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Marriage Compass

Law, insurance, and finance.

smzh – Your partner for a financially sound marriage. We support you in setting the course for a worry-free future. With a tailor-made advisory offering in the areas of law, insurance, and finance, we accompany you on your journey step by step. Place your trust in smzh and embark on your joint future with certainty, structure, and solid preparation.

Finance

Financial security for a worry-free future: Lay the foundation for a stable financial base. smzh is your reliable partner regardless of whether you need advice on pension, wealth creation, or tax matters. Together we develop tailor-made solutions that support your personal goals and requirements, facilitating a sound financial future.

Tax: Your tax assessment as a married couple – what changes

Marriage changes a couple's tax situation in Switzerland. From the year of marriage, spouses are required to file a joint tax report that takes into account their combined income and wealth. Depending on income distribution, this can lead to an adjustment in tax burden: Married couples with two full incomes may see an increase in their tax load, while couples with one income or unequal incomes tend to benefit from tax advantages.

Retirement provision: Together into a secure future

How the 1st pillar protects married couples

Old-age and survivors' insurance (AHV) is the 1st pillar of pension provision in Switzerland paying a basic pension. Contributions are based on a pay-as-you-go system, with the gainfully employed population funding the pensions of retirees. For married couples, AHV includes a survivors' pension, safeguarding a surviving spouse financially in case of emergency by providing a minimum income.

Pension fund – securing one's standard of living

Occupational pension (pension fund, BVG) complements AHV, securing one's standard of living in retirement. Gainfully employed persons are automatically insured through their employer. With marriage, spouses become eligible for a survivors' pension, which creates additional security. Periodic adjustments of pension fund regulations can ensure that coverage is up-to-date and comprehensive.

Pillar 3a – Individual pension with a tax advantage

Pillar 3a is a voluntary pension option, making it possible to build additional reserves for retirement. Contributions to pillar 3a are tax-exempt, making this option highly attractive. Pillar 3a enables married couples to build capital in a targeted way and maximize tax benefits in a joint effort.

Pillar 3b – Flexible protection for your future

Life insurance in pillar 3b offers financial security and flexibility. Pillar 3b savings can be used anytime, whether it is for retirement or to financially protect one's family. Capital payments in case of emergency tend to be tax-exempt, making it easier to financially support loved ones. Life insurance policies with a surrender option can be tax-advantaged so your assets can be transferred to your beneficiaries with no tax impact – an ideal kind of provision for all your goals in life.

How we can help you as a couple

With marriage, you embark on a joint journey that is joyful, but also associated with new financial and legal challenges. At smzh as an independent financial services provider, we support you in putting your marriage on a financially stable foundation. Our customized solutions are intended to give you and your spouse security in the long term.

We help you take important decisions with regard to your pension, for instance protecting your partner through your pension fund or life insurance. Together we ensure that you and your partner are optimally protected in case of emergency.

Your marriage changes numerous legal regulations including inheritance law. smzh provides comprehensive advice and makes sure that your spouse and family are protected in case of a stroke of fate. Whether it is a will or a renunciation of inheritance – we have a personalized solution just for you.

Financial planning as a married couple includes new challenges. We support you in selecting an appropriate property regime (regime of acquired property, community of property, or separation of property) and ensure that your assets are divided fairly taking into account your individual needs.

Marriage changes your tax situation: From the year of marriage, couples in Switzerland have to file a joint tax report, which may lead to tax adjustments. We support you in handling such adjustments and providing advice.

Everything you need to know about law and insurance prior to marriage

Law

From tailor-made marriage contracts to inheritance-related protection, smzh provides the support you need to legally and financially safeguard your partnership as best as possible.

More about legal topics

Insurance

Insurance protection for you and your loved ones: Unforeseen events can turn life upside down – with smzh, you remain financially protected.

More about insurance