The taxable base for wealth tax in Schwyz is determined as at 31 December. Schwyz follows the federal valuation framework used across most cantons, combining official valuation lists, standardised exchange rates, and the practitioner method for private businesses. Consistency and documentation are key: the same approach must be applied year over year unless justified otherwise.

1. Real Estate

Real estate in Schwyz is taxed at its official tax value (amtlicher Wert). This value is determined by the cantonal assessment office and typically represents around 60–80 % of market value, depending on location and property type.

• Include the latest amtlicher Wert confirmation as of 31 December.
• Major renovations or acquisitions may trigger reassessment; request updated valuation if outdated.
• Properties outside Schwyz must be listed but excluded from the Schwyz wealth tax base (for allocation purposes).

Official assessed values are available via the cantonal property tax register or local Gemeinde office.

2. Listed Securities & Funds

For listed instruments, use the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) year-end price list (Kursliste), which provides closing prices for Swiss and international equities, bonds, and funds. Schwyz accepts these without adjustment.

• Apply the 31 December value in CHF.
• For foreign currencies, convert using FTA’s official year-end exchange rates.
• Include accrued interest for fixed-income instruments.
• Attach portfolio statements with holdings and 31 December valuations.

3. Unlisted Shares & Private Companies

Schwyz applies the standard Swiss practitioner method (Praktikermethode), which blends net asset value (NAV) and sustainable earnings value to estimate the fair business value.

• Net asset value: Book equity adjusted for hidden reserves.
• Earnings value: Average sustainable profits × capitalisation rate (typically 7–10).
• Weighted result: Often 1/3 NAV + 2/3 earnings value.
• Use audited or reviewed financial statements for at least the last two years.

4. Other Assets

• Cryptoassets: Value at the 31 December FTA reference rate or a recognised exchange average; maintain printouts or API evidence.
• Precious metals: Use 31 December market price (LBMA reference).
• Collectibles & art: Declare fair value; use recent appraisals for significant items.
• Cash & deposits: Nominal value as of 31 December.

5. Liabilities (Deductible Debts)

Deductible liabilities include all enforceable debts outstanding at 31 December. These are taken at nominal value in CHF; foreign-currency liabilities are converted using the official FTA rate.

• Include mortgages, personal loans, and tax debts due but unpaid.
• Attach year-end confirmations for mortgages and bank loans.
• Proportionally allocate cross-canton or international debt to the assets it finances.

6. Foreign Assets & Exchange Rates

All foreign holdings must be converted to CHF using the FTA’s official 31 December exchange rates. These lists are published annually and accepted by all cantons, including Schwyz.

For allocation purposes, foreign assets are declared but exempted from the Schwyz tax base if the taxpayer is subject to inter-cantonal or international tax allocation.

7. Documentation Checklist

8. Planning Observations

• Valuation accuracy directly drives the Schwyz wealth-tax base; under- or overstatements draw attention during review.
• Where possible, align accounting and tax valuation policies to ensure traceability.
• For real estate, request reassessment if the official value materially exceeds achievable sale price.
• Maintain consistency to prevent review triggers.