10/17/2018 - Bulletin

ATU Bulletin No. 31

Changes to Liechtenstein’s tax law since 2014

Overview: A few years have passed since the revision to Liechtenstein’s tax law on 1 January 2011. It is fair to say that this revision fulfilled expectations. Liechtenstein’s tax law system is regarded as a modern and attractive policy that provides companies and legal entities based here with a tax-friendly and stable environment while promoting Liechtenstein considerably as an economic centre.

Regular EU reviews of numerous jurisdictions with regard to tax transparency, fair corporate taxation and the implementation of the base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) minimum standards resulted in a few regulations being singled out in Liechtenstein’s tax law; Liechtenstein has vowed to amend these before the end of 2018.

Liechtenstein succeeded in adapting its easily legible and attractive tax law to the EU guidelines within the space of just a few months. Although certain holding structures are experiencing a new complexity, Liechtenstein’s tax system, combined with its flexible corporate law, also remains attractive and well-equipped for client expectations in the future. The challenge will be to adopt an upfront approach, together with financial intermediaries and clients, with regard to offering ideas and answers to questions which will ensure that asset structuring continues to meet the expectations of international clients. In this sense, continued success will depend on closer cooperation between the client and fiduciary, in turn forming a basis for effective legally compliant solutions.

This bulletin is intended to provide a general overview of the amendments.

Download our ATU Bulletin No. 31 (December 2018) as PDF document or order it online.