Calculate Wealth Tax

Taxable wealth includes bank accounts, securities (stocks, bonds, funds), real estate (at official tax value), vehicles, jewellery, art, life insurance (surrender value) and business participations. Securities are valued at the year-end price -- the current prices can be found in the FTA securities price list. Mortgages, loans and other debts are deducted. There is also a tax-free allowance, which varies by canton. Assets in Pillar 3a and the pension fund are exempt from wealth tax.

With taxable wealth of CHF 1 million, the difference between the cheapest and most expensive canton can exceed CHF 5,000 per year. Cantons like Schwyz, Nidwalden and Obwalden have particularly low rates. Geneva, Basel-Stadt and Vaud are more expensive. Important: The wealth tax can be limited by the so-called tax shield. Some cantons prevent the combined wealth and income tax from exceeding wealth income. The tax comparison shows the total burden for different places of residence.

Real estate is taxed at the official tax value (cadastral value), which is typically 60-80% of market value. At the same time, homeowners must declare the imputed rental value as income. In return, they can claim mortgage interest and property maintenance as deductions. The mortgage does reduce taxable wealth but must be weighed against the interest costs.