Tax Deductions for Employees: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to reduce your taxable income through deductions for work-related travel, meals, and professional training in Switzerland.
This scheme allows taxpayers to subtract certain work-related expenses from their total income, which can help lower the amount of tax you owe.
Who it's for
This is available to all taxpayers. If you earn an income and file a tax return, you are eligible to look into these deductions to ensure you are only paying tax on your actual earnings after necessary work costs are removed.
What you get
You can claim deductions for various costs required to perform your job. This includes travel expenses for your daily commute or business trips, the cost of meals when you are working, and expenses related to professional training that helps you maintain or improve your skills for your current role.
What it costs you
There is no upfront monetary fee to claim these deductions. However, it does require time and organization. You must keep all your original receipts and relevant documentation for every expense you claim, as you must be able to provide these to the authorities if they conduct an audit of your tax filing.
The catch to know
The most important thing to remember is that commuting costs are capped. You cannot simply deduct the entirety of what you spend on travel; there is a set limit on these claims, and the specific amount you are allowed to deduct depends on the rules of your specific canton.
How to apply
- Collect and organize all your receipts for work-related travel, meals, and professional training throughout the year.
- Check the specific deduction limits and rules for the canton where you reside.
- List these expenses clearly when you complete and submit your annual tax return.