Q: Who is required to file a tax return in Switzerland?

Generally, everyone aged 18 and over – in most cantons regardless of income . You also need to file a return for part-time jobs, scholarships and summer jobs, even if they are partially tax-exempt.

Q: What is the purpose of a tax return?

It is the basis on which the tax office calculates your tax liability . It is also a means by which to claim deductions and thus save on taxes.

Q: Why do I pay less tax than someone in a neighboring municipality?

Taxes are levied at three levels: federal, cantonal and municipal . There are significant differences, particularly at cantonal and municipal level . This is due to the respective tax multiplier ("Steuerfuss"). For the same income, this multiplier can result in a difference of several hundred francs per year. For example: Imagine you’re single, have no children and earn about CHF 70,000 gross per year. In a municipality with a relatively high tax multiplier of 119%, you’d pay roughly CHF 6,500 in cantonal and municipal taxes. If you live in a municipality with a relatively low tax multiplier of 72%, the amount would be about CHF 4,500. That’s a difference of about CHF 2,000 – for the same salary.

Q: What’s the difference between estimated and final taxes?

The preliminary tax bill is an estimate based on the previous year . It does not become final until your new tax return has been processed . Depending on how your income has changed, you will either receive a refund or have to pay additional taxes.

Q: How do I fill out my tax return?

Your tax return is generally divided into four sections: personal information (which determines your tax rate), income (from your salary statement), assets (bank accounts, stocks or your car, for example), and expenses or deductions . Fill it out section by section, and attach all supporting documents. The easiest way to do this is using the tax software provided by your canton of residence . You can easily find it by searching online for “tax return [your canton]”. With your documents on hand, you’ll only need around 30 minutes to fill out your return.

Q: Which deductions are most worthwhile?

With the right deductions, you can often significantly reduce your tax liability . The most significant include: Work-related expenses (for example public transportation passes, meals up to CHF 3,200 per year, professional literature and work clothing) Further education up to CHF 13,000 Payments into pillar 3a Other items that are often overlooked include: Medical expenses Donations Interest on debt (including credit card interest) Childcare expenses

Q: What other ways can I save on taxes?

Pillar 3a is an ideal way to make tax savings. You can deduct all your contributions to pillar 3a from your taxable income – up to the annual maximum amount . For example: With an income of around CHF 60,000, this can result in tax savings of up to CHF 2,500 per year. In addition, the money is also helping to grow your pension .

Q: How much should I set aside for taxes each year?

As a rough guide, you should expect to set aside one and a half to two months’ salary , depending on your income and where you live. You can easily calculate your approximate tax liability using a tax calculator. Tip: You can set up a standing order to deposit money into a separate account each month or make payments on account directly. Some cantons even pay a small amount of interest on these deposits.

Q: When is the deadline for filing my tax return?

In most cantons, the deadline is the end of March , but you can easily request an extension almost anywhere – online or by email to your municipality.

Question 1

Who is required to file a tax return in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

Generally, everyone aged 18 and over – in most cantons regardless of income. You also need to file a return for part-time jobs, scholarships and summer jobs, even if they are partially tax-exempt.

Question 2

What is the purpose of a tax return?

Accepted Answer

It is the basis on which the tax office calculates your tax liability. It is also a means by which to claim deductions and thus save on taxes.

Question 3

Why do I pay less tax than someone in a neighboring municipality?

Accepted Answer

Taxes are levied at three levels: federal, cantonal and municipal. There are significant differences, particularly at cantonal and municipal level. This is due to the respective tax multiplier ("Steuerfuss"). For the same income, this multiplier can result in a difference of several hundred francs per year.

For example: Imagine you’re single, have no children and earn about CHF 70,000 gross per year. In a municipality with a relatively high tax multiplier of 119%, you’d pay roughly CHF 6,500 in cantonal and municipal taxes. If you live in a municipality with a relatively low tax multiplier of 72%, the amount would be about CHF 4,500. That’s a difference of about CHF 2,000 – for the same salary.

Question 4

What’s the difference between estimated and final taxes?

Accepted Answer

The preliminary tax bill is an estimate based on the previous year. It does not become final until your new tax return has been processed. Depending on how your income has changed, you will either receive a refund or have to pay additional taxes.

Question 5

What documents do I need for my tax return?

Accepted Answer

You’ll need the following documents for your tax return:

Salary statement
Bank statements and interest statements for all your accounts and brokerage accounts
Pillar 3a confirmations
Health insurance certificate
Receipts for work-related expenses

Tip: Collect these documents throughout the year. That way, you’ll have them at your fingertips when it’s time to file your tax return, and you’ll save time filling it out.

Question 6

How do I fill out my tax return?

Accepted Answer

Your tax return is generally divided into four sections: personal information (which determines your tax rate), income (from your salary statement), assets (bank accounts, stocks or your car, for example), and expenses or deductions.

Fill it out section by section, and attach all supporting documents. The easiest way to do this is using the tax software provided by your canton of residence. You can easily find it by searching online for “tax return [your canton]”. With your documents on hand, you’ll only need around 30 minutes to fill out your return.

Question 7

Which deductions are most worthwhile?

Accepted Answer

With the right deductions, you can often significantly reduce your tax liability. The most significant include:

Work-related expenses (for example public transportation passes, meals up to CHF 3,200 per year, professional literature and work clothing)
Further education up to CHF 13,000
Payments into pillar 3a

Other items that are often overlooked include:

Medical expenses
Donations
Interest on debt (including credit card interest)
Childcare expenses

Question 8

What other ways can I save on taxes?

Accepted Answer

Pillar 3a is an ideal way to make tax savings. You can deduct all your contributions to pillar 3a from your taxable income – up to the annual maximum amount.

For example: With an income of around CHF 60,000, this can result in tax savings of up to CHF 2,500 per year. In addition, the money is also helping to grow your pension.

Question 9

How much should I set aside for taxes each year?

Accepted Answer

As a rough guide, you should expect to set aside one and a half to two months’ salary, depending on your income and where you live. You can easily calculate your approximate tax liability using a tax calculator.

Tip: You can set up a standing order to deposit money into a separate account each month or make payments on account directly. Some cantons even pay a small amount of interest on these deposits.

Question 10

When is the deadline for filing my tax return?

Accepted Answer

In most cantons, the deadline is the end of March, but you can easily request an extension almost anywhere – online or by email to your municipality.

Question 11

What if I need help?

Accepted Answer

Many municipalities offer free advice, so it’s worth taking a look at your municipality’s website.

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