When tax season rolls around, many people start wondering: “Should I hire someone to do my tax return? And if so, how much should it cost?”
Before diving into prices, let’s take a step back and ask a more important question:
Why are you seeking a tax consultant in the first place?
Maybe you:
- You want to get your tax return behind you.
- You don’t want to deal with the paperwork and stress.
- Are unsure about which deductions or credits apply to you.
- Have complex financial situations like investments, multiple income sources, or self-employment income.
- Want to avoid mistakes that could lead to lost refunds.
All these are valid reasons—and they point to one clear thing: you’re looking for peace of mind, accuracy, and protection.
Now, onto the main question: How much should a tax return actually cost?
Tax return prices
The cost of a tax return can vary widely based on complexity, location, and the experience of the professional. As a general guide:
- Simple tax returns range between CHF 100 – CHF 200 at most professional providers.
- Moderate tax returns (simple real estate situation, investments, dividends, etc.) usually range from CHF 200 – CHF 400.
- Complex tax returns (self-employed income, rental properties, multiple tax domiciles, tax support, correspondence with authorities) can easily exceed CHF 600 and often reach CHF 2’000+ at some providers.
Why you should be cautious about “cheap” or “free” tax services
It can be tempting to go with the cheapest option “tax return for just CHF 50” on instagram and facebook are all over the place (most of them are pure insurance brokers anyway, not an accountant or tax advisory).
But before making that decision, you should know what is at stake.
1. Data security risk
Cheap “tax advisors” don’t invest properly in cybersecurity. How could they, if they only charge CHF 50 for a tax return. Security measures are expensive and require a team of IT staff to take care of. This goes for online as well as offline tax returns. Correct data storage is critical.
Your sensitive information like social security numbers, income details and bank information could be vulnerable and exposed.
ajooda benefit Nr. 1: As a fintech company we take data protection very seriously. From managed firewalls, constant website revisions and (security-)updates, data encryption when uploading your files in our form, to data storage exclusively in European Union Servers that are GDPR compliant – Our expertise in IT reduces risks significantly and lets you sleep like a baby.
2. Selling your data
Even worse, some shady operators sell your personal data without your knowledge. They either sell it to banks, insurance companies or other providers that will annoy you with sales calls, even after you said “no” 5 times already.
ajooda benefit Nr. 2: We process your data solely in accordance with our privacy policy for the purpose of preparing and optimizing your tax return. Where applicable, we will suggest potential optimizations, but if you prefer not to take advantage of them, a single “no” is all it takes.
3. Lack of Expertise
A low-cost “tax advisor” might not be fully trained or up to date with tax law changes. These missed deductions can cost you way more than the tax return itself.
ajooda benefit Nr. 3: Since we mostly take care of complicated expat tax returns, we have to stay on top of our game all the time, to make sure more money lands back in your pocket, instead of the tax office.
4. No Accountability
If something goes wrong, a cheap service may not stand behind their work. Reputable consultants offer audit support and will help you fix any issues that arise after filing.
ajooda benefit Nr. 4: Despite our careful processing of thousands of tax returns, minor errors could happen at some point – we are all human after all. If there is something we might have missed, we will correct it of course and contact the tax authorities, to make sure there are no negative consequences for you.
5. Missed Opportunities
A good consultant doesn’t just fill out forms, they strategize and think outside the box. They find ways to optimize your refund and declare your return in a way that is more beneficial to you. There are gray areas that can be used that you might not be aware of.
ajooda benefit Nr. 5: There are “patterns” we are aware of, where we can tip the odds in your favor which leads to greater tax savings. These are often unwritten rules, that come with years of experience and cannot be studied in a tax book.
8 things you should be looking for in a tax consultant in Switzerland
When considering a tax consultant, it’s not just about how much you’re paying – it’s about what you’re getting for that price.
Look for someone who:
- Has a good track record going back several years.
- Is familiar with more complex tax situations.
- Reputable brand.
- Offers clear privacy policies regarding your personal data.
- Offers clear, transparent pricing without hidden fees.
- Offers a quick & simple filing process – at many tax advisors, the back and forth takes forever and is more complicated than the tax return itself.
- Enables quick completion (e.g. shortly before the deadline). Many advisors take months to file.
- Offers the option to answer questions even after your tax return has been filed.
In many cases, paying a bit more upfront saves you significant money, stress, and risk later on.
Final Thoughts
You hire a tax professional because you want your taxes done right – securely, accurately, and with your best financial interest in mind.
While cost is important, it shouldn’t be the only factor and should not come at the cost of peace of mind.
If you’re unsure what your tax situation demands, start by asking a few reputable consultants for a quote—and don’t be afraid to ask them exactly what’s included in their fee.
Ready for a stress-free, secure, and optimized tax return?
At ajooda, we combine expert knowledge, strict data protection, and real-world experience to make sure you keep more of your tax money.
Whether your situation is simple or complex, we’re here to make tax season easier, safer, and more profitable for you.
Join 2000+ happy clients and use the simplest way to file your tax return in Switzerland with the largest digital tax platform ajooda.ch.
