Swiss Tax Services

If you are tax resident (generally based on domicile or substantial presence), you are typically required to file at the cantonal level, reporting worldwide income and net wealth.

Short assignments may be taxed at source (withholding) on Swiss-source income. Treaty “183-day” rules can affect employment income; facts like who pays your salary and where work is performed matter.

The U.S.–Switzerland income tax treaty coordinates taxing rights. Double taxation is typically mitigated via U.S. foreign tax credits or exclusions, subject to limitations.

Income tax at federal/cantonal/communal levels, wealth tax (cantonal/communal), VAT (MWST/TVA/IVA), withholding tax on dividends/interest, real estate taxes (including property gains), and inheritance/gift taxes (cantonal).

Switzerland taxes at three levels (federal/cantonal/communal) and levies annual wealth tax. Private capital gains on securities are usually tax-free, but there’s no U.S. equivalent to wealth tax.

Yes. U.S. citizens and Green Card holders must file with the IRS annually and report worldwide income, regardless of residence.

FEIE can exclude a portion of earned income on your U.S. return if you qualify (bona fide residence or physical presence tests). It does not reduce Swiss tax due locally.

Generally yes. Swiss income taxes can be credited on your U.S. return (subject to limit rules). Credits typically provide better relief for highly taxed income than FEIE alone.

The U.S.–Switzerland totalization agreement helps avoid double contributions and protects benefit eligibility. Coverage usually follows where you work, with exceptions for detached workers.

Wealth tax is an annual cantonal/communal tax on net assets (worldwide for residents). It coexists with U.S. filing; it’s generally not creditable against U.S. income tax.

For private (non-professional) investors, gains on movable private assets (e.g., listed shares) are generally tax-free, while interest/dividends are taxable. “Professional trader” status can change this.

Pillar 1 (AHV/AVS) and Pillar 2 (occupational) benefits are generally taxable when paid. Pillar 3a withdrawals are taxed at preferential rates. U.S. treatment depends on treaty and timing.

Switzerland may tax distributions depending on treaty interpretation and residency. U.S. tax deferral rules don’t automatically apply under Swiss law; coordination is needed.

Yes. FBAR (FinCEN 114) and possibly FATCA Form 8938 apply if thresholds are met. Swiss banks also report under FATCA/CRS frameworks.

Often yes. Many non-U.S. funds are classified as PFICs, which can trigger punitive U.S. tax/interest unless elections and annual reporting are handled properly.

Deadlines and extensions vary by canton. Many cantons allow online extension requests; filing seasons typically run in the first half of the year for the prior tax year.

Returns are filed with your canton (e.g., eTax, VaudTax, ZHprivateTax). Tax at source (Quellensteuer/impôt à la source) may require an ordinary assessment to claim deductions.

Swiss dividends are subject to federal withholding. Residents can typically reclaim/credit it via the return; treaty relief may apply for cross-border situations.

Owner-occupied property may be subject to an imputed rental value; mortgage interest/maintenance can be deductible. Property gains tax is cantonal; rental income is taxable and property is subject to wealth tax.

Engage a tax advisor experienced in U.S.–Swiss cross-border issues. For tailored assistance, please contact us.