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You are here: Home Finance & Business Tax Lower your tax burden in Switzerland

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12/03/2012Lower your tax burden in Switzerland

Lower your tax burden in Switzerland Expatica offers a solution to lower your tax burden when living in Switzerland with simple measures

One of the most dreaded words of the English vocabulary - taxation - has lead many to pull out their hair and weep. Now, we offer you some useful tips on how to approach taxation wisely. Be it the VAT on your car, on smaller purchases like clothes, or even your household garbage, you are in control of your spending. Discover how to keep a close eye on your taxes, and reclaim as much as possible.

Switzerland: An attractive location for taxation

The tax burden in Switzerland is the lowest in Europe with a VAT of 7.6 percent. Personal taxes are also very favourable compared to other European cities. Expatriates working in Switzerland get allowances for certain standard deductions. In Geneva, expatriates may receive a tax free allowance of up to 10 percent of base salary to cover housing and relocation costs. Specific deductions on the schooling of minors are also possible.

In Switzerland, all types of income are pooled and taxed together, such as income from husband and wife. The federal government levies a direct tax on income, while the cantons levy taxes on income and capital. Tax regulations vary between the different cantons. For those residing in Switzerland for less than 183 days a year, exemption from taxation can be claimed. Additionally, where limited work permits of 90-120 days are granted, taxation is limited.

tax in switzerland

Tax deductions on transportation

The locals in Switzerland often have one car for the cold, winter months, and another for summer. Unlike other European countries, in Switzerland you get one license plate for two cars, at a cost of Sfr 135, provided that you use one car at a time. This way, you pay road tax only once, on the car with the highest engine capacity. Also, when possible, purchase your automobile in your country of residence, and later import it to Switzerland. This way, you only pay the difference in the tax rates in your country of residence and Switzerland.

As for travelling via public transportation, opt for the halbtaxkarte. For only CHF 150 a year, the halbtaxkarte will save you fifty percent on your train travel costs.

Tax deductions on personal expenses

While most tax reductions relate to income, relocation, and transportation, thinking with a tax-free mindset will help you reclaim amounts on other items as well. Take shopping as an example. Most EU countries specify a minimum amount to be spent in one shop. For instance, one needs to spend at least EUR137 in the Netherlands.

You would need to show the relevant documentation to customs officials for a stamp when leaving your country of residence to claim this refund. Next, within eight days of your arrival in Switzerland, you need to go to the city hall with your purchased items, receipt and travel ticket. While this may seem like a cumbersome procedure, it will save on your accumulated yearly taxes.

Tax deductions on business expenses

Resident companies are subject to corporate income tax, as well as the cantonal net worth taxes. The corporate income tax rate is 8.5 percent. In Switzerland, all corporate taxes are deductible. Cantonal tax rates vary. Business tax refunds differ from individual refunds because they include services as well as goods, and do not require customs validation.

Tax deductions on garbage

As there is no general garbage tax in Switzerland, garbage bags are taxed instead. In order to save on these taxes, the trick is to stuff cheaper bags in your main garbage bag, and just get rid of those every time you dispose off your garbage. This way, your overall garbage tax will be lower, and it is an unnecessary cost you can redeem.

While there is no way to completely avoid taxation, even in Switzerland, simple measures in your day-to-day life will lower your tax burden significantly.

 Expatica


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