The Canton of Valais (Wallis) stretches from the upper Rhône valley to major alpine resorts and mountain communes. Its wealth tax system follows the standard Swiss model: net worldwide assets of residents are taxed under a progressive cantonal tariff, adjusted by municipal multipliers and, where applicable, church tax. Nonresidents are taxed only on defined Swiss-situs assets such as real estate or permanent establishments located in Valais.

This hub brings together the core elements of Valais’s wealth tax framework — including rates & municipal multipliers, allowances & deductions, valuation rules, planning strategies and the main filing & compliance requirements.

Key Facts for 2025

• Tax base: Worldwide net assets for Valais residents; defined Swiss-situs assets only for nonresident taxpayers
• Tax date: 31 December (year-end net-wealth snapshot)
• Filing: Combined income & wealth tax return; married couples are generally assessed jointly
• Municipal multipliers: Communes apply their own tax multipliers (taux communal / Gemeindesteuerfuss) on top of the cantonal tariff; church tax may apply in addition
• Allowances: Personal allowances, dependants’ relief and debt deductions reduce taxable net wealth (see allowances & deductions page)
• Pension assets: 2nd pillar and pillar 3a assets are typically exempt from wealth tax until payout

Municipal Variation Across Valais

Valais includes the cantonal capital of Sion, regional centres, the Upper Valais (Oberwallis) and a number of well-known resort communes. Each municipality sets its own multipliers within the cantonal framework, and church tax parameters add another layer of variation. As a result, effective wealth tax can differ significantly across the canton even where net assets are identical.

For high-net-worth individuals and families — especially owners of primary residences, chalets or investment property in Valais — choice of municipality is a central planning lever. The Wealth Tax Calculator allows you to model how different municipal multipliers, family situations and debt levels influence your annual wealth tax burden.

Structure of the Valais Wealth Tax Hub

Use the following specialist pages to build a complete understanding of wealth tax in Valais:

Filing & Administration

Wealth tax in Valais is assessed together with income tax in a single cantonal and municipal assessment. The canton provides standard tax return forms and supports electronic filing; provisional tax invoices issued during the year are reconciled once the final return has been processed.

• Authority: Cantonal Tax Administration of Valais (Administration cantonale des impôts du Valais / Kantonale Steuerverwaltung Wallis)
• Municipal offices: Communes publish their multipliers and may assist with local administrative questions
• Language: French and German are official languages; English guidance is generally available via professional advisers.

Planning Considerations

For affluent and cross-border taxpayers, planning in Valais typically focuses on municipality selection, debt and leverage strategy (particularly for primary residences, chalets and investment property), the use of pension and insurance solutions, and robust valuation practices for business interests and substantial portfolios.

The Wealth Tax Calculator offers a numerical starting point, while the Planning Strategies page provides a framework for residence, structuring and succession planning in a Valais context.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Valais a high- or low-wealth-tax canton?

Valais is generally seen as mid-range but with notable municipal variation. The effective burden depends heavily on the commune, net-asset level, deductible debts and church tax status.

Do Valais residents have to declare foreign assets?

Yes. Residents are taxed on worldwide net assets, including foreign real estate, portfolios and bank assets, with associated liabilities and applicable allowances taken into account.

How are holiday homes in Valais treated for wealth tax?

Holiday homes located in Valais are included at their taxable value in the owner’s net-asset base. For nonresidents, Valais real estate generally creates a limited wealth-tax liability in the canton.

Is lump-sum taxation (forfait) available in Valais for wealth tax?

Wealth tax is usually assessed according to ordinary net-asset rules. Any special rulings or lump-sum arrangements are handled individually and do not replace the standard framework for typical residents.

How important is municipality choice within Valais?

Municipality choice is important, particularly at higher wealth levels. Differences in municipal and church multipliers can create substantial long-term differences in the annual wealth tax burden.