Hello everyone,

I am new in Switzerland and have some questions about taxes that I hope someone can help me with.

I currently have permanent job with company based in Bern.(I have got B permit).
So my questions are:

1 Is it possible to have any deductions from my tax for my relocation expenses?
2 Can I claim any work related expenses from my tax(such as purchase of computer and etc, if I work in IT)?
3 Where can I find official information about that (websites, documents, etc.)

I would really appreciate your help.

Thanks a lot.

Normally with a B permit you are taxed at the source at a flat rate, no deductions.

If you make more than a certain threshold (120 or 130K Swissies) you get to file a tax declaration.

When you file that tax declaration, you can claim whatever work-related expenses they allow you and whatever you deem suitable.

I did claim all moving expenses US > CH incl. hotel, rental car, flights, etc. and so far the authorities haven't objected. Then again, they haven't paid me back the taxes I think they owe me either. We shall see.

The Steueramt Kanton Bern might have the info you need (but not the language you are looking for).

There is a standard deduction in the year of relocation of 18000 for the year or 1500 per month which is recognised all over CH.

Ask your tax preparer (steuerberater/treuhand) when you file to put in the "Pauschal".

more details for ZH here:www.steueramt.ch , other cantons start at www.ch.ch and go from there.

Grrr, I did not know this and never thought to ask at the time - can I claim it in a subsequent tax year and refer to the fact that I didnt claim it the previous year? Is it worth a try?

It depends. Was it more than 2 years ago? Have you already submitted a return? Have you already received the final invoice?

If you have then you only have 30 days to dispute it if there's an error.

So, for example, I submitted my 2006 return in Dec 2007 (I applied for an extension online). I just received the final bill this week, I therefore have 30 days from this date to make any final challenges.

What was the year in which you'd have like to have claimed relief?

I heard that one on B permit can deduct from the tax 1500 per month (18000 per year) for 5 years, if have a property abroad. After 5 years it is not possible anymore. Anyone heard that too?
I also have a question on wealth tax: how to determine the value of my old car being brought to Suisse from the UK (for 1 year) during relocation? I was unable to do it on any Swiss page as they all ask for registration number.
When one has to declare the value of their assets for determination of the wealth tax? Is a date of entry, date of employment contract or any other given date?
Any comments gratefully received!

Thanks for the answers, guys!
My company's accountant says that it's 6000 per year wich will be deducted in any case. Hi didn't mention that 18K at all.
I tried to find something about this on canton's official site, but still can't find.
Would be great if you could provide me with links to official sites on this info.
Thanks again!

Thanks Magyir, its the 2007 tax return, which I just filed a couple of weeks ago . I havent received the final invoice yet.

I only moved here in 2007 so its the first return I've filed.

Does anyone know if it's (still) possible to claim a deduction for relocation on a Basel Stadt tax form?

I moved here in 2010 from the UK, and am just completing my 2010 tax return here. I know each place is different (e.g. my form has nowhere to deduct medical insurance, but other cantons do) so I really need to know about BS, but I'm sure others will care about other places.

Any updates on the relecotion reduction in Basel Stadt?
I moved to Basel in 2009 and have property abroad. Neither the company account nor my tax man mentioned the relocation deduduction? although it is clear for them that i claimed my property abroad and also was taxed for the property wealth..

Your comments/experience appreciated! I will follow up on this for 2011 tax filling. Thanks.

The expatriate status is a special status for tax purposes. The criteria that need to be met include a temporary contract in Switzerland (total stay in Switzerland is limited to 5 years) and another domicile in the home country (thus, resulting in double living costs). The expats can deduct a monthly lump sum of 1'500 CHF (which makes 18'000 CHF a year) from their taxable income, provided that the expat status is accepted by the tax office (proof required). Alternatively, it is possible to deduct the higher actual costs, as well.

The link with the respective Verordnung (unfortunately, in German only):
http://www.baselland.ch/fileadmin/ba...tt1996/279.pdf