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The compliance effects of the automatic exchange of information: Evidence from the Swiss tax amnesty

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  • Baselgia, Enea

Abstract

This paper studies the effects of the 2017 multilateral automatic exchange of information (AEoI) on tax compliance in Switzerland. Using detailed administrative tax data and difference-in-differences designs, I document large and persistent compliance gains. The AEoI triggered around 107,000 taxpayers (about 2% of all) to enter Switzerland’s tax amnesty, disclosing CHF 37.6 billion of previously hidden wealth (over 5.5% of GDP). At the micro level, once they enter the amnesty, participants increase reported wealth by roughly 50% on average, with effects sustained in the medium run. Finally, the evidence indicates that tax evasion in Switzerland is widespread and comparatively more evenly distributed across the wealth distribution than in other countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Baselgia, Enea, 2026. "The compliance effects of the automatic exchange of information: Evidence from the Swiss tax amnesty," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 258(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pubeco:v:258:y:2026:i:c:s0047272726000897
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2026.105653
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • F38 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - International Financial Policy: Financial Transactions Tax; Capital Controls
    • F42 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - International Policy Coordination and Transmission
    • H24 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Personal Income and Other Nonbusiness Taxes and Subsidies
    • H26 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Tax Evasion and Avoidance
    • K34 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - Tax Law
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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