Taxes in Switzerland can be high, but so can the number of legal deductions you can claim to reduce your tax bill.

Whether you’re an employee, freelancer, or expat, there are many expenses that can be deducted if you file your return correctly. Unfortunately, many people, especially newcomers to Switzerland, miss out simply because they’re unaware of the rules or file using the wrong approach.

Here’s how to make sure that doesn’t happen to you.

Why Deductions Matter in the Swiss Tax System

In Switzerland, your taxable income is not just your gross salary. The government allows a wide range of deductible expenses that lower the amount you’re taxed on.

More deductions = lower taxable income = lower total taxes owed.

But there’s a catch: these deductions must be claimed, and they vary depending on your canton, commune, and personal situation.

Common Tax Deductions in Switzerland

Here are some of the most commonly missed or underused deductions that can reduce your tax burden:

🔹 Work-related expenses

• Commuting costs (e.g., public transport, car mileage)

• Meals away from home (if not provided by your employer)

• Professional clothing and equipment

• Job-related training and education

🔹 Health insurance & medical expenses

• Basic health insurance premiums

• Out-of-pocket medical expenses (above a certain threshold)

• Dental treatments, glasses, or therapy (varies by canton)

🔹 Third-pillar pension contributions (Pillar 3a)

• Up to CHF 7,056 per year (as of 2025) for employees

• Higher limits for self-employed individuals

🔹 Childcare and education

• Daycare costs

• After-school programs

• Private school tuition (partially deductible in some cantons)

🔹 Charitable donations

• Donations to registered Swiss charities are deductible, usually up to 20% of net income

🔹 Mortgage interest & property expenses

• If you own property, mortgage interest and some maintenance costs are deductible

How to Make Sure You Claim the Right Deductions

Swiss tax rules are complex, and vary across cantons. On top of that, the official forms are in German, French, or Italian, which adds another layer of difficulty for expats.

This is where a qualified tax advisor can make a big difference.

A good advisor will:

• Review your full financial situation

• Identify deductions you may not know about

• Ensure you claim the maximum allowed amount

• Help structure your finances to reduce future taxes

• Often save you far more than the cost of their services

Filing on Your Own? You Could Be Overpaying

It’s tempting to file your taxes yourself, especially with online platforms that promise fast results. But these tools rarely prompt you for all possible deductions, and they almost never explain cantonal nuances that could save you thousands.

💡 In many cases, hiring a tax advisor ends up saving more money than doing it yourself.

And when you work with an advisor who knows the local system, and speaks your language, you gain peace of mind and clarity, not just savings.

Need Help Identifying Deductions? We Can Help.

We connect individuals, couples, and expats with vetted, English-speaking tax advisors across the German-speaking part of Switzerland.

Our partners are:

• Highly experienced with Swiss tax rules

• Fluent in English

• Personable, responsive, and confidential

• Focused on maximizing your deductions legally

Whether you’re employed, self-employed, or new to Switzerland, our advisors will help you optimize your return, avoid mistakes, and minimize your tax bill.

FAQs About Swiss Tax Deductions

Q: What’s the most common deduction people miss?
A: Work-related commuting costs and third-pillar contributions are two of the most overlooked deductions, especially for expats who don’t file voluntarily.

Q: Can I deduct rent?
A: No, rent is not deductible in most cases. But mortgage interest is, for homeowners.

Q: Do I need receipts or proof for every deduction?
A: Yes, you should keep documentation in case the tax authority requests it, your advisor will tell you what’s needed and what’s not.

Q: Are deductions the same across Switzerland?
A: No. Deduction amounts and rules vary by canton and sometimes even by commune.

Get Help Maximizing Your Swiss Tax Deductions

Don’t leave money on the table. Let a qualified tax advisor review your situation and help you take full advantage of the deductions you’re entitled to.

No call centers. No confusing forms. Just real help.

👉 Request a consultation below

Need Personalized Tax Advice?

We work with carefully selected, English-speaking tax advisors in Zurich who specialize in helping expats, freelancers, and foreign residents.
By working with a professional who understands your unique situation, you’ll not only gain clarity, but you’ll also discover legal deductions, filing strategies, and optimizations that could significantly reduce your Swiss tax bill.

With the right support, you could save hundreds or even thousands of francs on your next tax return.