Why is professional tax consulting so important?
Tax matters in Switzerland are complex and multifaceted. Both individuals and businesses must navigate various tax laws at the federal and cantonal levels. Competent tax consulting ensures that all tax obligations are properly fulfilled. Errors or omissions can result in additional tax payments, late payment interest or even fines. Furthermore, without expert advice, there is a risk of paying too much tax or failing to take advantage of potential tax savings. In short: With professional support, you maintain a clear overview of all tax matters, minimize risks with the tax authorities and ensure that your tax burden is as low as legally possible.
By tax consulting, we mean tailored support in all tax matters, from tax planning and preparing tax returns to representing you before the authorities. In Switzerland, the tax system is particularly complex due to its division into federal, cantonal and municipal taxes. Every individual taxpayer must report their income and assets, while businesses must report their profits and capital. Different rates and rules apply depending on where you live or where your company is headquartered. What applies in Zurich may differ in Geneva or Zug. This makes local expertise in tax law all the more important. A good tax advisory firm is familiar with current tax legislation as well as intercantonal and international regulations and can thus address your individual tax situation optimally.
To the average person, taxes often seem like an impenetrable jungle of forms, deadlines and technical terms. Our experts help you navigate this complexity. Whether it involves the correct reporting of securities and real estate, a company’s VAT settlement or international issues such as double taxation agreements and withholding tax—we make complicated topics understandable.
Advisory services for tax planning for businesses—from the optimal legal form (AG, GmbH, cooperative, etc.) through tax-optimized financing structures to international tax strategy. We help ensure that business decisions are always made with a view to minimizing the tax burden.
Preparation of tax returns for businesses and support with tax assessments. This includes filing income and capital taxes (cantonal and federal direct taxes) as well as assistance with value-added tax (VAT) reporting. We ensure that your company fulfills all tax obligations efficiently and correctly and, if needed, also provide support regarding withholding tax (e.g., on dividend distributions).
Advice on cross-border matters, intercantonal and international tax issues. We assist with the application of double taxation treaties, advise on transfer pricing and ensure compliance with international standards (e.g., OECD BEPS rules). We also support you with customs and sales tax issues in import/export or when establishing a presence abroad, ensuring your company is optimally positioned tax-wise worldwide.
Tax advice on restructurings, succession planning and the purchase or sale of companies or company shares. We show you how to structure a business succession or M&A transaction tax-efficiently—whether through the optimal incorporation of holding structures, the use of tax reserves or the planning of capital gains to achieve tax optimization. In doing so, we always take current corporate tax law into account and work closely with your other advisors (auditors, lawyers, trustees) to find a comprehensive solution.
We handle the preparation of your tax return and ensure that all income and assets are correctly reported. This includes income from employment or self-employment, pensions, rental income, securities portfolios, real estate and more. We also take into account debts, mortgages or special situations (e.g., one-time lump-sum payments from insurance or pension plans).
We show you how you, as an individual, can legally save on taxes. This includes making optimal use of all deductions—from business expenses (commuting, meals) to insurance premiums and medical costs, as well as voluntary retirement contributions (Pillar 3a) and donations. We also plan major decisions with you from a tax perspective: for example, when buying or selling a property, during renovations (property maintenance) or upon retirement. With forward-looking tax planning and expert advice, we reduce your tax burden and maximize your tax savings.
Especially in today’s mobile world, many tax issues with an international dimension arise. We advise expats, cross-border commuters and Swiss nationals working abroad on topics such as withholding tax deductions on wages, exit taxation or the declaration of foreign assets. Thanks to our expertise in international tax treaties (double taxation) and reporting obligations (FATCA, AEOI), we always find an efficient solution for cross-border tax issues. This helps you avoid double taxation and remain tax-compliant even when dealing with foreign matters.
We also support you when things get difficult—such as in disputes with the tax office or during objection and appeal proceedings. Our tax experts represent your interests before the authorities, review tax assessments and tax bills and assist you in the event of a tax audit. For you, this means less stress and no direct contact with the authorities: We handle the communication, explain the steps clearly and strive for the optimal solution for your case.
Vectra Advisors are your first choice of contact for tax consulting questions. Our experts support you quickly and pragmatically with all your legal needs. Let’s talk and get started!
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Swiss companies are primarily subject to profit tax (also known as corporate tax) and capital tax. Profit tax is levied at the federal level (direct federal tax) and at the cantonal level. The tax burden varies by canton. Capital tax is levied at the cantonal level on the company’s equity. Additionally, many companies must pay value-added tax (VAT) if they generate taxable revenue above the statutory threshold. When profits are distributed to shareholders, withholding tax is also withheld (35%, as a withholding tax on dividends), which can be reclaimed if declared correctly. Depending on the business activity, other taxes may apply (e.g., customs duties on imports/exports or specific stamp duties). Comprehensive tax consulting helps keep track of all these obligations and ensure compliance.
In their annual tax return, private individuals in Switzerland must report all income and assets. This includes, for example, wages from employment, income from self-employment, pensions or additional income (such as rental income or investment income). Total assets must also be declared—bank balances, securities (stocks, funds), real estate and other assets. Debts (e.g., mortgage loans) and their interest must also be listed, as they can generally be claimed as deductions. It’s important not to forget anything: even one-time income (a lottery win, a severance payment) or cryptocurrencies as part of your assets should be listed. Our tax experts will help you enter all relevant items completely and correctly on your tax return. This way, you’ll avoid follow-up inquiries from the tax office and ensure that your taxation is handled correctly.
In most cantons, the deadline for filing the tax return is March 31 of the following year (for the 2025 tax year, that is March 31, 2026). Individual cantons or municipalities may have slightly different deadlines, which are usually listed on the tax form or in the instructions. If you haven’t gathered all your documents by then, you should apply for an extension in good time. Today, this can often be done easily online via the tax office’s website or informally by mail or phone. In many cantons (e.g., Zurich), the deadline can be extended to the end of November, provided the request is submitted before the original deadline expires. Important: If you miss the deadline without an extension, the tax office may send you a reminder and, under certain circumstances, impose a fine. By requesting an extension in a timely manner, you’ll secure the necessary leeway and we’re happy to assist you in submitting the request and keeping track of all deadlines.
Yes, most cantons now offer digital tax returns. Depending on the canton, there is software available for download (for offline processing) or an online portal for filling out the return directly in your browser. For example, the Canton of Zurich provides the online system ZHprivateTax, while other cantons use platforms such as eTax. Through these portals, you can enter all data electronically and upload supporting documents as files. Many banks offer an electronic tax statement that you can import directly into the tax program—this automatically populates securities and account information, saving a tremendous amount of time. Once everything is entered, the tax return can be digitally signed and submitted online; the data is sent to the tax office in encrypted form. Tip: Keep the original paper copies of your receipts anyway, as the tax office may request proof if necessary. Overall, online filing makes the process more efficient and faster and of course, as your tax advisors, we can also handle the entire process electronically for you.
