After living and working for 5 wonderful years in Switzerland I decided to immigrate with my canadian fiancee to Canada. I was wondering what steps should i take to claim my taxes back from Switzerland. When I called the lady told me that I was not able to claim any taxes back until I was 65 years old??? can this be true. Surely there must be a way off claiming income tax back. I would appreciate if anyone could give me advise in this matter.

Well done Switzerland in the world cup.....


Mark

Income tax is income tax. You won't get much if any back.

Are you talking about pension, perhaps?
Are you talking about AVH or a private fund or a third pillar or....?

Income tax can only be claimed back for the year in which you actually left. The process is relatively simple in that you fill in the normal tax form for the gemeinde in which you last lived. Obviously you need to deregister but leaving that as long as possible after you have finished working here and are still paying rent is beneficial as this extends your taxable time - Quellensteuer is calculated pro rata.

AHV and your Pensions (BGV and Dritte Seule) can be reclaimed on leaving the country and filling in the relevant forms. Your (ex) employer should make these available to you - (not 3. Seule).

If you have any questions to the above be specific and ask. The process is simple, the tax progressive and thats all you need to be aware of. Note if you transfer your pension money into another countries pension fund it is not taxable as long as a the country is approved and b the pension fund is also acceptable.

Richard

Can I add that if you want to leave, do it before mid 2007 as you may not be able afterwards to take pensions funds in cash. You would still be able to do this if Canada does not have a treaty, which I do not know, but apparently the Swiss are creating treaties as we speak with many non-EU countries, to prevent people from taking their pensions away with them. I heard Australia is one such country in negotiations right now.

I believe like Richard said you can still transfer into your countries scheme though after 2007.