Have Your Tax Return for the Canton of Bern Filed

From the federal capital to the Bernese Oberland—we know the Bernese tax system, including its investment coefficients, and will get you the maximum refund. Fixed price starting at CHF 35, response within 24 hours.

Personal consultation, at your location or by phone
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Fixed price starting at CHF 35—no hidden costs
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1 Tax Return for?
2 Your Needs
3 Submit Inquiry

Tax Return for:

What is important to you?

Your personal information:

Salutation
Household members
Do you have any securities?
Are you already a customer of FINWIWO AG?
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Tax Return in Bern – It’s That Simple

1

Submit Request

Fill out the short form or give us a call. It only takes 60 seconds and is completely non-binding.

2

Personal Tax Advisor

We will assign you a VBV-certified tax advisor who is highly knowledgeable about Bernese tax law.

3

Consulting and Processing

Your tax advisor will optimize your tax return and take full advantage of all cantonal deductions available in the Canton of Bern.

4

Submission by the Deadline

We'll file your tax return with the Bern Tax Office by the deadline. All you have to do is sit back and relax.

More than 23,000 customers throughout Switzerland have already gone through this process.

Request a quote now with no obligation

Our prices for the Canton of Bern

Transparent fixed prices, no hidden costs. Deadline extensions and securities are included in the package price.

Students & Learners

Starting at CHF 35

Simple Tax Return for Apprentices and Students

  • Personal Tax Advisor
  • All cantonal deductions reviewed
  • Extension included
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Individuals

Starting at CHF 99

For employees, civil servants, and individuals in a standard tax situation

  • Personal Tax Advisor
  • All cantonal deductions optimized
  • Securities & investment income included
  • Extension included

Married Couples & Families

Starting at CHF 149

Joint Tax Filing, Child Deductions, Third-Party Child Care

  • Personal Tax Advisor
  • Joint Tax Assessment Optimized
  • Child Deductions & Third-Party Childcare
  • Extension included

Additional Services: Express Processing CHF 100 · Real Estate CHF 65 per property · Inheritance CHF 65

View all prices and services in detail

Submit a Request Now

Tax Returns in the Canton of Bern – What You Need to Know

334 municipalities, one tax law—but major differences

With over 1,050,000 residents and 334 municipalities, the Canton of Bern is the second-largest canton in Switzerland. Please note: The filing deadline in the Canton of Bern is March 15—significantly earlier than in most other cantons. Instead of tax rates expressed as percentages, Bern uses a system of investment coefficients, which makes comparisons difficult at first glance. The cantonal assessment coefficient is 2.975. Tax differences between municipalities are substantial: Ittigen (1.33) and Herbligen (1.90) are worlds apart. Whether in the Emmental, the Seeland, or the Bernese Jura—our tax advisors are familiar with the specific characteristics of every region in Bern.

TaxMe Online – the electronic tax return

TaxMe Online is the Canton of Bern’s web application for filing electronic tax returns. You can complete and submit your tax return directly in your browser. Registration is done through AGOV. However, if you want to ensure that all deductions are claimed correctly and in full, our tax advisors will handle the entire process for you. We work with all standard cantonal systems and are familiar with the specifics of Bern’s tax forms.

Common Mistakes That Cost Bern Taxpayers Money

In our practice, we see the same mistakes time and again with Bern tax returns: The extremely early deadline (March 15) is regularly missed because many taxpayers assume March 31 is the standard deadline—resulting in late fees. The Bern system, which uses adjustment coefficients instead of tax rates expressed as percentages, confuses many newcomers from other cantons. Commuters between Bern and Zurich or Basel tend to overestimate the commuter deduction, which is capped at CHF 7,000 at the cantonal level. And property owners in the Bernese Oberland often forget that the imputed rental value in Bern is based on a hedonic model that uses sales prices as a benchmark—for older properties, it may be worth having this reviewed.

Good to Know

In the canton of Bern, the cantonal tax rate is 2.975. Combined with the municipal tax rate, this determines the total tax burden. The differences between municipalities are considerable: While Deisswil near Münchenbuchsee has the lowest tax rate at 0.89, taxpayers in Herbligen pay 1.90. Anyone planning to move should be sure to compare tax rates.

The Bernese tax system, which uses assessment coefficients instead of tax rates expressed as percentages, makes it difficult to compare with other cantons. As a general rule, the lower a municipality’s assessment coefficient, the lower the tax burden. Deisswil near Münchenbuchsee (0.89) is the most affordable municipality, while the city of Bern (1.54) ranks in the upper middle range. For families, it’s worth taking a look at municipalities in the greater Bern area, such as Köniz (1.49) or Ittigen (1.33), which offer lower coefficients and good transportation connections.

Tax Deductions in the Canton of Bern –
Take Advantage of All Options

If you know all the allowable deductions and claim them correctly, you can significantly reduce your tax burden in the Canton of Bern. Our tax advisors systematically review every single deduction item to determine what applies to your situation. Here is an overview of the most important categories:

Work-Related Expenses & Commuting Deduction

Commuting expenses, meals, work clothing, and continuing education. In the Canton of Bern, commuting expenses between home and work are deductible up to a maximum of CHF 7,000 per year (cantonal rule). Public transportation costs are generally recognized. Car expenses are deductible only if no reasonable public transportation is available. Tip: We’ll check whether you can provide the necessary documentation in your case and help you claim the maximum deduction.

Insurance Premiums & Medical Expenses

Health insurance premiums, accident insurance, and other personal insurance premiums are tax-deductible in the Canton of Bern up to a maximum of CHF 2,450 (for single individuals) or CHF 4,900 (for married couples). Medical and accident expenses that exceed the deductible may also be claimed.

Pillar 3a & Retirement Planning

Contributions to Pillar 3a are tax-deductible throughout Switzerland. In 2025, the following maximum amounts will apply: CHF 7,258 for employees with a pension fund. Contributions to a pension fund (Pillar 2) are also fully tax-deductible and directly reduce your tax burden in the Canton of Bern.

Child Deductions & Third-Party Child Care

In the Canton of Bern, third-party childcare costs of up to CHF 16,000 per child per year may be claimed, provided they are necessary (e.g., when both parents are employed). In addition, the general child deduction and the education deduction for children in school apply.

Continuing Education Costs

In the Canton of Bern, expenses for job-related continuing education and retraining are tax-deductible up to CHF 12,000 per year. This includes course fees, instructional materials, exam fees, and travel expenses to the course location.

Donations & Charitable Contributions

Voluntary contributions to tax-exempt institutions in the Canton of Bern are deductible up to 20% of net income. These include donations to nonprofit organizations, associations, and political parties.

The complete list of all deductions in the Canton of Bern includes additional items such as interest on debt, child support payments, real estate expenses, and securities management fees. Our tax advisors are familiar with all available deductions and review your tax return item by item. This ensures that you don’t miss out on any tax savings. The Bern Tax Office’s 2025 Cantonal Guidelines contain all the details and can be viewed at the Cantonal Tax Office.

Have your deductions reviewed—request a review now

Deadlines and Filing in the Canton of Bern

Important Deadlines for the 2025 Tax Year

Regular Filing Deadline

March 15, 2026

Extension of the Deadline

Deadline: November 15 at the latest—online via the Tax Administration portal or in writing

Electronic Tax Return

TaxMe Online (web application, accessible directly in the browser)

Fines for Delays

After a warning, administrative fines and a discretionary assessment may be imposed

Missed the deadline? No need to panic.

The deadline for filing your tax return in the Canton of Bern is March 15. If you need more time, you can request an extension. In the Canton of Bern, the process is straightforward: Scan the QR code on your tax return and submit your request online via the cantonal tax portal or by mail. Our service: If you hire us, we’ll take care of the deadline extension free of charge. This is included in the package price.

Extensions are included free of charge in the package price at steuermacher.ch.

Secure Your Deadlines—Inquire Now

Withholding Tax in the Canton of Bern

In the Canton of Bern, many foreign workers are subject to withholding tax—particularly those employed by the federal government, international organizations, and the private sector in the Bern-Mittelland region. Withholding tax is deducted directly from their wages. It may be worthwhile to file a subsequent ordinary tax assessment (NOV) to claim professional expenses, the commuter deduction, and Pillar 3a contributions. Deadline: March 31 of the following year.

Who is subject to withholding tax?

Foreign employees without a C residence permit in the Canton of Bern are subject to withholding tax. This applies to individuals with a B residence permit (residents), an L residence permit (short-term residents), and cross-border commuters who return to their home country daily.

NOV - Retroactive Assessment

In the Canton of Bern, the NOV is granted automatically for those with a gross annual income of CHF 120,000 or more. If your income is lower, you can apply for the NOV voluntarily. Deadline: by March 31 of the following year. The NOV allows you to claim additional deductions such as Pillar 3a, professional expenses, or interest on debt.

Withholding Tax Adjustment by steuermacher.ch

We’ll determine whether filing a NOV is worthwhile for you, submit the application by the deadline, and prepare your complete tax return, including all deductions. Many people subject to withholding tax receive a refund through the NOV.

Have Your Withholding Tax Reviewed - Request a Review Now

Real Estate and Imputed Rental Value in the Canton of Bern

Property owners in the Canton of Bern must report the imputed rental value as income for tax purposes. This is generally set at 70% of the market rental value. In return, mortgage interest, maintenance costs, and administrative expenses can be deducted on the tax return. Anyone who does not occupy the entire property themselves can claim a 30% underutilization deduction in the Canton of Bern.
Since 2016, the Canton of Bern has had a hardship provision for AHV pensioners: If the imputed rental value represents a disproportionate burden, a reduction can be requested. In addition, the so-called “preferential rent” rule was abolished in 2024, leading to changes when renting to related parties.

Our Services for Property Owners

  • Correct Calculation of the Imputed Rent
  • Optimization of All Property Deductions
  • Distinguishing Between Value Preservation and Value Appreciation
  • Underutilization Deduction and Property Maintenance Reviewed

Additional fee: CHF 65 per property

Have Your Property Tax Reviewed - Request a Quote Now

Municipal Tax Rates in the Canton of Bern

The tax rate varies considerably across the canton of Bern, depending on the municipality. Here you will find a selection of the most important municipalities. The cantonal adjustment factor is 2.975. The total tax rate is calculated based on the cantonal, municipal, and church tax rates.

Community Tax Rate
Bern1.54
Biel/Bienne1.66
Thun1.58
Köniz1.49
Burgdorf1.59
Langenthal1.71
Muri near Bern1.36
Ittigen1.39
Worb1.58
Converse1.44

As of the 2025 tax year. All information is provided without guarantee. For the most up-to-date tax rates, visit be.ch.

Depending on where you live, your tax burden can vary by several thousand francs. This makes it all the more important to file a tax return that takes full advantage of all eligible deductions. Our tax advisors are familiar with the tax situation in every municipality in Bern.

Complete overview of tax rates for all 334 municipalities on be.ch

What Our Customers Say

Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Returns in the Canton of Bern

When is the deadline for filing a tax return in the Canton of Bern?

The standard filing deadline in the Canton of Bern is March 15. If you need more time, you can request an extension—up to November 15 at the latest. If you hire us, we’ll handle the extension for you at no charge.

How much does it cost to have someone fill out your tax return in the Canton of Bern?

Students pay starting at CHF 35, individuals starting at CHF 99, and married couples starting at CHF 149. These are transparent, fixed prices. Securities, investment income, and deadline extensions are included in the package price. You can find all prices on our pricing page.

What tax deductions can I claim in the Canton of Bern?

The most important deductions in the Canton of Bern are: occupational expenses and the commuter deduction (cantonal maximum of CHF 7,000; car expenses only if necessity is proven), insurance premiums up to CHF 2,450 or CHF 4,900 for married couples, Pillar 3a contributions, continuing education expenses up to CHF 12,000, child care expenses up to CHF 16,000 per child, and charitable donations up to 20% of net income. Our tax advisors are familiar with all cantonal specifics and systematically review each item.

What is TaxMe Online, and how does it work?

TaxMe Online is the Canton of Bern’s web application for filing tax returns electronically. You can fill out your tax return directly in your browser and submit it electronically. Data from the previous year is automatically carried over. Receipts can be uploaded via computer or smartphone.

I am subject to withholding tax. Is it worth filing a subsequent regular tax assessment (NOV)?

In many cases, yes. The NOV allows you to claim additional deductions that are not taken into account under withholding tax—for example, Pillar 3a contributions, professional expenses, or interest on debt. The NOV is processed automatically for gross annual incomes of CHF 120,000 or more. For incomes below that amount, you can apply for it voluntarily. Deadline: March 31 of the following year.

What is the tax rate in my municipality?

The tax rate varies by municipality within the Canton of Bern. The cantonal assessment factor is 2.975. The municipality with the lowest tax rate is Ittigen at 1.33, and the one with the highest is Herbligen at 1.90. You can find a complete overview of all 334 municipalities further up on this page or directly from the Canton of Bern.

Do I have to file my tax return electronically in the Canton of Bern?

No, filing electronically via TaxMe Online is optional. You can still file your tax return on paper. We recommend the electronic option because it is processed more quickly.

Can steuermacher.ch also prepare my real estate tax return for the Canton of Bern?

Yes. We calculate the imputed rental value correctly, optimize the flat-rate deduction and the actual property expenses, and review the underutilization deduction. This additional service costs CHF 65 per property.

How soon will I receive a response to my inquiry?

Your personal tax advisor will contact you within 24 hours. The inquiry is free of charge and non-binding. We will not begin processing your request until you give your approval.

Can I file back taxes for multiple tax years?

Yes. Please specify which tax years are missing in your request. We will prepare a customized quote for you for the follow-up work.

What happens if I miss the deadline in the Canton of Bern?

After the deadline, you will receive a reminder. If you fail to file, the tax office may issue a discretionary assessment, which is generally less favorable. You may also face administrative fines. Please contact us in a timely manner so that we can request an extension of the deadline.

Is the inquiry really free and non-binding?

Yes, absolutely. The inquiry and initial assessment are free of charge. Fees are only incurred once your tax return is completed, and payment is conveniently due within 14 days of the invoice date. You can decide at any time whether you’d like to use the service.