Zug tax authorities should have access to the ‘Panama Papers’

Photograph: Entrance to the cantonal tax administration in Zug.
 
The Zug Government should ensure that the tax administration and the judicial authorities have access to the documents of the so-called "Panama Papers". And, where necessary, this should take place with the assistance of the Federal Government and in cooperation with other cantons, demands the SP parliamentary group in a motion.
 
The partially published "Panama Papers" have uncovered a wide system of "trust" and "shell companies" that serve to mask the true owners or the recipients of financial assets. Such constructions are not illegal per se, writes the SP parliamentary group in its proposition, which was published on Friday. These constructions could, however, be used to evade taxes, or even to launder money.
 
Furthermore, many of the mailbox companies that are domiciled in tax havens such as Panama are managed from Switzerland, it is further noted. In these cases, they should be taxed in Switzerland and be subject to Swiss tax law.