Taxes in Switzerland are levied at three levels: the federal government, the canton and the municipality. Taxpayers usually fill out a single tax return and pay the taxes to a single body, usually the canton, which is then responsible for the redistribution.
Switzerland is made up of 26 cantons and semi-cantons, each of which sets its own tax rates, including taxes on wealth, real estate gains and capital gains.
Foreigners living in Switzerland are subject to different tax regulations depending on their income. All foreigners pay withholding tax, but rates vary. In most cantons, the income limit determines whether you pay withholding tax or the standard rate. In general, this threshold is 120,000 Swiss francs per year. The advantage of the standard rate is that it takes into account municipal taxes, which can vary significantly from municipality to municipality. However, the withholding tax rate does not take into account local taxes and therefore applies the same average rate to all foreign taxpayers. Fortunately, you can request an adjustment to get some of this withholding tax back.
Switzerland levies a church tax at the same time as income tax, with the exception of cantons where this tax is already included.
Switzerland levies a church tax at the same time as income tax, with the exception of cantons where this tax is already included.
In the case of a marriage, the “marriage” tax rate applies from January 1st of the year in which the marriage took place.
The consumption tax remains relatively low in Switzerland. The calculation is based on your total assets, including real estate, personal property and debts.
Switzerland offers more limited deduction options. The most effective deduction is associated with the replacement of the 2nd pillar, part of the pension fund system. The amounts paid into the 2nd pillar are deducted from the taxpayer's taxable income. Deductions are also possible for the 3rd pillar.
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