Important Documents for Filing Your Tax Return in Switzerland

Every year between January and March, tax returns are due. Preparing the right documents in advance saves time and money. Here’s what you need:

1. Proof of income

• Salary certificates (including side jobs)
• Benefit statements (unemployment, sick pay, disability)
• Invoices for self-employment
• Bank statements with interest
• Dividend statements
• Rental income
• Alimony (if taxable)

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2. Proof of assets

• Year-end bank and securities statements
• Cryptocurrency wallet statements
• Life insurance with savings portion

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3. Work expenses and deductible costs

• Commuting (public transport passes, mileage)
• Meals away from home
• Training or retraining costs
• Work clothes and tools
• Health, life, and accident insurance premiums
• Loan interest (mortgage, personal, student loans)

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4. For property owners

• Official valuation
• Maintenance and renovation costs
• Heating and utilities
• Property insurance
• Mortgage debt and interest

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5. Pension contributions (Pillar 2 & 3a)

• Payments into Pillar 3a
• Voluntary pension fund buy-ins
• Vested benefits account statements

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6. Medical costs & special deductions

• Doctor, dentist, therapy bills
• Medication (not covered by insurance)
• Glasses, hearing aids

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7. Other documents

• Donation receipts
• Childcare costs
• Proof of children’s education
• Membership fees to professional bodies
• Alimony payments/receipts

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When to seek professional help?

• Complex assets (e.g., real estate, company shares)
• Self-employment
• International tax issues
• Uncertainty about deductions

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Conclusion

With the right documents ready, tax filing becomes simple, stress-free, and potentially more profitable. Many cantons provide online checklists—use them.

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