Hello,

today heard from someone that if we pay more than what deducted from our salary to the pension fund of company (2nd pillar), we can claim back some tax. It is something new for me, as so far I only know about 3rd pillar 3a. Any catch here? I know that the purpose is to be able to retire early. But is there anyone doing it just for the sake of tax benefit as one might probably not going to retire in Switzerland?

Thanks for the enlightenment!

Old post but might help :

Voluntary contribution to company pension plan

Tax rates in CH are generally pretty low, I don't see the point of tieing up money, there will be some tax later to pay when you get the money back in retirement.

I am just wondering if it is the same situation like 3a which is definitely worth the tax offset. But the thing is with 3a there is this "light" version of tax return form to fill (I am still taxed at source). As pointed out from the link given, one needs to fill in tax return....maybe based on the thinking that if you are taxed at source, sooner or later you will either switch to tax return or leave the country i.e not retire in CH? For the latter case it is not intended to contribute more to pension fund?

I found out that the extra payment into pension fund is then blocked for the next three years. So pay attention if you plan to leave CH soon....I think an extra payment just for the sake of tax saving is not possible. Correct me if I am wrong.

And one needs to do tax return too to claim back the tax. For witholding tax it is usually not necessary....

Seems only 3a is the best option then to offset tax in CH....