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Global Forums > General > Taxes: are US citizens liable for CH taxes on US-based income?
 
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Taxes: are US citizens liable for CH taxes on US-based income?
Mar 15, 2015 @ 18:19

My husband and I are both US citizens and we have just moved to Geneva. I work for an international organization and my husband is a freelancer whose clients are all in the US, so his income is exclusively US-based. We know we need to file US taxes as citizens, but I am wondering about our tax liability in Switzerland as residents. As an employee of an international organization, my situation is clear, but we are unsure about my husband's: will his US-based freelancing income be taxable in Switzerland? I look forward to your advice, or perhaps a recommendation for an accountant who can clear this up for us.


Thank you!

The text you are quoting:

My husband and I are both US citizens and we have just moved to Geneva. I work for an international organization and my husband is a freelancer whose clients are all in the US, so his income is exclusively US-based. We know we need to file US taxes as citizens, but I am wondering about our tax liability in Switzerland as residents. As an employee of an international organization, my situation is clear, but we are unsure about my husband's: will his US-based freelancing income be taxable in Switzerland? I look forward to your advice, or perhaps a recommendation for an accountant who can clear this up for us.


Thank you!


Celine DMar 15, 2015 @ 18:19
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Re: Taxes: are US citizens liable for CH taxes on US-based income?
Post 1
Mar 20, 2015 @ 13:26

Celine, personal taxes are based primarily on residence so yes your husband will pay tax here


He will need to register as self employed at the Registre du Commerce and also join the social charge system, OCAS for example


I agree with AL, you need a US accountant (like US Tax) more than you need a Swiss one, but you should probably also ask about TVA (sales tax)


Good luck


Phillip

The text you are quoting:

Celine, personal taxes are based primarily on residence so yes your husband will pay tax here


He will need to register as self employed at the Registre du Commerce and also join the social charge system, OCAS for example


I agree with AL, you need a US accountant (like US Tax) more than you need a Swiss one, but you should probably also ask about TVA (sales tax)


Good luck


Phillip


wilycoyote, Mar 20, 2015 @ 13:26
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Re: Taxes: are US citizens liable for CH taxes on US-based income?
Post 2
Mar 20, 2015 @ 17:21

Celine, I don't know the answer in your case, but if you are tax-exempt by virtue of working for an international organization and you are given a "carte de legitimation" through your employer, that would be a very relevant fact to point out to the tax professional you consult.


At the organization I work for, spouses are also issued a carte de legitimation and that entitles them to all the privileges due to the employers. I would start by asking the HR office at your employers'. It all depends on whether you are working for the UN system, another type of international organization or for an institution with a private foundation status.

The text you are quoting:

Celine, I don't know the answer in your case, but if you are tax-exempt by virtue of working for an international organization and you are given a "carte de legitimation" through your employer, that would be a very relevant fact to point out to the tax professional you consult.


At the organization I work for, spouses are also issued a carte de legitimation and that entitles them to all the privileges due to the employers. I would start by asking the HR office at your employers'. It all depends on whether you are working for the UN system, another type of international organization or for an institution with a private foundation status.


JR M, Mar 20, 2015 @ 17:21
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Re: Taxes: are US citizens liable for CH taxes on US-based income?
Post 3
Mar 20, 2015 @ 18:17

I agree with A L and wileycoyote. You and your spouse will both have US tax liabilities and you will both be taxed in CH on your global wealth. They don't care where it comes from...


I further agrwe with the advise to secure the services of a competent tax preparer for both your Swiss and US returns. 


Best of luck. 


KEN

The text you are quoting:

I agree with A L and wileycoyote. You and your spouse will both have US tax liabilities and you will both be taxed in CH on your global wealth. They don't care where it comes from...


I further agrwe with the advise to secure the services of a competent tax preparer for both your Swiss and US returns. 


Best of luck. 


KEN


intlrep1, Mar 20, 2015 @ 18:17
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