How can I pay my contributions?
The amount of your contribution depends on your salary: you must pay a total of 10.6% of your salary into the 1st pillar. This amount is then automatically distributed among AHV, IV and EO/EL.
Now comes the good news for all working people: The employer deducts the contributions automatically with each salary payment and transfers everything together with his contribution directly to the compensation fund. It applies here that the 10.6% is halved in each case on you and your employer. You therefore only have to pay 5.3% of your salary.
Non-employed or self-employed persons have a somewhat more difficult time of it: They are responsible for the correct payment of contributions themselves. This means that they have to take care of registering with the compensation office and paying the contributions without any gaps. In addition, you have to pay the full contribution, i.e. the 10.6%.
What happens if there are gaps in contributions?
Gaps in contributions can arise for a variety of reasons. For example, you didn't think about it during your studies, a longer trip or when you started your own business. However, this will cost you dearly later on, because it can reduce your AHV pension. And that with at least 2.3% per missing year, it's not exactly a small amount.
To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to easily order your AHV statement online or in writing. If you notice a gap, you can easily pay for it later. But beware: This only works for the last five years and exclusively if you were insured in Switzerland.
