Swiss withholding tax (Quellensteuer) calculator
Taxed at source on a B permit? Estimate the Quellensteuer deducted from your monthly salary by canton, tariff and income.
Representative cantonal rates for planning. The binding figure is in your canton's official Quellensteuer-Tarif, updated yearly. Not tax advice.
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What Quellensteuer is and who pays it
Quellensteuer is Swiss withholding tax. If you work in Switzerland without a C settlement permit, your employer deducts income tax straight from your monthly salary and forwards it to the canton. It replaces the annual tax return for most B-permit holders, though an ordinary assessment can be requested in some cases.
How the rate is set
Your rate depends on the canton you work in, a tariff code for your family situation (A single, B married single-earner, C married dual-earner, H single parent), your gross income, and whether you pay church tax. Higher income means a higher rate, and children lower it under the family tariffs.
From withholding to a tax return
If your gross exceeds about CHF 120'000 a year, or you have other income or assets, you may be required or allowed to file an ordinary tax return (nachträgliche ordentliche Veranlagung). That lets you claim deductions like Pillar 3a, and the tax already withheld is credited against the final bill.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays Quellensteuer in Switzerland?
Foreign workers without a C permit, and many cross-border commuters. Swiss citizens and C-permit holders file an ordinary return instead. Your employer withholds the tax monthly based on your canton of work.
How is the Quellensteuer rate calculated?
From your canton, tariff code (family situation), monthly gross income and church membership. The rates here are representative estimates; the binding figures are in your canton's official Quellensteuer table, updated yearly.
Can I claim deductions like Pillar 3a under Quellensteuer?
Not directly in the monthly withholding. But if you file an ordinary tax return (possible above about CHF 120'000 or on request), you can claim Pillar 3a, professional expenses and more, and get the difference back.
Is this calculator official?
No. It gives a planning estimate using representative cantonal rates. For the exact amount, use your canton's official Quellensteuer-Tarif or ask your employer's payroll.