Geneva Wealth Tax

Geneva Wealth Tax Guide 2025

An advisor’s overview of Geneva’s wealth tax — progressive cantonal tariff, communal multipliers, allowances, valuation, compliance, and planning levers.

The Canton of Geneva levies an annual wealth tax on the worldwide net assets of resident individuals and on Swiss-situs assets of certain nonresidents. Geneva applies a progressive cantonal schedule and each commune sets a local multiplier (coefficient) that is applied to the cantonal amount. This two-layer structure means your commune of residence can materially affect the effective burden.

This hub centralises Geneva’s key rules — from rates and communal coefficients to allowances, valuation rules, planning strategies, and filing. Use the calculator to model outcomes by commune.

At a glance: Wealth tax is computed on net wealth at 31 December → cantonal base (progressive) × communal multiplier (plus church component where applicable).

Key Facts for 2025

Tax base: Worldwide net assets for Geneva residents; Swiss-situs assets for nonresidents
Tax date: 31 December (balance-sheet approach)
Assessment: Combined income & wealth return; joint assessment for married couples
Communal impact: Each commune sets a coefficient applied to the cantonal amount
Allowances: Basic exemptions by filing status; children’s allowances; debt deductions for enforceable year-end liabilities
Pension assets: Pillar 2 and pillar 3a are generally excluded from wealth tax until withdrawal

Communal Variation Across Geneva

Geneva’s communes differ in their coefficients, creating a spread in effective rates even at identical net worth levels. High-service urban communes typically apply higher coefficients than some suburban communes. Before purchasing property or relocating within the canton, compare commune multipliers and run a scenario analysis.

Start with the Rates & Communal Coefficients and test your profile in the Wealth Tax Calculator.

Structure of the Geneva Wealth Tax Hub

Explore detailed sections tailored to Geneva’s regime:

Rates & Communal Coefficients

Progressive cantonal tariff and how commune coefficients shape the final liability.

Allowances & Deductions

Personal exemptions, children’s allowances, and debt deductions that reduce the tax base.

Valuation Rules

Assessment of real estate, listed securities, private companies, and alternative assets.

Wealth Tax Calculator

Estimate Geneva wealth tax by commune using your net worth and profile.

Cases & Worked Examples

Practical scenarios for singles, families, homeowners, entrepreneurs, and nonresidents.

Forms & Deadlines

Filing timeline, e-filing access, extensions, payments, and document checklists.

Planning Strategies

Resident-focused optimisation: commune selection, leverage, valuation, pensions, family planning.

Nonresident Guide

Limited tax liability on Geneva-situs assets, allocation rules, representatives, and treaty notes.

Filing & Administration

Wealth tax is declared with the individual tax return. Geneva provides e-filing and supports extensions upon request. Bills may be issued provisionally and later adjusted at final assessment. Missed deadlines can trigger interest and penalties.

Authority: Canton of Geneva Tax Administration (Administration fiscale cantonale)
Communes: Apply their coefficients; collection is coordinated via cantonal/communal systems
Language: French (official); English guidance often available for core topics

Planning Considerations

Geneva’s higher progressive brackets and communal coefficients amplify the value of commune choice, debt structuring, and disciplined valuation. Families should coordinate wealth tax with succession and marital property planning.

See Planning Strategies for residents and the Nonresident Guide for cross-border profiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Geneva levy a federal wealth tax?: No. In Switzerland, wealth tax is cantonal/communal. Geneva’s levy is at these levels only.
Is Geneva generally higher than other cantons?: Yes, Geneva is among the higher-burden cantons at upper brackets. The commune coefficient further impacts the outcome.
Do nonresidents pay Geneva wealth tax?: On Geneva-situs assets (notably real estate and PE business assets) — yes, on a limited basis.
Is lump-sum taxation (forfait) available?: Geneva provides a forfait regime under specific conditions; its interaction with communal levies is specialised and requires individual advice.