Uri applies a progressive wealth tax combined with municipal multipliers. Effective rates typically fall in the 0.35–0.60 % range for mid- to high-net-worth individuals, depending on municipality and deductions. Because populations are small and tax administration is highly personalised, documentation quality and economic substance play a meaningful role in successful planning.

1. Residence & Municipality Selection

Municipality selection is one of the key planning levers in Uri. Communes apply different multipliers to the cantonal tax, creating material variation in the effective wealth tax burden.

• Compare municipalities such as Altdorf, Schattdorf, Bürglen, Andermatt and Erstfeld for combined income and wealth tax.
• Consider non-tax factors such as infrastructure, transport links (Gotthard axis), property availability and schooling.
• Residence must reflect a genuine centre of life (Lebensmittelpunkt) for tax purposes.

2. Using Leverage Strategically

Uri permits deduction of documented and enforceable liabilities when determining taxable net wealth. Leverage can reduce the tax base, but the benefit is smaller than in high-tax cantons.

• Maintain written financing agreements, including interest terms and repayment schedules.
• Mortgages, business loans and investment loans may be deductible if commercially justified.
• Assess whether the cost of borrowing outweighs the tax benefit.

Artificial or circular loans may be challenged by the tax authorities.

3. Valuation Reviews & Timing

Wealth tax in Uri is levied on net assets at 31 December. Updating valuations ensures assessments reflect economic reality rather than outdated figures.

• Real estate: Review valuations, especially for property in Andermatt or tourist areas where market values fluctuate.
• Private companies: Apply the practitioner method consistently and document assumptions and adjustments.
• Investment portfolios: Align year-end allocation with liquidity and valuation considerations.

4. Pension & Retirement Coordination

Assets held in pillar 2 and pillar 3a structures are exempt from wealth tax while invested. In Uri, pension planning provides both income and wealth tax advantages.

• Maximise pillar 3a contributions annually (subject to limits).
• Evaluate pillar 2 buy-ins before retirement.
• Plan withdrawals across multiple years to avoid high marginal taxation.

5. Family & Succession Planning

Uri applies inheritance and gift tax for certain beneficiaries, making coordinated planning important.

• Model the interaction between ongoing wealth tax and future transfer taxes.
• Consider phased transfers of business interests or property using documented valuations.
• Coordinate planning where heirs reside in other cantons or abroad.

6. Nonresident Considerations

Nonresidents are taxable in Uri on Swiss-situs assets, primarily real estate and business establishments.

• Ensure proper allocation of debt to Uri-situs assets where applicable.
• Maintain updated valuations for real estate and participations.
• Appoint a Swiss representative where required and ensure filings align with treaty rules.

See the Nonresident Guide for details.

7. Integration with Broader Planning

Wealth tax planning in Uri should be integrated with income, corporate and inheritance strategies.

• Compare the overall effective tax burden across cantons when considering relocation.
• Use consolidated reporting for consistent valuation across jurisdictions.
• Coordinate with investment, corporate and estate advisers.

Summary — Uri Planning Characteristics

• Moderate effective wealth tax (approx. 0.35–0.60 %).
• Municipality choice remains a key planning lever.
• Valuation and documentation standards are important due to personalised tax administration.
• Pension structures provide meaningful optimisation potential.