Distributions from Foreign Foundations and Trusts—The Case-law of the German Federal Fiscal Court (BFH)

Abstract

The taxation of distributions from foreign foundations and trusts to beneficiaries resident in Germany is highly relevant in practice, but continues to be fraught with uncertainties. The article shows that recent case-law of the German Federal Fiscal Court (BFH) has clarified the position only partially. It is shown that economic double taxation burdens can only be avoided with careful planning which should ideally start before establishing German tax residency.