Filling In Your Swiss Tax Return: A Practical Guide

Documents, deadlines, deductions people forget and what to do if you disagree with the assessment.

6 min read · Salary & Tax

Life situations: Starting a job

Most residents file a tax return every year. Preparing early makes it painless.

Gather your documents

• Salary certificate (Lohnausweis) from each employer.
• Bank and securities statements as of 31 December, including foreign accounts.
• Statements for pillar 3a and pension fund buy-ins.
• Mortgage interest statements and property documents.
• Receipts for medical costs, childcare, donations and professional expenses.

Deadlines

The usual deadline is 31 March of the following year, but extensions are easy to request online, often until autumn. Late filing without an extension can result in a fine or an estimated assessment.

Deductions people forget

• Commuting and meals away from home.
• Further education and job-related training costs.
• Childcare costs and the deduction for dual-income couples.
• Interest on debts and alimony payments.
• Medical costs above the threshold.

After you file

You receive an assessment. If you disagree, you have a short period, normally 30 days, to file an objection. Pay provisional bills on time even if you expect a refund, to avoid interest.

Estimate the effect of common deductions with the commuting deduction calculator.