Liebherr under investigation

The Times exclusive: Markus and Katharina Liebherr, in conjunction with her inheritance of her father's estate, under investigation in Germany. Markus reported to have stated that Zurich was his place of residence while living in Germany and avoiding tax...

The Times believes this is why Katharina is pushing for a swift conclusion in the attempted sale of the club.



DTLW

 

Never rain but it pours.

 

Harry must be in the running to replace Claude then.

 

Well, that's a twist I don't think anyone was expecting.

Seven years after his death -- and presumably, longer since the evasion suggested -- is an awfully long time later to be catching wind. The internet, in its consistent wrongness, says that the statute of limitations on tax debts in Germany is five years; either that is incorrect (I got it off the website of PWC) or there's a wrinkle with estate management/another detail that changes things. Statute of limitations on the criminal charge of tax evasion is longer, but would be rather difficult to go after Markus on that...

 

It's hardly a hardship to live in Geneva. If I'd decided to live there for tax reasons, I'd damn well stay there the requisite number of months.

 

If you had business elsewhere in Europe, you might find that difficult.

Could be that it is Liebherr owned businesses, rather than individuals, that are being investigated? There is evidence of a political will internationally to go after businesses - Amazon and Starbucks being two high profile examples - that register for tax purposes in jurisdictions where they do a tiny proportion of their business.

 

Article specifically mentions his personal residence, which shouldn't matter for a corporation.

 

Quiet Summer!

 

At least it's not a story about selling players.

 

Appears to be about how long Markus spent in Germany....no direct complaint about Katharina. However, the German tax office are investigating if they can claim against her inheritance so many years after his death.