Swiss Investments in the U.S.

Übersicht

Swiss private and corporate investors entering the U.S. market face different legal and tax systems at federal and state levels. The choice between an LLC, C-Körperschaft, oder Partnerschaft defines how profits are taxed, how the U.S.–Switzerland treaty applies, and how profits can be repatriated to Switzerland.

The right structure depends on whether the investor is an individual or company, the investment’s activity level (active vs. passive), and the importance of liability protection, reporting obligations, and treaty access.

LLC (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung)

For Swiss investors, the U.S. LLC requires careful treatment. The U.S. may view an LLC as transparent (pass-through), while Switzerland typically classifies it as a corporation. This hybrid treatment can cause double taxation or uncertainty unless properly structured.

• Vorteile: Simple setup, limited liability, flexible profit allocation.
• Nachteile: Treaty protection uncertain; possible double taxation; additional filings (Forms 1120, 5472).

C-Körperschaft

Most common for non-U.S. investors. A C-Corporation is a U.S. tax resident subject to corporate tax (≈21% federal plus state). Dividends to Swiss shareholders are subject to 30% withholding tax, reduced under the U.S.–Switzerland treaty zu 5 % for corporate shareholders (≥10% ownership) or 15 % für Einzelpersonen.

• Vorteile: Full treaty eligibility, limited liability, clear compliance framework.
• Nachteile: Entity-level tax + withholding on dividends; requires proper documentation.

Partnerschaften (LP / LLP)

Often used for U.S. real estate or joint ventures. Partnerships are transparent for U.S. tax purposes, meaning Swiss partners must report their share of income directly. This usually creates “Effectively Connected Income (ECI)” and triggers U.S. filing requirements.

• Vorteile: Flexible profit/loss allocation, flow-through taxation.
• Nachteile: Direct U.S. filing obligations (Forms 8805, 1040NR, 1120-F); treaty benefits depend on partner structure.

U.S.–Switzerland Tax Treaty

The treaty between the United States and Switzerland provides mechanisms to avoid double taxation and defines where profits are taxed:

• In den USA steuerpflichtige Unternehmensgewinne nur dann, wenn es eine ständige Niederlassung.
• Reduced withholding: 5 % for qualifying corporate shareholders, 15 % für Einzelpersonen.
• Exemption or credit methods available in Switzerland for U.S. tax paid.
• Exchange of information and FATCA coordination apply.

Einbehaltung und Berichterstattung

Swiss investors must complete Formular W-8BEN (for individuals) or W-8BEN-E (for entities) to claim treaty reductions. Without these forms, U.S. withholding defaults to 30 %.

Typical compliance steps include:

• Applying for a U.S. Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• FATCA/CRS reporting via Swiss financial institutions
• U.S. income tax filings (Form 1120-F or 1040NR)
• Disclosure of ownership and related-party transactions (Form 5472)

Vergleichstabelle: LLC vs. C-Corp vs. Partnerschaft

Wen wir beraten

• Swiss companies and family offices expanding into the U.S.
• Private investors acquiring U.S. real estate or startup equity.
• Swiss banks and fiduciaries managing U.S. holdings for clients.

FAQ