Tips for filling out your tax return

The complex Swiss tax system with cantonal differences overwhelms many. Professional services like Taxea.ch combine digital efficiency with expert advice. Various packages are available. Professionals avoid costly mistakes, find all deductions, and often save more than they cost.

Debt interest is tax-deductible up to 50,000 CHF plus investment income – including credit cards and personal loans. Indirect mortgage amortization can also be tax-efficient. Exceptions: Leasing is not deductible, and some cantons exclude construction loan interest.

Early tax payment brings cantonal preferential interest, which used to be more attractive than savings rates. Today, rising bank interest is once again competing with this tax trick. An individual comparison is necessary, as savings account rates are sometimes better than preferential interest.

In Switzerland, dividends from stocks and ETFs are taxable, but capital gains are tax-free – unless classified as professional trading. Investors can deduct custody fees and management costs, though not purchase/sale transaction fees. Develop a tax-optimized investment strategy.

Party donations and membership fees are tax-deductible: federally up to 10,400 CHF, and at the cantonal level from 5,000 CHF (Fribourg) to 21,100 CHF (St. Gallen, married couples). All parties are treated equally. Combined with the federal deduction, total deductions of up to 31,500 CHF per year are possible.

Charitable donations are tax-deductible up to 20% of net income (federal tax + most cantons). Neuchâtel only 5%, Jura 10%, Basel-Landschaft unlimited. Minimum donation usually 100 CHF. With strategic planning, you can save massive amounts of tax while doing good.

Child deductions vary widely between cantons: from 3,000 to 25,000 CHF per child. Adult children in education also qualify for deductions. Divorced parents can share deductions fairly. In addition, many cantons offer automatic tax credits for families.

Pension fund buy-ins are fully tax-deductible and later taxed at reduced rates – just like Pillar 3a. The prerequisite is a solid, well-funded pension fund. With weak funds, losses can occur despite tax advantages.

Pillar 3a offers double tax benefits: contributions are fully deductible, and the assets are exempt from wealth tax. Multiple 3a accounts help reduce high tax progression at payout. Maximize contributions and plan smartly for maximum savings.