Hello,
I have a question. I just learned that the accountant who took care to prepare my tax declaration for 2010 passed away few days ago. I submitted the tax file to the Swiss tax authority in Zurich by myself. He just prepared it. I am now wondering how I should behave, because as of today I did not receive yet the final calculation from the Swiss Tax authority for the 2010 taxes. Will I receive the calculation directly to my own address or will it go through the Treuhand I used? If this is the case, can anyone advice how I should behave? I think no-one is available at the Treuhand now.

Shall I get in contact with a new accountant and ask him to follow-up? As I am not a German speaking, the info on the Zurich cantonal offices website does not help me.

Thanks a lot in advance

The tax department sends the tax bill to you at your address

Just wait for it, my experience shows it can take easily until Jan or Feb next year to arrive....

If in any doubt write to your tax office and tell them...

I have not got mine either, nothing strange it's only November 2011

To avoid any possible troubles (especially expiration of deadlines), I would strongly recommend to inform the tax authority about the death of your former trustee by a short written statement saying that re taxation 2010 and ongoing either you or a newly appointed trustee is responsible and giving them the new adress.

Bear in mind, that if you want the new trustee to act on your behalf, tax authorities need a power of procuration signed by the new trustee. But of course you have to decide whether to empower the trustee or not.

With kind regards,
Conundrum (certified Swiss Tax Expert)

Don't complicate your life, these things happen.

I would suggest you send a letter addressed to the Accountant (his office) explaining that you are a client and you wish that the person(s) that are looking after his affairs contact you as soon as possible to decide on what would be the best way to proceed (i.e. get your file(s) back or meet with someone who is taking over his practice to do the necessary paperwork so they can represent you with the tax office).

I suggest you start with this rather than running to the tax office which would be more complicated.