Which documents do I need for the Zurich tax return?
You can find a detailed list here: Zurich tax return documents checklist
Can I calculate my approximate tax burden?
Yes, each canton has its own tax calculator.
For example, you can find the tax calculator for the canton of Zurich here: Zurich tax calculator
It will show you the approximate tax burden (without deductions).
If you want a precise tax calculation, maybe to find out if it’s more attractive to transit to the tax declaration instead of get taxed at source by “Quellensteuer”, only tax advisors, like ajooda AG, with professional tools can help.
The decision tax at source vs. tax declaration can make a difference of multiple thousands of francs every year. Therefore, a calculation beforehand is strongly advised, if you are not certain which way you will pay less tax.
I pay withholding tax, do I also have to file for the Zurich tax return?
Only as long as your earned income exceeds CHF 120’000.
The same applies to married couples: One person must earn more than CHF 120’000 (salaries are not added together).
If this amount is exceeded, the tax declaration in Zurich is mandatory and you will automatically receive the documents from the tax authorities.
The tax declaration in Switzerland is also mandatory if you receive:
- Income from self-employment
- Dividends from domestic and foreign stocks
- Rental income from real estate in Switzerland
- Pension from AHV, IV or pension fund
- Alimony for minor children
This list is not exhaustive and the tricky part for this particular list is, that even though the tax declaration is mandatory in these cases, you will not receive the tax documents automatically.
What home office deductions am I allowed to claim for my tax return in Zurich?
Certain factors must be met in order to claim home office deductions for your tax return in Switzerland.
First, a substantial part of the workload must take place at home. A substantial part is min. 40% or 2 out of 5 working days.
The room must also be usable exclusively for work. There must not have a bed or sofa in it, as the tax office could otherwise regard it as a multifunctional room.
By the way: If you want to deduct the room from your tax, you cannot claim a flat-rate allowance for professional expenses. Travel costs and public transport subscriptions are then also no longer deductible.
You have to weigh up what would be more attractive from a tax point of view and decide on a variant.
Can I submit the documents for the tax return Zurich online?
Would you like your tax return in Zurich to be completed correctly and the maximum deductions to be claimed?
Over 2,000 customers throughout Switzerland trust the tax expertise of ajooda AG every year. Find out here why our customers are so satisfied and what they say about our service.
