other regions.

The complexity of regulations and the need to avoid double taxation have led many cross-border workers to seek specialized advice, especially for purchase-sale transactions or inheritance matters.

Operational details

Before vs after: what changes for cross-border commuters Congress has highlighted how tax legislation is becoming increasingly stringent, especially for those who hold assets or investments across borders. This involves real risks for those who do not comply: penalties of up to 15% of the undeclared value, targeted checks on safety deposit boxes and traceability of international trade.

For cross-border commuters who work in Ticino but reside in Italy, the implications are many: - RW monitoring obligation: Those who have accounts abroad, real estate or cryptocurrencies must declare them in the RW form of the Italian tax return. Omission can cost dearly, especially after the introduction of the Carf protocol. - Taxation of capital gains on cryptocurrencies: In Italy, the rate has risen to 33%, while in Switzerland, private capital gains remain exempt if they do not derive from professional activity. A difference that can influence investment choices. - Real estate purchases: Italian legislation requires the declaration of real estate held abroad, with taxation in both Italy and Switzerland. This can make investments less convenient, especially in Ticino municipalities with high real estate prices.

Scenario 1: Cross-border commuter with assets in Switzerland A cross-border worker who holds a current account in Switzerland, a property in Lugano and invests in cryptocurrencies must face a series of obligations: - RW form: Declare the current account and the property, paying the Ivie (Tax on the value of real estate abroad) in Italy. - Cryptocurrency capital gains: If you have sold cryptocurrencies with a profit, you must declare the capital gain at 33% in Italy, even if the asset was purchased in Switzerland. - Declaration in Switzerland: In Ticino, real estate is subject to wealth tax and wealth tax, while private capital gains on cryptocurrencies are not taxed.

Scenario 2: The cross-border commuter who moves to Italy Those who decide to move to Italy to reduce the cost of living must consider: - Change of tax residence: Within 30 days of the transfer, the change of residence must be communicated to the Italian Revenue Agency and the Ticino municipality. - Assets abroad: Real estate and current accounts held in Switzerland must be declared in Italy with the affixing of the RW code. - Income taxation: In Italy, income produced in Switzerland (e.g. property rentals) is taxed according to Italian rates, with a possible tax credit for taxes already paid in Ticino.

Scenario 3: Crypto Investor Crypto investors should take into account the differences between the two countries: - Italy: Obligation to declare capital gains at 33%, tax monitoring and penalties for failure to declare. From 2027, greater traceability thanks to the Carf protocol. - Switzerland: Exempt private capital gains, but only if the activity is not considered professional. Beware of frequent operations, which could be classified as entrepreneurial activity.

Comparison of regulations: what is more convenient?

The following table summarizes the main differences between Italy and Switzerland for cross-border commuters:

| Appearance | Italy | Switzerland | |---------------------------|-------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | Crypto Capital Gains | 33% (from 2026) | Exempt if private | | RW Monitoring | Mandatory for foreign assets | Not applicable | | Real estate taxation | There and personal income tax on rental income| Wealth and wealth tax in Ticino | | Auto Exchanges | Carf Protocol (from 2027) | Cooperation with EU states | | Penalties for failure to declare | Up to 15% of the undeclared value | Variable administrative penalties |

What do those who do not comply risk?

The consequences for those who fail to declare assets or capital gains can be serious: - Administrative penalties: Up to 15% of the undeclared value, plus interest on late payments. - Targeted checks: The Guardia di Finanza can initiate inspections on safe deposit boxes or suspicious bank transactions. - Problems with the Swiss tax authorities: Switzerland also cooperates with Italy for the exchange of information, so undeclared assets could also be taken over by the Ticino tax administration.

Practical tips for cross-border commuters 1. Consult a tax advisor:

The complexity of the regulations makes it essential to have the support of a professional specialized in international taxation. 2. Keep track of all movements: Current accounts, real estate, cryptocurrencies, and other foreign assets should be monitored carefully. 3. Check the deadlines: The RW form must be completed by the deadline of the Italian tax return (usually the end of November for 730 forms). 4. Beware of safe deposit boxes: Although not subject to standard automatic exchanges, they can be subject to targeted checks. 5. Keep up to date with regulatory changes: The 2026 Budget Law and the Carf protocol will introduce new rules that could impact investments and assets.

Useful tools for your case To conveniently check your scenario within/over 20 km, use the net salary calculator and tax return guide.

Useful planning tools

To estimate your pension strategy, use the pension planner and the pillar 3 simulator.

Key points

Step by step: what to do to comply If you are a cross-border commuter with assets, investments or income across the border, these are the concrete steps you should follow to avoid penalties and optimize your tax position.

1. Declaring foreign assets with the RW form By the deadline for the Italian tax return (usually the end of November for the 730 form), you must fill in the RW form if you have: - Current accounts or deposits abroad (including safe deposit boxes in Switzerland). - Real estate or land held abroad (e.g., a house in Lugano or Mendrisio). - Holdings in foreign companies or cryptocurrencies.

Documents required: - Swiss bank statements. - Deed of ownership or cadastral certificate for real estate. - Buy/sell prospectuses for cryptocurrencies.

How to do it: 1. Access the 730 or Redditi PF (personal income tax return) form through the Revenue Agency website. 2. Fill in the RW form indicating the code of the foreign country (for Switzerland, the code is CH). 3. For real estate, calculate the Ivie (Tax on the value of real estate abroad) at 0.4% of the cadastral or market value (depending on the legislation). 4. If you have crypto, declare capital gains at 33% in the RT framework of the declaration.

💡 Tip: If you have difficulties, contact an accountant specialized in international taxation or use the calcolatore di imposte per frontalieri.

2. Verify the taxation of cryptocurrencies If you have invested in cryptocurrencies, you must declare capital gains in Italy, even if the transactions were carried out on Swiss exchanges or with foreign wallets.

Deadlines and rates: - Tax rate: 33% from 2026 (it was 26% in 2025). - Minimum threshold: Capital gains of more than €2,000 per year must be declared. - Monitoring: It is mandatory to fill in the RW form for foreign wallets and the RT form for capital gains.

What to do: - Collect all exchange statements and buy/sell prospectuses. - Calculate capital gains using the FIFO (First In, First Out) method to identify the trades to be reported. - If you have sold cryptocurrencies at a loss, you can only offset capital gains if the trades are all declared.

⚠️ Attention: From September 2027, the Carf protocol will make international trade even more transparent. Those who have not declared their cryptocurrencies correctly will risk targeted checks.

3. Managing real estate in Ticino If you own a property in Ticino, you must declare it in both Italy and Switzerland, respecting the regulations of both countries.

In Italy: - Fill in the RW form of the 730/PF Income form. - Pay the Ivie at 0.4% of the cadastral or market value (depending on local rules). - If you rent the property, declare rental income as land income.

In Switzerland: - The property is subject to wealth tax (in Ticino, the rate varies between 0.1% and 0.3% of the value of the property). - If you are not a resident of Switzerland, you do not pay rental income tax in Ticino, but you must declare it in Italy. - For succession, check the Ticino cantonal rules, which may provide for different rates than in Italy.

Documents required: - Title deed. - Swiss cadastral certificate. - Lease agreements (if you rent the property).

📊 Useful tool: Use the cost of living calculator in Ticino to estimate the overall tax impact.

4. Change of tax residence: what to do if you move to Italy If you are considering moving to Italy to reduce the cost of living, follow these steps:

Before the transfer: 1. Notify the change of residence to the Ticino municipality of origin and to the Italian Revenue Agency. 2. Declare foreign assets in the 730/PF Income form by the deadline. 3. Check local taxes in Ticino: some taxes (such as wealth taxes) may be due until the day of the move.

After the transfer: 1. Update the data to the Italian Revenue Agency and INPS. 2. Check the taxation of income produced in Switzerland: in Italy, foreign income is taxed according to Italian rates, with a possible tax credit for taxes already paid in Ticino. 3. Check the benefits for returning from abroad (for example, the benefit for returnees if you return after at least 2 years of residence abroad).

⚠️ Please note: If you maintain tax residency in Switzerland but work in Ticino, you may be subject to taxation in both Italy and Switzerland. Check the double taxation agreement between the two countries.

5. Where to find help and useful tools

• Accountants and tax advisors: Turn to professionals specialized in international taxation, especially for complex assets or investments in cryptocurrencies.
• Revenue Agency: On the website agenziaentrate.gov.it you will find guides and templates for tax returns.
• SUPSI/USI: Università della Svizzera Italiana offers courses and seminars on taxation and cross-border work.
• Guardia di Finanza: To report anomalies or obtain clarification on controls, you can contact the territorial offices in Lombardy.

📌 Deadlines to remember: - Italian tax return: End of November (form 730) or end of June (Income PF form). - RW form: Mandatory compilation by the deadline of the declaration. - Carf Protocol: From September 2027, greater traceability of international trade.

Final CTA: Act Now to Avoid Surprises Don't wait until the last moment – the complexity of cross-border tax regulations takes time to handle properly. Whether you are a cross-border commuter with assets in Switzerland, a cryptocurrency investor, or a citizen considering moving to Italy, the most common mistake is to underestimate tax compliance.

💡 What to do today: 1. Do a tax check-up of your foreign assets and investments. 2. Consult with an accountant to verify your position. 3. Use Frontaliere Ticino's tools to calculate taxes and simulate scenarios: - Calcolatore imposte per frontalieri - cost of living comparator for Ticino vs Italy - Guida ai permessi di soggiorno per frontalieri

Don't risk penalties or controls: tax evasion doesn't pay, but planning does.

Source: varesenews.it