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Taxes on retirement capital withdrawals

When withdrawing retirement capital, such as from pillar 3a or a pension fund, taxes are due because the amount is treated as one-time income. This taxation is applied at a reduced rate and separately from other income. However, for larger amounts, tax progression can still result in a significant financial impact.

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Key aspects

Capital withdrawal

Retirement capital is taxed at cantonal and municipal tax rates. The differences can be significant depending on the canton.

Tax progression

Larger withdrawals may lead to a higher tax rate being applied. Yet this impact can be reduced with smart planning.

Pension provision accounts

Dividing retirement savings among various accounts can help optimize the tax burden.

Special situations

  • Retirement: Strategic planning for withdrawals from pension funds and pillar 3a.
  • Early withdrawal for home ownership: These payouts are also subject to taxation, which must be considered during planning
  • Emigration: By moving your residence abroad, you may be subject to different tax regulations.

How to proceed

1

Analysis of your retirement provision situation

  • Examine available retirement savings (pension fund, pillar 3a) and their tax implications.

  • Determine the best time and strategy for capital withdrawal.

2

Staggered withdrawal

  • Spread your withdrawal across several years to reduce tax progression.

  • Have several pillar 3a accounts to distribute the tax burden through staggered withdrawals.

3

Cantonal tax differences

  • Analyze the tax regime of your domicile and consider optimizing taxes by moving to another place of residence.

  • Compare the tax burden of various cantons.

4

Planning and implementation

  • Support in applying for and handling a capital withdrawal.

  • Advice on tax-advantaged investments of the withdrawn capital.

Videos and tools related to "Taxation of retirement capital"

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Retirement provision with tax advantages

It pays to start paying into pillar 3a early – not only do you save for a specific purpose, but you also benefit from attractive tax deductions. smzh is pleased to show you how to best analyze your financial situation, set savings goals, and assess risks properly.

(in German)

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Taxation of capital withdrawal

The smzh Taxation of Capital Withdrawal calculator enables you to clearly establish the tax burden associated with a withdrawal of your retirement capital.

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Tax calculator

The smzh Tax Calculator makes it possible for you to determine your likely tax burden by entering your personal data.

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smzh for you

  • Individual tax planning: Tailored strategies to minimize your tax burden when withdrawing retirement capital.
  • Expert knowledge: Analysis of cantonal differences and tax advantages for your specific situation.
  • Staggered withdrawals: Assistance with setting up multiple pension accounts and planning staggered withdrawals.
  • Comprehensive support: We guide you through every step, from planning to execution of your capital withdrawal.

We handle questions such as those shown on the right on a daily basis. You don't need to deal with them by yourself – our 360° Check-Up is free of charge and non-binding.

The capital is taxed as one-time income at a reduced tax rate, separately from other income.

You can reduce tax progression by opting for staggered payments, using several pillar 3a accounts, and strategic planning.

The tax rates and regulations on capital withdrawal vary strongly by canton. It may pay to change canton of residence prior to a withdrawal.

The earlier you start planning, the greater your options. Ideally, you start several years before a planned withdrawal.

In this case, too, withdrawn capital is subject to tax. Careful planning is important to avoid financial surprises.