The most important changes in the tax return
These tips will save you money
As unpredictable as the past year was, you can always count on one thing: your tax return. There is still a lot to consider. These tips will make it easier for you to fill out the forms.
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In the meantime, you no longer have to fill out the taxes by hand. The cantons have online programs.
A sigh accompanies the letter, which is always in the mailbox at the beginning of the year. All too well known is the associated filling out of the tax return – an unpleasant task.
The two biggest changes this year concern professional expenses in the home office and the new Real Estate Costs Ordinance. This regulates deductions from the direct federal tax for energy-saving investments. The expenses can now be spread over three tax periods if they were not fully taken into account in the year in which they were incurred.
These are the most important tips for the next tax return:
1. Fill out the tax return digitally
The cantons offer online programs for completing tax returns. “The electronic tools have the advantage that, thanks to queries, they generate many deductions themselves, such as child, family or second earner deductions, or then control them. In addition, there can be no calculation errors, »explains Martin Metzger, team leader for taxes at Vermögenszentrum VZ.
2. Subtract lump sums
The tax return allows for flat-rate deductions for insurance, commuting and other deductions. It’s worth checking that you haven’t missed anyone.
3. Don’t forget to take precautions
Payments into Pillar 3a and the pension fund can be deducted from income. “Pillar 3a assets do not have to be listed in the list of securities,” says Metzger.
4. Select property maintenance costs
There are also various options for deducting maintenance costs for real estate. “Here you can choose between a flat rate and actual costs every year and for every property,” says the VZ expert.
5. Claim child care
In all cantons, childcare costs can be deducted. Metzger also advises: “Also alimony and maintenance payments for ex-partners and children should not be forgotten.”
6. Cryptocurrencies are also assets
Assets in cryptocurrencies are subject to wealth tax at the year-end exchange rate published by the Federal Tax Administration. Gains and losses due to exchange rate changes are tax-free. “Further income from cryptocurrency, for example if the currency was mined yourself (mining), is subject to income tax,” says the expert Metzger.
7. Pay on time
If you pay your taxes early, you still get some interest. Anyone who forgets, on the other hand, pays hefty penalty interest. So it is better to fill it out in good time.
Here are tips for taxes in the home office