Dear Forum members,
I've heard that one can claim a tax deduction for the fees paid towards higher education. Is this true?

I did a masters degree here in Switzerland and want to deduct its fees while filing my tax returns. The question is where in the tax return can one do this and under what clause?

I file taxes in Zurich. I tried talking to some tax people but not many had experience with such deductions.

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Nucleeus

Don't believe in paying taxes myself so I'm not exactly an expert - you could have a look at this bit though under Nr. 5. (215)

Probably someone else knows the answer better though.

Depends on whether the master's was done to prepare you for a "new" profession or just "more of the same". It's my understanding that the former can be deducted the latter not.

AFAIK it's just the other way around.

"Ausbildung" (for a "new" profession) is not deductible.
"Weiterbildung" (more of the same) is deductible.

Mark75 is right, Weiterbildung including Umschulung and Wiedereinstieg is deductible, Ausbildung is not. The respective form is titled 'Berufsauslagen 2009', the clause is 5. Please note that you have to enclose proof of your respective costs.

University studies are usually considered Ausbildung, exceptions are post-graduate studies and extra occupational studies (i.e. CAS and DAS, MAS, MBA, MBE, LL.M, dissertation, federal professional diplomas, etc.).

In the canton of Zürich, the relevant information can be found online at http://www.steueramt.zh.ch/html/erla.../m_bildung.htm (in German), the form is online at http://www.steueramt.zh.ch/html/formulare/index.htm.

Martin

These are some great tips!
Can anyone tell me if it works the same in canton Zug (specifically the point "University studies are usually considered Ausbildung, exceptions are post-graduate studies and extra occupational studies (i.e. CAS and DAS, MAS, MBA, MBE, LL.M, dissertation, federal professional diplomas, etc.).")?

Thanks a million!