Tax optimisation for families: the smart way to save taxes in Switzerland

Tax optimisation tips for families, especially those with children..

Where can you save? What deductions are available in Switzerland?

Having a family means joy, chaos – and sometimes rising costs. But did you know that Switzerland offers many opportunities to reduce your tax burden if you have children?

With a few targeted tricks, you can optimise your tax return and save money.

Here are our best tips:

1. Child deductions: More than pocket money

Children cost money – and the government knows it. That’s why there are child allowances that can be deducted directly from your taxable income. The amounts vary from canton to canton, but it’s always worth including your children in your tax return.

2. Deductions for external childcare costs: The helping hand counts twice

If you work and have your children in a crèche, a day nursery or an after-school care centre, you can deduct the costs.
The limits vary according to canton and federal regulations, but the tax savings can be considerable.

It’s important to collect receipts and attach them to your tax return, or even better, give them to us and we’ll do it for you!

3. Use insurance wisely

Premiums for life, health and accident insurance can also be deducted. Even if the deductions are limited, it is worth recording the premiums for each family member, as the deductibility increases with each additional child, for example.

4. Third Pillar (Pillar 3a): Save taxes, secure your future

Who says you should only think about your pension when you are old?

As a parent, you can not only strengthen your pension provision by contributing to Pillar 3a, but also reduce your tax burden.
For working couples, the savings potential is doubled if both contribute to Pillar 3a.

5. Commuter deduction: Even parents don’t travel for free

Anyone who commutes to work every day can deduct travel expenses from their taxes. And not only public transport costs can be declared, but also journeys made in a private car. However, this depends on the situation (time saved, company requirements, irregular working hours, etc.).

This also applies if you take your children to school or childcare.

Car pooling or mileage allowance are key terms here..
Calculate exactly what you are entitled to!

6. Training costs: Investing in the future

If you or your partner take part in professional training, the costs can be deducted as work-related training.

7. Household services: The hidden treasure

Do you have a cleaner or gardener?
Depending on the canton, these expenses may be tax deductible.

A good reason to register your domestic help.

Bonus tip: digital is better

Digitalisation has not stopped at tax returns. Take the opportunity to ask us to make sure you don’t miss any deductions. Alternatively, you can make an appointment right now by clicking on the button – this will save you time and nerves.

The bottom line:

Filing your taxes doesn’t have to be a mystery. With these tips you can save a lot of tax as a family in Switzerland.
But beware: Tax optimisation is not always possible, but only where the situation allows it. If you are unsure, do not hesitate to contact us.

Our personal advice: Plan early, collect all the receipts – and maybe use the tax savings to treat yourself to an extra family holiday!

Do you have any questions about tax optimisation? We will be happy to advise you.