For many, preparing a tax return is one of the year’s least favorite obligations, but it is also one of the most underestimated opportunities for optimization. Knowing and fully using all available deductions can save you quite a bit of money.

The problem: Many taxpayers only claim the standard deductions and miss out on valuable opportunities. With proper planning, a bit of organization, and knowledge of what is allowed in your canton, you can achieve considerably more. We have summarized the most important tips for you.

Recurring expenses

Work-related expenses

Job-related costs such as work attire, tools, home office expenses, professional literature, or a laptop used for business purposes can be claimed, provided they are clearly necessary for your professional activity.

Many cantons offer flat-rate deductions, but if your actual expenses exceed this amount, you may claim the higher effective costs providing all the necessary receipts instead.

Important: Always keep receipts throughout the year. This ensures that you have all the documentation ready when preparing your tax return, and no deductions go unused.

smzh tip: If your actual expenses exceed the flat-rate deduction, it pays to claim the higher amount based on full documentation.

Transportation costs

Commuters may deduct the cost of traveling to work – either for public transport or the use of a private car.

• Car deductions are generally permitted only when a clear justification exists, e.g., significant time savings or the lack/unreasonable nature of public transport options.

• Cycling to work can typically be claimed at a flat rate of CHF 700; in many cantons, this claim can be made on top of public transport deductions.

smzh tip: A brief explanation such as “Public transport is unreasonable” or “Time savings exceed 30 minutes per way to work” is generally sufficient for acceptance.

Meal expenses

Those who must regularly eat away from home may claim a standard deduction (typically 220 working days × CHF 15 for full-time employment).

• If a subsidized staff restaurant is available, a reduced allowance applies.

• Part-time employees adjust the number of working days according to their workload.

• Flat-rate deductions are accepted without receipts. If the actual expenses are higher, the flat rate is still the maximum.

smzh tip: Especially with flexible work models, it is worth keeping track of the days you actually eat out to maintain a transparent and traceable declaration.

Childcare costs

Costs for external childcare are deductible if both parents are employed (even part-time), in training, or require childcare for health or family reasons.

Only net costs (after subsidies) may be claimed. Federal and cantonal maximum deduction amounts vary and should be checked in advance.

smzh tip: Request an annual statement from your childcare provider – it summarizes all relevant costs and helps prevent follow-up questions from tax authorities.

Planned Expenses – A Strategic Approach Pays Off

Healthcare costs

Out-of-pocket healthcare expenses can be deducted if they exceed a reasonable self-paid threshold (usually 5% of net income).

Eligible expenses include doctor and dentist visits, deductibles, co-payments, medically necessary treatments, and aids such as eyeglasses or contact lenses.

smzh tip: Collect all invoices throughout the year. Your insurer’s annual statement shows what was reimbursed and what was not. All unreimbursed amounts (including dental and optical costs often not covered) can be deducted at year-end as healthcare expenses.

Donations

Cash donations to tax-exempt organizations and contributions to political parties can be deducted up to a legally set limit.

Even small donations count if documentation is available. Some cantons also allow a minor flat-rate deduction for “Miscellaneous cash donations without receipts.”

smzh tip: Keep donation receipts throughout the year. If no receipt is available, a bank or payment statement usually suffices. At year-end, simply compile these records to determine your total deductible amount.

Education & professional development

Expenses for self-funded further education or retraining in a related field can be deducted in all cantons, as long as the training is professionally relevant and does not qualify as basic training.

Deductible expenses include course and examination fees, professional literature, materials, travel, and possible accommodation costs. Always check applicable cantonal deduction limits in advance.

smzh tip: A brief explanation of professional relevance is normally sufficient – for example, “Further training to deepen my professional skills.” This makes the deduction understandable and helps prevent follow-ups from the tax authority.

Payments and assets working for you

Interest on debt

Interest paid on credit cards, personal loans, or overdraft accounts can be deducted from taxable income. Many taxpayers overlook this, though banks and card providers usually provide an annual statement of interest.

smzh tip: Download or file the annual interest statements from your banks and credit card providers at the beginning of each year. They show at a glance which interest payments accrued and are fully deductible.

Asset management fees

Certain costs associated with managing private assets are tax-deductible, such as custody and account fees, safe deposit box costs, or charges for preparing your annual tax report. Depending on the canton, you can claim actual costs or use a percentage-based flat rate.

Advisory fees or portfolio management charges related to investment decisions are not deductible.

smzh tip: Most banks provide a tax report summarizing all relevant entries. This streamlines your declaration and reduces the risk of missing any deductible fees.

Insurance premiums & 3b life insurance

Premiums for basic health insurance, supplementary health insurance, daily sickness allowances, or Pillar 3b life insurance policies can be deducted up to a maximum defined by your canton of residence.

The annual statement from your health insurance provides a convenient overview for your tax filing.

smzh tip: Keep your annual statement – it contains all relevant data, eliminating the need to manually add up each month’s premium payment.

Tax Advantages via Retirement Planning

Pillar 3a (vested benefits)

Employees with an occupational pension plan can deduct contributions to Pillar 3a (restricted pension plan) up to the statutory maximum (2025 & 2026: CHF 7,258).

Starting in 2026, retroactive payments (covering years up to 2025) will also be permitted and fully deductible. The earlier in the year you make your payment, the more you benefit from compound interest.

smzh tip: If you hold several 3a accounts, you can stagger withdrawals to optimize your taxes at retirement and increase flexibility when drawing on your vested assets.

Occupational pension plan

Voluntary contributions to the pension fund can be deducted from taxable income and are particularly advantageous after career breaks, periods of part-time work, or a salary increase.

Such contributions improve retirement benefits while providing a valuable tax benefit.

smzh tip: Spread contributions across several years. This allows you to optimize progressive taxation, resulting in more even – often higher – annual tax savings.

Take advantage of deductions

When used properly, these deductions can lead to significant tax savings. Many tax benefits go unclaimed simply because receipts are missing, deadlines are overlooked, or available deductions are unknown.

Keeping your documents organized throughout the year, being aware of cantonal specifics, and planning ahead will help you benefit each year with minimal extra effort.

We look forward to supporting you

Whether you need help reviewing possible deductions, preparing your documents, or completing your tax return fully and efficiently, the tax experts at smzh ag are at your side with experience, expertise, and a clear, structured approach.

This way, you can be sure that you don’t miss any opportunities – and that your tax return is accurate, complete, and stress-free.