Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Swiss tax returns, voluntary taxation, and tax deductions for expats living in Switzerland.

Who needs to file a Swiss tax return?

In Switzerland, all Swiss citizens and residents holding a C-permit are required to file an annual tax return.

Employees with a B-permit are usually taxed at source (Quellensteuer) and do not automatically need to submit a tax return. However, a tax return becomes mandatory if the gross annual income exceeds CHF 120,000.

In addition, a tax return may also be required if the individual holds significant assets, typically between CHF 80,000 and CHF 100,000, depending on the canton. Assets include bank account balances, investment portfolios, securities, and real estate values.

Furthermore, a tax return may also be required if a person earns more than CHF 10,000 in a single month. This rule can apply even if someone has only recently moved to Switzerland and has lived there for a short period of time.

Even if a tax return is not mandatory, many expats can still submit a voluntary tax return to claim deductions and potentially receive a tax refund.

Is it worth filing a voluntary tax return in Switzerland?

In many cases, yes. Even residents with a B-permit who are taxed at source (Quellensteuer) may benefit from submitting a voluntary tax return. This allows you to claim deductions such as pillar 3a contributions, insurance premiums, professional expenses, or childcare costs, which may result in a tax refund.

To request voluntary taxation, you must submit a request to your cantonal tax office before March 31 of the following year for the tax year concerned. The request form can usually be found on the website of the cantonal tax authority.

It is important to know that once you apply for voluntary taxation (nachträgliche ordentliche Veranlagung), you will generally be required to file a tax return every year going forward.

If you are unsure whether it is beneficial in your situation, it is advisable to run a tax simulation before the March 31 deadline. A simulation allows us to estimate whether you are likely to receive a tax refund or whether your taxes might increase. The cost of the simulation is the same as preparing the tax return, and if we ultimately submit the tax return, no additional fees will apply.

How much tax refund can expats get in Switzerland?

Many expats in Switzerland receive a tax refund after submitting a tax return, especially if they are taxed at source (Quellensteuer) and claim deductions.

Typical deductions include pillar 3a contributions, insurance premiums, professional expenses, childcare costs, and commuting costs. These deductions can significantly reduce taxable income.

The amount of the tax refund depends on several factors, such as income, canton of residence, marital status, and deductions claimed.

In many cases, expats receive tax refunds of approximately CHF 1,000 to CHF 3,000 per year, although the amount can be higher depending on the individual situation.

If you are unsure whether a tax refund is likely, a tax simulation can help estimate the potential tax savings before submitting the tax return. Please contact me for a free evaluation.

What is voluntary taxation (NOV) in Switzerland?

Voluntary taxation in Switzerland is called “nachträgliche ordentliche Veranlagung (NOV)”. It allows individuals who are normally taxed at source (Quellensteuer) — typically employees with a B-permit — to submit a full Swiss tax return.

By requesting NOV, you declare your income, assets, and possible tax deductions. Common deductions include pillar 3a contributions, insurance premiums, professional expenses such as commuting to work or work-related meals, and other deductible items. In some cases, deductions may also apply if you financially support family members abroad who do not have sufficient income or pension.

To apply for voluntary taxation, you must submit a request to the cantonal tax office before March 31 of the following year for the tax year concerned. The request form can usually be found on the website of the cantonal tax authority.

It is important to know that once voluntary taxation has been requested, you will generally be required to file a tax return every year going forward.

For this reason, I recommend doing a tax simulation before requesting voluntary taxation. This allows you to estimate whether you are likely to receive a tax refund or whether your taxes might increase. The cost of the simulation is the same as preparing the tax return, and if the tax return is ultimately submitted to the tax office, no additional fee will be charged. Prices start from CHF 99.

How much does a Swiss tax return cost?

In Switzerland, the cost of preparing a tax return can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the number of accounts, investments, or properties involved.

My service offers transparent and affordable pricing. The first tax return costs CHF 99 for single individuals and CHF 119 for married couples. The price includes up to 10 bank accounts or securities. Additional accounts or securities are charged at CHF 5 per item, and additional fees may apply if property in Switzerland or abroad needs to be declared.

The entire process is handled digitally and securely. First, we have an initial meeting to discuss your situation and the documents required for the tax return. Once all documents are uploaded, the tax return is prepared.

Afterwards, we schedule a follow-up meeting where I explain the tax return in detail. You will receive the completed tax return as a PDF document, giving you the opportunity to review everything carefully. Once you approve it, the tax return will be submitted to the tax office.

What documents are required for a Swiss tax return?

To prepare a Swiss tax return, a few essential documents are required.

Minimum required documents

Current tax sheet for the tax year (or a letter from the tax office showing your PID, ZIP, or REF number depending on the canton). If you have not received it, please contact your municipality or tax office.
Completed tax checklist.
Salary statement for the tax year (for employed taxpayers) or an income and expense statement (for self-employed taxpayers).
Tax certificates from all bank accounts (Swiss and foreign) showing the balance as of December 31 of the tax year.
Statements of investment or custody accounts showing dividends and interest received during the year.
Annual health insurance statement showing the premiums paid during the tax year.

Additional documents (if applicable)

Official tax value statement of Swiss property.
Copy of your last tax return (if available).
Copy of your last tax assessment from the tax office (if available).
Alimony agreements and bank statements showing payments.
Childcare or daycare cost statements.
Tax certificates for debts such as private loans, credit cards, or mortgages (leasing cannot be deducted).
Tax certificate for pillar 3a contributions.
Statements from health insurance showing unreimbursed medical expenses and related invoices.
Tax certificates for voluntary donations.
Pension fund statements, vested benefits policies, or vested benefits account statements.
Statements showing financial support transfers to family members, including the recipient’s name, date of birth, and address.
Documentation of inheritances, gifts, early withdrawals, or pension payments received during the tax year.
For tenants in the canton of Zug: copy of the rental contract.

Once all documents are uploaded, the tax return can usually be prepared within approximately one week.

How long does it take to prepare a Swiss tax return?

The preparation time for a Swiss tax return depends mainly on whether all required documents have been uploaded.

Once all documents are complete, the tax return can usually be prepared within approximately one week. After the preparation, we schedule a follow-up meeting where I explain the tax return in detail.

You will then receive the completed tax return as a PDF document, giving you the opportunity to review everything carefully. Once you approve the tax return, it will be submitted to the tax office.

After submission, the processing time at the tax office can vary depending on the canton, but it typically takes several weeks to a few months until the tax assessment is issued.

Which cantons do you support?

My service supports clients in all Swiss cantons. Since the tax return process is handled digitally and securely, it is possible to prepare and submit tax returns regardless of where you live in Switzerland.

This includes cantons such as Zurich, Zug, Geneva, Vaud, Basel, Bern, Lucerne, and many others. Each canton has slightly different tax forms and procedures, but these differences are taken into account during the preparation of your tax return.

Documents can be uploaded online, and meetings are held remotely, which allows clients from anywhere in Switzerland to receive professional support with their tax return.

Can expats get a tax refund in Switzerland?

The amount of a tax refund in Switzerland depends on several factors, such as income, canton of residence, marital status, and the deductions that can be claimed.

Many expats who are taxed at source (Quellensteuer) may receive a refund if they submit a tax return and claim deductions that were not considered in the withholding tax calculation. These may include pillar 3a contributions, insurance premiums, professional expenses such as commuting to work or work-related meals, childcare costs, and other deductible items.

In many cases, expats receive tax refunds of approximately CHF 1,000 to CHF 5,000 per year, although the exact amount can vary significantly depending on the individual situation and canton.

If you are unsure whether a tax refund is likely in your case, I recommend doing a tax simulation before submitting a tax return. This allows you to estimate whether you would receive money back or whether your taxes might increase. The cost of the simulation is the same as preparing the tax return, and if the tax return is ultimately submitted to the tax office, no additional fee will be charged. Prices start from CHF 99.

Where is my data stored and how is my data protected?

Your personal and financial data is handled with strict confidentiality and high security standards. All documents are uploaded through a secure digital portal and are processed in accordance with Swiss data protection regulations.

Access to your documents is restricted and only used for the preparation of your tax return. Sensitive information such as financial documents, salary statements, and tax certificates are treated with the highest level of confidentiality.

Before your tax return is submitted, you will receive the completed tax declaration as a PDF document for review, giving you the opportunity to check all information carefully. The tax return will only be submitted to the tax office after your approval.