Tax consultancy

Tax planning

Whether selling a property and the associated property gains tax, holistic and forward-looking financial and pension planning or moving out of Switzerland and the resulting tax challenges with regard to pension assets - certain life situations offer different opportunities for optimisation and pitfalls that need to be avoided. With a personal consultation, we support you in optimising your situation in the long term and sustainably and show you what needs to be considered and when.

Taxation of real estate

Have you bought, inherited or already own a home?

Transfer tax

When buying a property in the cantons, either the transfer tax or a transfer or land register fee may be payable. These costs, usually between 1 and 3 per cent of the purchase price, cover administrative expenses.

In some cantons, however, this tax does not apply if the property is purchased as a permanently owner-occupied residential property.

Imputed rental value

People who live in their own home must pay tax on the controversial imputed rental value as additional income, which corresponds to around 60 to 70 per cent of the usual rental costs for comparable properties. Homeowners are allowed to deduct mortgage interest and maintenance costs.

Property gains tax

Tax is payable in all cantons on the sale of property such as a house, flat or plot of land and the realisation of a profit. This profit can be considerable, especially if the property was purchased many years ago when prices were significantly lower.

The amount of tax payable on the profit varies depending on the canton and the length of time you have owned the property. As a rule, the longer you have owned the property, the lower the property gains tax. Conversely, the cantons tax short-term property gains more heavily in order to curb speculation.

26 different cantonal tax laws

One of the most important factors in financial or pension planning is forward-looking tax planning. In Switzerland's complex tax system, however, it is not easy to keep track of everything. Each canton has its own tax laws - and that brings opportunities, but also hidden traps:

  • Where am I liable to pay tax if I have several residences?
  • When is an inheritance or gift taxable?
  • What opportunities do the 2nd or 3rd pillar offer me for optimisation?
  • Who declares a right of residence or a usufruct?
  • Which debt interest is deductible?
  • What do I have to bear in mind when changing my place of residence to another canton?
  • What are value-enhancing and what are value-preserving investments?
  • When does a real estate company make sense?
  • What is the importance of real estate in pension or estate planning?

 

Tax consultancy Basel and region. We will be happy to support you in your strategic tax planning and help you to draw up your tax return, including correspondence with the tax office, on questions regarding real estate gains and property transfer tax (Grundstückgwinn- und Handänderungssteuer), or assist you with tax estate planning.

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