Tax declaration: moved canton - high tax bill

Hi all,

First time poster but long time reader! I was hoping for some guidance as I’m reaching a dead-end on this.

I’m a Permit B holder, taxed at source. I complete tax declarations as salary is over CHF120k threshold and I have assets/property in UK.

Having lived in Lausanne for 3 years, I moved to Zurich in June last year for a new role. My accountant is currently completing my 2025 tax declaration for Canton Zurich. Due to a significant salary jump (from ~130k to ~210k) he’s told me that I will now face paying an additional CHF21k in tax.

The amount is a shock; however, I understand it’s because of the salary jump / tax rate differences between the cantons. The problem is my accountant isn’t telling me if the tax I have already “paid” from January to May in Canton Vaud will be automatically transferred to Canton Zurich to reduce that amount payable or do I need to request it myself from Canton Vaud? I assume this will bring down the 20k additional tax payable.

Online I’ve read both views: you have to ask and wait or, if you’re a Permit B holder, the cantons sit it out between themselves. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

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