Filling out your tax return, step by step

Filling out the tax return

Every year, the tax authorities of your municipality or canton will ask you to fill out a tax return. The tax return will determine how much income and wealth tax you have to pay. Failure to comply with this request can have consequences.

Tip:

You can the Submit tax returns electronically almost everywhere. There is no need for a written signature. The same applies to copies, paper receipts, etc.

Should you fill out your tax return online or not?

The question often arises whether you want to enter everything yourself on the computer or just collect the receipts (shoebox or folder method) and then simply have the tax return filled out. Usually, commissioning a tax advisor also means the detour via paper and sending the tax return in an envelope. It is advisable to clarify beforehand which tax advisor works with which methods and tools.

In addition, the tax programs of the various cantons are designed differently. In the canton of Zurich, for example, a completely paperless workflow can be implemented.

receipts and documents

Good preparation makes it easier to collect receipts and fill out your tax return. It is advisable to collect and prepare receipts and documents during the year. These include:

For income and assets:

• wage statements (for employees)
• income and expenses or accounting (for self-employed persons)
• Receipts for pensions (AHV, IV, OK, etc.)
• Bank statements the bank or post office
• Documents relating to the deposit and securities

Documents for calculating deductions:

• Proof of contributions to Pillar 2 and 3a (purchase or voluntary provision). More on the topic Prevention is available here.
• Medical expenses
• professional costs
• training and retraining costs
• Donation receipts
• Homeowners: all documents relating to interest on debts, invoices for maintenance and renovation work, operating and administrative costs.

Everything at a glance: the checklist.

If you decide to use the online option, you should create a folder on a computer or cloud drive in which you can collect receipts received via email, e-banking, or financial or insurance portals. Scans of papers from the mailbox can also be scanned and sorted just as quickly.

You can also file your own lists of expenses, especially for self-employed people. This will help you later when you are preparing your tax return.

Fill out tax returns: Acquisition, secondary employment and other Income

Income from employment, self-employment and any secondary employment must be declared in the tax return. The net salary must be stated.

In addition to your earnings, you must also declare other sources of income, including alimony and income from securities.

Retirees spend their pensions AHV and BVG/PK (occupational pension scheme).

Save taxes with deductions

Taxable income is reduced by deductions. This is the decisive factor in calculating income tax. Even small savings are worthwhile, as the calculation is progressive.

For example: A single earner in the canton of Zurich with 100’000 Francs of taxable income saves approximately 250 francs in state, municipal and federal taxes if a further 1 in deductions can be claimed (tax year 000, municipal tax rate approximately 2022%).

Wealth declare

Income tax is often the largest part of the tax bill. However, cantons and municipalities also levy wealth taxes.

Assets include real estate, securities, cash, account balances, life and pension insurance. Valuables only need to be declared if they exceed a certain limit.

However, the pension funds of Pillars 2 and 3a are excluded, but not the funds of the Free Pension 3b.

Make deductions from assets

Debts like mortgage or small loans, private debts, but also loans or overdraft limits used on cards can be deducted from assets. But there are also social deductions and tax allowances that apply to everyone (depending on the canton).

Filling out tax returns for foreigners

Foreign nationals with a residence permit (C permit) declare their income and assets in their tax return. All other foreign employees pay withholding tax, which is deducted and paid by the employer.

Tax return for married couples (single and dual earners)

Married couples fill out a tax return together. All income is added together and taxed together at a reduced tax rate. This also applies to registered partnerships.

The Tax declaration fill out and Game Idea

As a rule, you will receive your tax return from the cantonal tax administration or the municipal tax office. The tax return is also submitted there.

request an extension (let)

Depending on the canton, you have a few months to complete and submit your tax return. The deadline is indicated on the forms. However, it is worth applying for an extension.

This can be done electronically or automatically by a tax service provider. Simpletax all clients in the canton of Zurich will be automatically renewed.

Services, Tax Services and Tax Advisors

It is often worth getting help filling out your tax return. This not only saves money, but also time and stress. Nevertheless, the documents and receipts must be submitted to a professional tax advisor. Once you have done this, a lot of information from the tax software from the previous year can be used and compared, making the process much easier.

The tax declaration, filled out by a professional, can be easily booked here. Depending on your wishes, the tax return can in person or online discussed. After that, you don't need to do anything else.

Save taxes when filling out your tax return

How much tax can be saved with an optimally completed tax return depends on income and tax progression. Likewise, not all deductions are always valid or they are limited in amount. If you are not sure, ask us and we will send you an offer!