ConstructionTax lawCross-border

Public construction law in Germany and Luxembourg covers questions surrounding the construction of buildings and facilities, including permits, building regulations, heritage protection and land use.

Architects' and engineers' law concerns the legal relationships and duties of architects and engineers. It includes liability for defects in planned or completed works, the exercise of the professions and cooperation with clients and other parties. In Germany, this area is governed in part by the HOAI and the Engineers Act.

Real estate law concerns ownership and the use of real property. It includes buying, selling, letting and leasing, as well as land law, neighbour disputes and compensation claims in connection with real estate.

Private construction law often involves property owners, developers, contractors and other professionals. It concerns, among other things, contract negotiations, liability for damage or defects, and disputes about payment or other conditions.

Private construction law is a focus of the practice. We support projects in residential construction, plant construction and civil engineering. Early prevention is often less expensive than litigation. Tailored contracts can give negotiations a sound basis from the outset. Where a dispute arises, cooperation with court-recognised experts can be arranged.

Companies are advised on tax matters from VAT and trade tax to property tax and international requirements. For Luxembourg incorporations, contracts can also be reviewed from a tax perspective.

Fritz Zahnd represents private clients in tax matters before tax authorities and tax courts. The advice covers business models and corporate structures as well as administrative and court proceedings.

For companies, advice also covers the design and implementation of legally compliant, commercially sound tax structures, including cross-border corporate taxation as well as holding and financing structures. Assistance is available in dealings with tax authorities and voluntary disclosures.

In criminal tax law and tax compliance, assistance is available throughout all stages of proceedings, from prevention and voluntary disclosure to the defence of allegations including tax evasion, fraud, accounting offences and money laundering. Companies can also receive support in implementing compliance programmes to identify tax-related criminal risks early. In business and corporate criminal law, allegations may also concern corruption, insider dealing or bribery.

Fritz Zahnd provides a broad range of services in matters affecting cross-border commuters. Alongside objection and litigation proceedings, for example against a tax assessment, we advise on liability of managing directors and board members for corporate tax debts. Cross-border commuters from Luxembourg can also seek advice on income tax returns and tax liability.

German companies active in Luxembourg or planning an incorporation there encounter material differences between German and Luxembourg law. This also applies to construction and real-estate projects.

In cross-border employment relationships, we advise employers and employees on employment agreements and ongoing employment issues. Business partnerships and joint ventures, incorporations, share transfers, disputes over shareholder resolutions and the enforcement of contracts are further recurring matters.