Guide
Pension provision
Occupational and private pension provision offers interesting tax planning opportunities if you know the rules. This section explains the key connections between pension provision, assets and the tax return.
In brief
Payments into pillar 3a and buy-ins to the pension fund can be deducted from taxable income, while later lump-sum withdrawals are taxed separately and usually at a reduced rate. Income from securities is also subject to the anticipatory tax, which you can reclaim through your tax return.
What matters
Pillar 3a as a tax instrument
Contributions to tied pension provision reduce taxable income in the year of payment. The maximum deductible amount is set annually and differs depending on whether you are affiliated with a pension fund.
Pension fund buy-ins
Voluntary buy-ins to the second pillar close pension gaps and have a tax effect. However, they should be planned carefully in connection with later withdrawals.
Securities and anticipatory tax
An anticipatory tax is levied on interest and dividends from Swiss sources. Anyone who declares this income correctly in their tax return gets it refunded.
Lump sum versus pension
Pension assets can be drawn as a lump sum or as a pension. The two forms are taxed differently, which is why a comparison is worthwhile.
Timing
The timing of payments, buy-ins and withdrawals has a noticeable effect on the tax burden. A specialist can help in more complex situations.
Articles on Pension provision
3 articles with explanations, checklists and sources.
- Pillar 3a: tax advantages and withdrawalPayments into pillar 3a can be deducted from taxable income provided they were made in the corresponding tax year. The later withdrawal of the assets is taxed as a lump-sum benefit, separately and at a reduced rate. Anyone who plans their payments and the timing of the withdrawal carefully can make optimal use of the tax effect of tied pension provision over several years. Both your personal income situation and the cantonal rules play an important role here.Read article
- Pension fund: buy-ins and withdrawals from a tax perspectiveVoluntary buy-ins to the pension fund can be deducted in full from taxable income and at the same time close pension gaps. The later drawing of benefits as a pension or lump sum is taxed differently, which is why a comparison makes sense. Anyone planning a buy-in should consider both the short-term tax relief and the long-term consequences for the later pension benefits.Read article
- Declaring securities and anticipatory tax correctlyIncome from securities such as interest and dividends is declared in the list of securities in the tax return. You get back the anticipatory tax levied on it, provided the income is declared in full and on time. Careful and complete recording of all accounts, custody accounts and income is the prerequisite for the refund to proceed smoothly.Read article
What you should keep in mind
- Have the certificates from your pillar 3a institution ready for the tax return
- Check your pension fund statement for buy-in options
- Collect custody account statements and bank certificates for securities income
- Reclaim the anticipatory tax via the list of securities
- Consult the current cantonal guidelines on deductions
- For planned lump-sum withdrawals, clarify the consequences early
- Observe the deadlines for payments in the current tax year
Frequently asked questions – Pension provision
Sources and related topics
Sources
Updated: August 2026 · General information, not individual tax advice.
Related topics
Your tax return in good hands
Tell us about your situation in the request form – free of charge and without obligation.