Our FAQs
Have any question in mind?
There are 3 levels of taxation in Switzerland.
- The National Level: Federal Taxation
- The cantonal level: cantonal taxation and
- the commune level: Municipal taxation.
The Swiss tax system follows a progressive tax rate, meaning higher incomes are taxed at higher rates. The system includes income tax, wealth tax, and value-added tax (VAT). Each canton determines its own tax rates and deductions, resulting in variations across the country. Taxpayers file annual tax returns and make payments based on their income and assets.
We’ve put together the 10 most common tax deductions you can make annually. There are many more deductions which are depending on individual situations.
1. 3a Pillar retirement savings
You can deduct up to CHF 7’056.- (2023) yearly as a private person or CHF 35’280.- (2023) as self-employed. Therefore, it makes a huge difference.
2. Insurance Premiums
You can deduct up to CHF 1’700.- annually from health insurance premiums as an adult or up to CHF 3’500.- as married couples.
3. Eating out and Commuting
If you work far from your place of residence, you can deduct up to CHF 3’500.- per year on foods worth CHF 15.00.- per day. Depending on the route and travel services you choose, you can deduct up to CHF 3’000.- per year for your commute.
4. Debt
In case of personal debt, the interest paid can be deducted from the taxable income, which does not apply for leasing.
5. Work-related expenses
If you use your own vehicle, you can deduct CHF 0.70.- per km up to a maximum of CHF 700.- per year. Your education is also deductible up to CHF 12’000.- per year if it is relevant to your career. Reference materials, special work clothes, necessary equipment (including computers and software) and other career-related expenses are deducted at 3% of net wages with a minimum of CHF 2’000.- and a maximum of CHF 4’000.
6. Donations
All donations to Swiss non-profit organizations are tax deductible. Cannot exceed 20% of taxable income. The annual deduction is capped at CHF 10’100.-.
7. Couple savings
If you have a spouse or registered partner, you can deduct CHF 2’600.- from your taxable income. If both are working, you can claim an additional double income deduction of 50% for her of the lower of the two incomes. The minimum deductible is CHF 8’100.- and the maximum is CHF 13’400.-.
8. Dependents
If you have minor children or children studying for a degree, you can deduct CHF 6’500.- per child from your taxable income. You can also claim the CHF 6’500.- Disabled Dependents Deduction if your care costs are greater than or equal to this deduction.
9. Childcare
Parents struggling with high child support costs can get financial relief through child support tax credits. If you are unable to care for your child yourself due to work or study, the costs of external care (such as day care) are deducted from your taxable income. The maximum federal tax deduction is CHF 10’100.-.
10. Early tax payment
Some municipalities offer incentives at low interest rates for provisional tax credits (until 30.09). On the other hand, tax invoices paid after the deadline are subject to a penalty of 3-4.5%*.
If you have a permit C or a CH pass, you must pay an income tax yearly. If you have any other permits, you will have to pay a payroll tax, which is automatically deducted from your salary.
You still have the opportunity to fill out a regular tax form to benefit from the yearly possible deductions if you are holding a B or G permit.
The 3rd pillar is a voluntary pension plan meant to complement your 1st and 2nd pillars, giving you more sources of income once you retire. You are able to choose from two types of third pillar (3a) and (3b), each comes with their own rules and benefits.
There is a limit on how much you can contribute to this account each year. In 2023 you can contribute as an employed person with a pension fund up to CHF 7’056.- and as a self-employed person without a pension fund up to CHF 35’280.-.
Your money gets invested into a portfolio of your liking. There are many products you can choose from.
Not sure what to choose? Fill out our Risk portfolio to find the best fit.
The amount contributed can be deducted from your taxes.
There is no limit to your contribution, which makes it easy for you to save up your money. As with the 3a your funds also get invested in a portfolio of your choice.
Unlike the 3a you must report your portfolio each year to the tax authorities and will be taxed annually.
You can withdraw from this fund at any time, and there without any additional tax requirements.
YES! – You can bring your existing 3a Account over to Adralis, so that you have all your important documents in one app. Would you like to learn more? Chat with us! Chat Link.
It is entirely up to you! We provide various investment portfolios for you to choose from. If you are not sure which product suits you the best our online assistant is here to provide you with all the sufficient information. (Link 3a)
With your annual tax return, you can indicate your payments to 3a account as a deductible.
Until AHV reaches retirement age. After that, you can only make payments to your 3a account if you can prove you are still employed. By age 70 (male)/69 (female), all funds must be withdrawn, and the account closed.
Household contents insurance protects your home and your private belongings from theft or elemental damage. It covers you for any natural and accidental events that may take place. To avoid serious financial consequences, it is strongly recommended to get an insurance.
Then there are the supplementary coverages like:
Theft away from home, breakage of glass and stone elements in furniture, gross negligence, tradesmen emergency services, earthquakes, breakage of windows and washbasins and building glass, loss of keys and key services, Smartphones and tablets, bicycles, e-bikes and sports equipment, travel luggage, eyeglasses, hearing aids and medical aids, valuables such as watches etc. This always depends on your lifestyle and what you would like to cover in your insurance premium.
There are many types of insurance which are optional and depending on what kind of properties or vehicles you own there are also mandatory insurances.
Would you like to know what kind of insurance you need and must get? Chat with us.
No, it is not, but it is a good idea to get a legal protection because a legal confrontation can cost a small fortune. With a small yearly fee, you can protect yourself and your family from high costs.
Yes. If you are staying for longer than 3 months in Switzerland and have a declared home address it is required to have health insurance.
A basic coverage is mandatory, but it is up to you if you would like to apply for an extended plan, that might yield you great benefits.
Extras are voluntary; therefore, it has a wide range of benefits. It can include complementary medicines, orthodontic treatment for children or greater comfort in case of hospitalization.
Would you like to learn more about the extras? See our health insurance page.
You can use our calculator tool to compare plans and choose the one which suits your needs the best.
There are 4 different models you can choose from: standard, Hausarztmodell, Telmed, HMO.
Depending on your canton, location, and your needs, the ideal model can differ for you, as they have different advantages/disadvantages.
Telmed: You call the number provided by your insurance to get advice on your problem, if needed they will assign you a doctor. You can address the telmed-center with any health-related issues, which include emergencies, gyneacological check-ups, maternity check-ups, vaccinations, dentist visits and treatments for children under 6 years.
HMO: This model is based on the “gatekeeping” principle, if you need medical care you need to attend an HMO center, where the doctors will have your full medical history. (Exceptions are emergencies, gyneacological and ophthalmological examinations) Then the doctors in the center can refer you to a specialist if needed. This model can be great in an urban environment, where the HMO center is close, as it usually comes with a discounted price tag. However, in a rural environment it might be not feasible.
Hausarztmodell: This model is also based on the “gatekeeping” principle. Here, however, you need to choose a doctor in your area who will be the first contact for you in any case of health-related issues. (Exceptions are emergencies, gyneacological and ophthalmological examinations). If you need a specialist your doctor will assign you to the appropriate healthcare center.
There are 3 levels of taxation in Switzerland.
- The National Level: Federal Taxation
- The cantonal level: cantonal taxation and
- the commune level: Municipal taxation.
The Swiss tax system follows a progressive tax rate, meaning higher incomes are taxed at higher rates. The system includes income tax, wealth tax, and value-added tax (VAT). Each canton determines its own tax rates and deductions, resulting in variations across the country. Taxpayers file annual tax returns and make payments based on their income and assets.
We’ve put together the 10 most common tax deductions you can make annually. There are many more deductions which are depending on individual situations.
1. 3a Pillar retirement savings
You can deduct up to CHF 7’056.- (2023) yearly as a private person or CHF 35’280.- (2023) as self-employed. Therefore, it makes a huge difference.
2. Insurance Premiums
You can deduct up to CHF 1’700.- annually from health insurance premiums as an adult or up to CHF 3’500.- as married couples.
3. Eating out and Commuting
If you work far from your place of residence, you can deduct up to CHF 3’500.- per year on foods worth CHF 15.00.- per day. Depending on the route and travel services you choose, you can deduct up to CHF 3’000.- per year for your commute.
4. Debt
In case of personal debt, the interest paid can be deducted from the taxable income, which does not apply for leasing.
5. Work-related expenses
If you use your own vehicle, you can deduct CHF 0.70.- per km up to a maximum of CHF 700.- per year. Your education is also deductible up to CHF 12’000.- per year if it is relevant to your career. Reference materials, special work clothes, necessary equipment (including computers and software) and other career-related expenses are deducted at 3% of net wages with a minimum of CHF 2’000.- and a maximum of CHF 4’000.
6. Donations
All donations to Swiss non-profit organizations are tax deductible. Cannot exceed 20% of taxable income. The annual deduction is capped at CHF 10’100.-.
7. Couple savings
If you have a spouse or registered partner, you can deduct CHF 2’600.- from your taxable income. If both are working, you can claim an additional double income deduction of 50% for her of the lower of the two incomes. The minimum deductible is CHF 8’100.- and the maximum is CHF 13’400.-.
8. Dependents
If you have minor children or children studying for a degree, you can deduct CHF 6’500.- per child from your taxable income. You can also claim the CHF 6’500.- Disabled Dependents Deduction if your care costs are greater than or equal to this deduction.
9. Childcare
Parents struggling with high child support costs can get financial relief through child support tax credits. If you are unable to care for your child yourself due to work or study, the costs of external care (such as day care) are deducted from your taxable income. The maximum federal tax deduction is CHF 10’100.-.
10. Early tax payment
Some municipalities offer incentives at low interest rates for provisional tax credits (until 30.09). On the other hand, tax invoices paid after the deadline are subject to a penalty of 3-4.5%*.
If you have a permit C or a CH pass, you must pay an income tax yearly. If you have any other permits, you will have to pay a payroll tax, which is automatically deducted from your salary.
You still have the opportunity to fill out a regular tax form to benefit from the yearly possible deductions if you are holding a B or G permit.
The 3rd pillar is a voluntary pension plan meant to complement your 1st and 2nd pillars, giving you more sources of income once you retire. You are able to choose from two types of third pillar (3a) and (3b), each comes with their own rules and benefits.
There is a limit on how much you can contribute to this account each year. In 2023 you can contribute as an employed person with a pension fund up to CHF 7’056.- and as a self-employed person without a pension fund up to CHF 35’280.-.
Your money gets invested into a portfolio of your liking. There are many products you can choose from.
Not sure what to choose? Fill out our Risk portfolio to find the best fit.
The amount contributed can be deducted from your taxes.
There is no limit to your contribution, which makes it easy for you to save up your money. As with the 3a your funds also get invested in a portfolio of your choice.
Unlike the 3a you must report your portfolio each year to the tax authorities and will be taxed annually.
You can withdraw from this fund at any time, and there without any additional tax requirements.
YES! – You can bring your existing 3a Account over to Adralis, so that you have all your important documents in one app. Would you like to learn more? Chat with us! Chat Link.
It is entirely up to you! We provide various investment portfolios for you to choose from. If you are not sure which product suits you the best our online assistant is here to provide you with all the sufficient information. (Link 3a)
With your annual tax return, you can indicate your payments to 3a account as a deductible.
Until AHV reaches retirement age. After that, you can only make payments to your 3a account if you can prove you are still employed. By age 70 (male)/69 (female), all funds must be withdrawn, and the account closed.
Household contents insurance protects your home and your private belongings from theft or elemental damage. It covers you for any natural and accidental events that may take place. To avoid serious financial consequences, it is strongly recommended to get an insurance.
Then there are the supplementary coverages like:
Theft away from home, breakage of glass and stone elements in furniture, gross negligence, tradesmen emergency services, earthquakes, breakage of windows and washbasins and building glass, loss of keys and key services, Smartphones and tablets, bicycles, e-bikes and sports equipment, travel luggage, eyeglasses, hearing aids and medical aids, valuables such as watches etc. This always depends on your lifestyle and what you would like to cover in your insurance premium.
There are many types of insurance which are optional and depending on what kind of properties or vehicles you own there are also mandatory insurances.
Would you like to know what kind of insurance you need and must get? Chat with us.
No, it is not, but it is a good idea to get a legal protection because a legal confrontation can cost a small fortune. With a small yearly fee, you can protect yourself and your family from high costs.
Yes. If you are staying for longer than 3 months in Switzerland and have a declared home address it is required to have health insurance.
A basic coverage is mandatory, but it is up to you if you would like to apply for an extended plan, that might yield you great benefits.
Extras are voluntary; therefore, it has a wide range of benefits. It can include complementary medicines, orthodontic treatment for children or greater comfort in case of hospitalization.
Would you like to learn more about the extras? See our health insurance page.
You can use our calculator tool to compare plans and choose the one which suits your needs the best.
There are 4 different models you can choose from: standard, Hausarztmodell, Telmed, HMO.
Depending on your canton, location, and your needs, the ideal model can differ for you, as they have different advantages/disadvantages.
Telmed: You call the number provided by your insurance to get advice on your problem, if needed they will assign you a doctor. You can address the telmed-center with any health-related issues, which include emergencies, gyneacological check-ups, maternity check-ups, vaccinations, dentist visits and treatments for children under 6 years.
HMO: This model is based on the “gatekeeping” principle, if you need medical care you need to attend an HMO center, where the doctors will have your full medical history. (Exceptions are emergencies, gyneacological and ophthalmological examinations) Then the doctors in the center can refer you to a specialist if needed. This model can be great in an urban environment, where the HMO center is close, as it usually comes with a discounted price tag. However, in a rural environment it might be not feasible.
Hausarztmodell: This model is also based on the “gatekeeping” principle. Here, however, you need to choose a doctor in your area who will be the first contact for you in any case of health-related issues. (Exceptions are emergencies, gyneacological and ophthalmological examinations). If you need a specialist your doctor will assign you to the appropriate healthcare center.