AHV/IV pension
As of 1 January 2025, the AHV/IV pensions increased by 2.9 %. This takes account of current price and wage trends. The Minimum pension of the AHV/IV increases by CHF 35 to CHF 1,260 per month, the maximum pension by CHF 70 to CHF 2,520.
Occupational pension scheme - BVG
As a result of the increased pensions in the first pillar, the limit amounts in the mandatory occupational benefit scheme will also be adjusted as of 1 January 2025.
For the Compulsory occupational benefit scheme the following amounts apply:
Pillar 3a
The following maximum contributions now apply to tied pension provision 3a:
For gaps that arise from 2025, people working in Switzerland who do not pay the maximum permissible contributions into their pillar 3a each year in future will be able to close these gaps and fill them retroactively for up to ten years and deduct these "purchases" from their taxes. In addition to the regular contribution, a purchase into pillar 3a in the amount of the so-called "small contribution" is permitted each year (maximum 7,258 in 2025).
The targeted additional payment into pillar 3a can represent an optimisation depending on the individual life situation. This applies in particular to people who already have a lower tax burden in a given year due to high property maintenance costs, at least as long as the question of imputed rental value has not yet been finalised. This strategy could also be of interest to people who already know today that they will earn a significantly higher income in the following year. In such cases, it could be advantageous not to make any payments into pillar 3a in the current year in order to pay in the maximum amount twice next year. In this way, the progressive increase in the tax burden could be mitigated. Nevertheless, it is essential to analyse the individual circumstances in order to determine the best course of action.
Retirement
The normal retirement age for women is gradually rising from 64 to 65. On 1 January 2025, this so-called reference age will be increased by three months for the first time - to 64 years and three months. This affects women born in 1961. In 2026, the reference age for women born in 1962 will rise to 64 years and six months. The following year, the reference age for women born in 1963 will rise to 64 years and nine months. In 2028, the reference age for women born in 1964 or later will rise to 65. The aim of adjusting the reference age is to stabilise the AHV. There will be equalisation measures for women of the transitional generation (born between 1961 and 1969 inclusive). In addition, flexible AHV pension entitlement will be made possible.
Home office for cross-border commuters
The Federal Act on the Taxation of Teleworking in an International Context is a reaction to intergovernmental developments in the area of cross-border teleworking. It aims to ensure Switzerland's right to tax the income of employees, even if they work in their country of residence for an employer based in Switzerland, provided that Switzerland's right to tax is also recognised by bilateral agreements. The regulation is limited to Switzerland's five neighbouring countries. The Confederation will introduce as of 1 January 2025 corresponding law in force.
Mortgages
New lending rules will apply from 1 January 2025. On the one hand, banks will be subject to stricter requirements when checking creditworthiness. On the other hand, they will have to deposit more equity for every mortgage granted (Basel III). In addition, the deposited equity is to be more closely linked to the risk of the respective mortgage loan. Despite the SNB's recent interest rate cuts, it cannot be assumed that mortgage interest rates will fall to the extent expected. Added to this are the ongoing political influences.
The first few weeks of the new year have already shown that a comparison of mortgage offers is definitely worthwhile. This applies to the structure of the financing as well as the interest rate offers for a redemption.
Family allowances
As of 1 January 2025, several allowances will increase as part of the Family Allowances Act. The child allowance increases from CHF 200 per month to CHF 215, the education allowance increases from CHF 250 per month to CHF 268. The cantons may also provide for higher rates and further allowances.