The Canton of Nidwalden is known for comparatively low tax rates, but it still levies wealth tax on net assets held on 31 December — i.e. worldwide gross wealth minus recognized allowances, exemptions, and deductible liabilities.

This overview follows the practice under the Steuergesetz des Kantons Nidwalden (StG NW) and guidance of the Steuerverwaltung Nidwalden. Municipal multipliers then determine the effective tax burden at the place of residence.

Personal Allowances

Nidwalden grants a basic exemption from wealth tax that varies by family situation. Below these thresholds, no cantonal wealth tax is generally due.

Values shown are indicative for 2025 based on typical Nidwalden practice. Exact minimum taxable amounts and family allowances are set in the official schedule for each tax year and may change.

Debt Deductions

Nidwalden allows deduction of legally enforceable debts that exist on 31 December and are properly documented. Typical deductible liabilities include:

• Mortgages on Swiss or foreign real estate
• Bank loans, investment loans, and margin loans
• Private loans supported by written agreements
• Accrued Swiss taxes (federal, cantonal, and municipal) that are not yet paid

Foreign-currency debts must be converted at the official year-end exchange rates as published by the Federal Tax Administration (FTA).

Contingent obligations (e.g. guarantees) are not deductible until they materialise into an actual enforceable liability.

Pension Assets & Retirement Accounts

Nidwalden follows the standard Swiss approach of fully exempting certain pension assets from wealth tax:

• Occupational pension assets (2^nd pillar)
• Tied individual retirement accounts (pillar 3a)

These are excluded from the wealth tax base until a lump-sum or pension payment is made. By contrast, untied pension savings and other private investments (pillar 3b) are fully taxable.

Pension buy-ins and 3a contributions generate income tax relief but only influence wealth tax by changing the balances reported on taxable accounts.

Valuation Adjustments

The calculation of taxable wealth in Nidwalden is influenced by how certain assets are valued:

• Unlisted business interests: usually valued according to Swiss practitioner methods combining earnings value and net asset value, which can yield lower taxable values compared to purely market-based estimates.
• Real estate: taxed at the official tax value (amtlicher Wert), which is often below current market value and thus reduces the wealth tax base.
• Movable property: normal household goods remain exempt; high-value artwork, jewelry, and collections are taxable at fair market value.
• Cryptocurrencies and precious metals: generally valued at the official year-end rates published by the FTA or, in the absence of official values, at verifiable market prices.

Marital Property & Family Context

Married couples and registered partners living together are taxed jointly in Nidwalden. The assets of dependent children are attributed to the parents for wealth tax purposes.

Gifts and inheritances received during the tax year are added to the wealth statement as of 31 December, unless they qualify for a specific exemption (for example, certain insurance proceeds or pension benefits).

Documentation & Compliance

The Nidwalden tax administration expects consistent and complete documentation for both assets and liabilities. Typical supporting items include:

• Bank and securities account statements as of 31 December
• Mortgage and loan balance confirmations
• Private loan contracts and interest statements
• Pension statements (2^nd pillar and pillar 3a)

Matching figures across income and wealth sections of the tax return helps avoid follow-up questions and reassessments.

Planning Insights

• Nidwalden’s relatively low wealth tax rates mean that planning often focuses on valuation and debt allocation rather than aggressive relocation of assets.
• Keeping appropriate mortgage leverage on real estate may reduce taxable net wealth, but should be balanced against interest costs and risk tolerance.
• Reviewing official real estate valuations and business valuations can identify natural tax relief without complex structures.
• Coordinating wealth tax, income tax, and inheritance planning can be particularly valuable for Nidwalden-resident entrepreneurs and investors.