Geneva levies wealth tax on net assets as at 31 December. Your tax base equals gross wealth (cash, securities, real estate, business interests, alternative assets) minus qualified allowances and deductible liabilities. Getting these inputs right is essential for an accurate and efficient assessment.

This page outlines the standard Geneva approach for individuals, reflecting cantonal law and administrative practice. For rates and commune coefficients, see Rates & Communal Coefficients.

Personal Allowances (Exempt Thresholds)

Geneva provides a basic personal allowance (exempt threshold) that varies by filing status and is applied before the progressive cantonal tariff and communal coefficient. There is also an increment per dependent child.

Figures are indicative for planning. Always check the current-year thresholds published by the Geneva tax administration.

Debt Deductions (Liabilities at 31 December)

Liabilities that are legally enforceable, documented, and outstanding at 31 December reduce the wealth tax base. Common deductible items include:

• Mortgages on Geneva or out-of-canton real estate (allocated proportionally if multi-cantonal)
• Bank loans and margin loans (with contracts and balance confirmations)
• Private loans with written agreements and interest evidence
• Accrued/assessed taxes due (cantonal/federal) as at year-end

Contingent or non-enforceable obligations (e.g., guarantees) are not deductible until they become due and payable.

Pension Assets (Pillar 2 and 3a)

Assets held in Swiss occupational pension plans (pillar 2) and tied retirement accounts (pillar 3a) are generally exempt from wealth tax in Geneva until withdrawal. Non-tied savings (pillar 3b) remain part of taxable wealth.

Pension buy-ins and pillar 3a contributions primarily affect income tax; they do not directly reduce the wealth tax base except insofar as assets are held within exempt pension vehicles at year-end.

Valuation Rules That Influence the Base

Geneva follows Swiss-wide coordination for certain asset classes and cantonal practice for others:

• Listed securities: use the official year-end price lists accepted for tax purposes.
• Real estate (Geneva): declare the valeur fiscale (official assessed value), which is often below market.
• Private companies: apply the Swiss practitioner’s method (earnings capitalisation and net asset value weighting).
• Precious metals, art, alternatives: fair value; household effects are generally exempt.
• Cryptoassets: use the recognised 31 December reference prices where available.

Family Attribution & Marital Property

Married couples are jointly assessed in Geneva. Assets of dependent children are attributed to the parents. If spouses are taxed separately due to separation, each applies the single allowance and personal liabilities.

Gifts and inheritances received during the year are included in the 31 December wealth balance unless specifically exempted. Coordinate with Geneva’s gift/estate tax rules for timing and form of transfers.

Documentation Expectations

The Geneva tax administration typically expects the following for the wealth section:

Planning Insights

• Use genuine, well-documented debt to right-size your net wealth base; weigh interest costs versus tax relief.
• Review commune coefficients before relocating within Geneva — small percentage changes can be meaningful at higher brackets.
• Leverage pension vehicles for sheltering (pillar 2 buy-ins / pillar 3a contributions) and align with income tax planning.
• Ensure valuation reflects accepted methods — especially for private companies and real estate.