In Bern, wealth tax is filed together with the individual income tax return. The canton supports e-filing via the TaxMe online platform as well as traditional paper filing. Municipal multipliers are applied during assessment and billing.

Filing Timeline (Typical Cycle)

1. January–February: Bern issues filing invitations and opens the TaxMe / e-filing modules for the new tax year.
2. Ordinary due date: For most private individuals, the return is generally due by 15 March of the following year; certain self-employed taxpayers have later ordinary deadlines (often around 15 May).
3. Extension window: Online extensions are typically available free of charge until mid-July, with further extensions possible (often to mid-September and mid-November) subject to fees and conditions.
4. Assessment & billing: Provisional bills may be issued; final assessments follow review. Late payments accrue interest.

Always verify the current-year dates on the Bern tax administration (TaxMe) portal before filing.

How to File in Bern

1) e-Filing via TaxMe (recommended)

• Log in to the TaxMe online portal of the Bern tax administration.
• Complete income schedules and the 31 December wealth statement (assets, liabilities, allowances).
• Upload supporting documents (bank statements, valuation extracts) in PDF or other accepted formats.
• Submit your return electronically; in many cases no paper signature is required once the online submission is confirmed.

2) Paper Return

• Use official forms for the relevant tax year (either provided in the mailing or generated from TaxMe as a PDF).
• Attach copies of statements; keep originals for your records.
• Send the signed return to the address indicated on the filing invitation or as instructed by the municipal tax office.

Extensions

If you cannot file by the ordinary due date, request an extension via the TaxMe online service or in writing. Bern generally offers a staged extension system with an initial period free of charge and later extensions subject to modest fees.

• Request before due date: File the extension application before the original filing deadline to avoid reminders and estimated assessments.
• Initial online extension: Typically available free of charge until mid-July of the year following the tax period.
• Further extensions: Additional time (often to mid-September and then mid-November) may be granted for a fee, depending on whether the request is online or in writing.
• Advisor mandate: Your tax representative can request and manage extensions for multiple taxpayers using case-specific identifiers.
• Penalties: Late or missing returns can trigger reminder fees, fines, and estimated assessments.

Provisional Payments, Interest & Adjustments

Bern issues provisional instalments based on prior assessments or estimates. You may request adjustments if your income or wealth changes significantly. After filing and review, a final bill is issued. Late payments accrue interest at the cantonal rate.

• Payment references: Use the exact QR-bill or payment reference number printed on each invoice.
• Partial payments: Usually permitted; keep payment confirmations and notices for reconciliation with the final assessment.
• Objections (Einsprache): If you disagree with the assessment, submit a written objection within the deadline indicated on the assessment notice.

Nonresidents with Bern-Situs Assets

Nonresidents owning Bern real estate or business assets typically file a limited return covering Swiss-situs income and wealth. A Swiss correspondence address or tax representative is often required. See the Nonresident Guide.

Document Checklist (Wealth Section)

Prepare and upload/retain the following to support your 31 December wealth statement:

Annual Changes

Forms, TaxMe modules, deadlines, and municipal multipliers are updated annually. Confirm the current-year requirements and due dates on the official Bern tax administration portal before submitting your return.