I have heard that if you are paid a relocation bonus (and in fact even if you arent) that you can claim back Euro 8,000 in the first year of moving to Switz or France - can anyone substantiate this?

Thanks

Claim back from whom?

From tax authorites - it reads a bit funny - i dont think you can claim 8000 but you get that amount exempt from tax in first year?

If you are referring to tax returns, a certain amount in your salary including bonuses is not taxable if you're an expat in Switzerland, and you can claim the additional tax at the end of the year if you've paid any.

So you're saying that a special payment, paid by your employer, to help cover relocation expenses is not taxable ?

I don't think its only the first year. The amount you can claim is the tax you've paid on 18'000 + fuel cost if you drive to work and live a certain minimum distance away from your work place (not sure how much exactly though) + upto 3'500 per annum per person that you send home to parents or other dependants (you will need proof of them REALLY needing the money). Considering all that, a ball-park figure of what you can get back is about 8'000, but then, I'm no tax expert.

Note: All figures in CHF

wibble - thats what im saying (or trying to) i think..

Correct and I have filed my claim for 2007 based on this. (although I've been told I won't be getting the money before at least 6 months, but thats another story)

Let me ask again,

I'm moving to Zurich, all expenses will be covered by me (air tickets and goods moving) can I claim some of those expenses back from the tax next year? Can I get anything else back, like transport, health and rent costs?

Cheers

Tax return essentially means getting a refund of the tax you should not have had to pay. Do you think claiming the cost of your arrival falls anywhere near that definition? Your emplyment contract should address those issues.

Of course that is only if your contract qualifies under the conditions defining an expat contract...