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Is a tax return worth it for
withholding tax payers?
Tax at source (Quellensteuer) doesn't require any effort.
But this could could cost you thousands of francs every year.
10+ years tax experience
2000+ clients served
The reality
80–90%
of people who switch save money
Sometimes thousands of francs every year. The question isn't whether the switch works — it's whether it works for you specifically.
Know for sure before you commit
Our tax experts calculate your exact situation. You get a clear answer: switch or stay. No guessing, no risk of an unpleasant surprise.
CHF 50 voucher on your first tax return if the switch is beneficial.
Start my calculation →
In 10–20% of cases the switch leads to higher taxes — which is exactly why we calculate first.

Withholding tax vs. Tax return

Factor Withholding tax Tax return
Child deduction By tarif only Deductible
Commute Not applicable Deductible
Education Not applicable Deductible
Medical expenses Not applicable Above threshold
Pillar 3a Not deductible Fully deductible
Mortgage interest Not deductible Fully deductible
Basis Monthly income Annual income
Reversible? Switch possible Permanent — no going back
Risk of higher taxes No risk Possible in 10–20% of cases

Who can benefit?

Family with children
Child deductions and childcare costs are only fully claimable via tax return. If you have children, the switch is often worth calculating.
CHF 800–2'500typical yearly saving
Calculate now
Commuter with high work expenses
Long commutes, public transport costs, meals and home office deductions don't apply under withholding tax — but they can generate a significant refund.
CHF 600–1'200typical yearly saving
Calculate now
Pillar 3a contributor
Pillar 3a contributions up to CHF 7'258 per year are fully deductible — but only if you file a tax return. You could have a pillar 3a, but can't deduct it if under withholding tax.
CHF 700–2'700typical yearly saving
Calculate now
NOV Calculation
CHF 330
Subsequent years taken into consideration
Personalised optimisation recommendations
Clear recommendation: switch or stay
All deductions identified and calculated
Done in:
7 business days (standard) Included
3 business days (express) + CHF 50
If the switch is beneficial, we will gift you a
CHF 50 voucher for your next tax return with ajooda.
Start my calculation →

What our clients say

★★★★★
"They took the entire workload off our shoulders. Always available and they'll call you back on short notice. After I had gotten my tax declaration, there was nothing else I had to do."
AG
A. Garten
★★★★★
"Very professional and competent consulting. I'm very happy with the fast and uncomplicated service. Would recommend ajooda to any business owner."
SS
S. Schrader
★★★★★
"Satisfied for years! Friendly service and my demands were always fulfilled successfully. Switching to ajooda was one of the best decisions I made for my business."
CM
Caterina M.
★★★★★
"I gave my taxes over to ajooda and within days they were able to finish them. My tax declaration was directly submitted to the tax office. This seriously is a 5 star service."
AR
A. Rodrigues
★★★★★
"After I had submitted all of my documents digitally I received a phone call that everything worked out. About 10 days later I received an email with feedback. I'm absolutely thrilled!"
SG
Sandra G.
★★★★★
"I found ajooda on Google and I can only recommend them. They gave me an incredibly friendly and professional service. Fast, reliable and always reachable."
SM
S. Moas
Read more reviews →
NOV-Calculation Form

Personal

CHF

Income and Wealth

Employer 1

Employer 2

Employer 3

Partner

Employer 1

Employer 2

Employer 3

CHF

Other

Child 1

Child 2

Child 3

Child 4

Child 5

Additional Information

Info: For estimated figures, e.g. if you wish to calculate for this year, please provide as accurate details as possible to ensure the calculation is more precise.

CHF

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CHF

What is withholding tax?

Withholding tax is deducted directly from your salary and is a flat-rate tax for residents without a C residence permit or Swiss passport.

It simplifies the tax process and allows for automatic tax settlement. With withholding tax, there is no annual tax return, which many see as an advantage. The tax burden is calculated based on monthly income.

What is retroactive ordinary assessment (tax return)?

With retroactive ordinary assessment, the entire income and assets of a taxpayer are accounted for in an annual tax return.

With a C residence permit or Swiss passport, the tax return is mandatory. Foreign employees are also automatically assessed retroactively, for example, if their annual gross income exceeds CHF 120’000 or if they have additional income such as dividends.

FAQ
for withholding tax

Anyone who is subject to withholding tax in Switzerland and exceeds certain income limits can have it checked whether a change to ordinary assessment makes sense.
This also applies to people who have assets or significant deductions.

The switch can be particularly worthwhile if you have high professional expenses, alimony payments or assets that are not sufficiently taken into account in the context of withholding tax (switching to the tax return is mandatory anyway from a certain level of assets).

First, we use your personal financial data to check whether the change is worthwhile for you.
Then an application for a retrospective ordinary assessment (NOV) must be submitted to your canton of residence. This application must be submitted by 31.03.XX at the latest. You will then receive the document from the tax office with the submission code after a few weeks/months.

Once changed, this method remains in place for the respective tax year as well as for all subsequent years. It is therefore advisable to carry out a detailed analysis in advance in order to make the best decision.