Because there are 2 threads about saving taxes / listing all deductions I thought it would be good to summarise all points from the discussions:
Second and third pillars (pillar 2 and pillar 3a)
- Tax savings: The maximum deduction for contributions to the pension fund (pillar 2) is
CHF 7,056 for taxable persons who belong to an occupational pension scheme. - For contributions to tied pension provision (pillar 3a): CHF 7,056 for taxable persons who belong to an occupational pension scheme.
- Up to 20 % of earned income, up to a maximum of CHF 35,280 for taxable persons who do not belong to an occupational pension scheme.
- These amounts should be entered in the E-Tax software under the specific sections for pension expenses.
Custody account / Portfolio “abroad” (avoidance of stamp duty)
- Tax savings: No direct tax savings in income tax, but avoidance of Swiss stamp duty on transactions.
- Entry in E-Tax: Financial assets must be entered under ‘Securities and assets’, including foreign accounts and custody accounts.
Reduced consumption of taxed goods
- Tax savings: Indirect savings through reduced consumption of goods and services subject to VAT.
- Entry in e-tax: No direct entry in e-tax, as this is a consumption tax saving.
Alimony / Support deduction
- Tax savings: Up to CHF 6,500 for the support of financially weak persons can be deducted.
- Entry in E-Tax: Under the sections for maintenance payments for persons in need of support.
Marriage or divorce for tax benefits
- Tax savings: Variable, depending on the specific financial constellation of the partners.
- Entry in E-Tax: Change of marital status must be adjusted in the tax return, which allows for different rates and deductions.
Costs for work-related travel
- Tax savings: Deduction for actual costs or lump sums for travel to work. Deduction of costs for travel to work by car, public transport AND bicycle (700 CHF on top).
- Entry in E-Tax: Under the sections for work-related expenses, specifically the costs for travel between home and work.
Meals away from home
- Tax savings: Flat-rate deductions for additional expenses for meals away from home if they are work-related.
- Entry in E-Tax: Also under professional expenses.
Training and continuing education
- You can deduct from your taxes the cost of training and continuing education for professional purposes, including retraining costs, up to max. 12,000 CHF per year.
- Provided : Hold an upper-secondary level diploma Be aged 20 or over, and be following a course of study leading to a diploma other than a first upper-secondary level diploma.
- Entry in E-Tax: Also under professional expenses.
Home office costs
- Tax savings: Deduction for rent, heating, electricity, etc., if the home office complies with the regulations.
- Entry in E-Tax: Deductions under costs for the home office if the specific requirements are met.
Renovation costs for real estate abroad
- Tax savings: Deduction of costs is possible if they generate income from the property.
- Entry in E-Tax: Income and related expenses for foreign real estate must be declared.
Deduction for childcare
- Tax savings: Deductions for the costs of childcare provided by third parties up to a certain maximum amount.
- Entry in E-Tax: Special sections for childcare costs.
Further strategies that need more details/ refinement:
- Becoming a self-employed entrepreneur: Self-employment and starting a business can provide tax benefits by deducting business expenses and choosing the form of income (salary vs. dividend).
- Donations: Gassenspenden/ Kleinspenden seem to be deductible without further proof. The amounts seem to differ from canton to canton widely. ZH seems to be 500 CHF.
Did I forget anything?
Canton specific advice would also be great. If everyone could name the canton after they provide further insights that might also help in the search function.
E.g. “BL” was easy to find and very relevant. Unfortunately (for me), not many people named it.