When do I have to file a tax return?

In most cantons, the deadline is 31 March of the following year. An extension can be requested. Withholding tax payers only need to file a regular tax return if their gross salary exceeds CHF 120,000. Details on withholding tax can be found in the withholding tax calculator.

What is the tax multiplier and how does it affect my taxes?

The tax multiplier is a factor that each municipality sets annually. It is applied to the cantonal simple tax. A tax multiplier of 119% means that the municipal tax amounts to 119% of the simple tax. Low tax multipliers are often found in municipalities with many wealthy residents or large companies.

Is it worth moving to a tax-advantaged municipality?

With a taxable income of CHF 150,000, the difference between the most expensive and cheapest municipality in the same canton can be CHF 5,000-10,000 per year. Use the tax comparison to compare specific municipalities, and also consider housing costs.

How does joint assessment work for married couples?

Married couples are assessed jointly. If both earn income, the tax burden can be higher than for two individuals (the so-called marriage penalty). On 8 March 2026, voters approved individual taxation -- implementation is planned for tax period 2032 at the latest.

Calculate Income and Wealth Tax

Calculate your income and wealth tax (federal, cantonal, municipal) for any of the 2,100+ Swiss municipalities.

With the income tax calculator, you can calculate your income tax in Switzerland at all three levels: federal, cantonal and municipal. The calculator provides the tax burden for each of the 2,100+ municipalities, but does not replace individual tax advice.

How is income tax calculated in Switzerland?

The calculation follows three steps. First, deductions are subtracted from gross income (professional expenses, insurance premiums, Pillar 3a, pension fund purchases) to determine the taxable income. Then the tax rate schedule is applied -- at the federal level a progressive tariff according to Art. 36 DBG, at the cantonal level each canton's own tariff. The cantonal 'simple tax' is then multiplied by the municipality's tax multiplier. An example: with a simple tax of CHF 10,000 and a municipal tax multiplier of 119%, the municipal tax is CHF 11,900. The tax comparison shows how much your place of residence affects your taxes.

How much income tax do I pay in my canton?

The tax burden varies significantly between cantons and municipalities. With a gross income of CHF 100,000, a single person pays between approximately CHF 10,000 and CHF 22,000 in income and wealth taxes depending on their place of residence. Even within a canton there are large differences: in the canton of Zurich, for example, you pay significantly less in Kilchberg than in the city of Zurich. With the Tax Ranking calculator, you can see which municipality in your canton charges the least tax.

Reducing income tax: The most important deductions

The most effective levers for reducing income tax are: - Pillar 3a: Up to CHF 7,258 per year (employees with pension fund). The savings equal the maximum contribution times your marginal tax rate -- see your personal savings potential in the results above. - Pension fund purchase: Voluntary payments into the pension fund are fully deductible. - Professional expenses: Lump-sum or actual costs (commuting, meals, further education). - Debt interest: Mortgage interest and other debt interest. With the deduction estimator you can see which deductions are available in your canton.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I have to file a tax return?+
What is the tax multiplier and how does it affect my taxes?+
Is it worth moving to a tax-advantaged municipality?+
How does joint assessment work for married couples?+
How much income tax is due on CHF 100,000 income?+

How is income tax calculated in Switzerland?

How much income tax do I pay in my canton?

Reducing income tax: The most important deductions