Taxes

In Switzerland, there are many fees, levies, and taxes that are often used as synonyms but must be clearly differentiated legally. Taxes are without compensation, while causal levies such as fees or preferential charges are direct compensation for services rendered.

Marriage or living together in concubinage? Both options have tax and legal consequences that should be considered before making a decision.

Learn how you can still save taxes in 2021 by contributing to the pension fund, investing in the third pillar, or using educational and donation deductions. Use the year-end tips effectively to minimize your tax burden.

The death of a person quickly brings about tax obligations, including the final tax return and the recording of the estate. Survivors must fill out various forms and submit them to the tax authorities.

Late tax payments incur default interest, while advance payments can earn compensation or balancing interest. Especially for legal entities, advance payments can reduce business expenses through interest income.

Declaration errors allow for a one-time penalty-free self-disclosure, similar to the get-out-of-jail-free card in Monopoly. Incorrect information can lead to back taxes and fines, except in the case of the first self-disclosure.

Tax data may only be disclosed in accordance with data protection law. Disclosure is often based on legal grounds or the consent of the taxpayer.

The Economic Commission of the Council of States has made a proposal for the abolition of the imputed rental value, which was discussed in the Federal Council without agreement. The imputed rental value is a form of taxation for owner-occupied properties in Switzerland, which is politically controversial and so far irreformable.

As of January 1, 2022, the uniform interest rate for default and refund interest on taxes and duties is 4 percent, while the rate for voluntary prepayments remains at 0 percent. The new interest rate regulation EFD replaces five old regulations and introduces annual adjustments to minimize administrative effort.