Are there any deductions available in a Swiss tax return?

harrywalsh

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Jun 3, 2025
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Indeed, you can lower your total taxable income by claiming a number of deductions on your tax return switzerland Swiss tax laws allow both residents and certain non-residents to benefit from various deductions, depending on their personal and professional circumstances.

Common deductions include work-related expenses such as commuting costs, professional training or education expenses, and certain work tools or materials you’ve purchased yourself. If you’re an employee, you may also deduct a standard professional expense allowance. For the self-employed, business expenses that are directly related to generating income are generally deductible.
Other deductions often include contributions to the Swiss social security system (AHV/IV/EO), pension fund contributions (Pillar 2), and voluntary retirement savings (Pillar 3a). Health insurance premiums and certain medical costs not covered by insurance can also be deducted, as well as childcare costs for working parents. Charitable donations to approved organizations in Switzerland may also qualify for deductions.

If you have property, mortgage interest and maintenance costs are usually deductible. For married couples, joint taxation can sometimes lead to a lower overall tax burden. It’s worth noting that deductions can vary slightly depending on the canton, since Switzerland has both federal and cantonal tax rules.

Because Swiss tax regulations can be complex, many people work with a tax advisor to ensure they maximize their eligible deductions. This can help you save money and avoid mistakes in your filing. Properly claiming deductions can make a noticeable difference in your final tax liability.