Have Your Tax Return for the Canton of Lucerne Filed

From the city of Lucerne to the Rigi region—we’re familiar with Lucerne’s unique tax regulations and will make the most of the generous deadline of August 31 on your behalf. 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?
keyboard_arrow_leftBack
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Tax Return in Lucerne – 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 Lucerne 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 Lucerne.

4

Submission by the Deadline

We'll file your tax return with the Lucerne 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 Lucerne

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
Popular

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 Lucerne – What You Need to Know

79 municipalities, one tax law—but major differences

The canton of Lucerne has a unique feature that surprises many taxpayers: The deadline for filing tax returns isn’t until August 31—significantly later than in almost all other cantons. With approximately 440,000 residents and 79 municipalities, Lucerne is a medium-sized canton with enormous variations in tax rates. In Meggen (0.90), you pay less than half as much as in Emmen (2.15). Tax rates in the canton of Lucerne have been deliberately lowered in recent years to make the canton a more attractive place to live. Those who take full advantage of all available deductions benefit even more.

steuern.lu – Electronic Tax Filing in the Canton of Lucerne

The web application steuern.lu has been available in the Canton of Lucerne since the 2025 tax year. It allows individuals to file their tax returns electronically in a web browser without having to install any software. You log in using your personal credentials from the tax administration. steuern.lu is an option for anyone who wants to fill out their tax return on their own. 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 Lucerne’s tax forms.

Common Mistakes That Cost Lucerne Taxpayers Money

In our practice, we see the same mistakes time and again with Lucerne tax returns: Many taxpayers are unaware of the generous deadline (August 31) and hastily submit an incomplete return—or forget to file it altogether because they don’t think about it over the summer. The tax rate system, which uses decimals (e.g., 1.75 for the city of Lucerne) instead of percentages, confuses newcomers. Commuters who work between Lucerne and Zurich or Zug forget to take full advantage of the maximum commuter deduction of CHF 6,500. And property owners on Lake Lucerne often don’t know that Lucerne doesn’t offer an underutilization deduction, but does have a hardship provision that may be relevant for retirees.

Good to Know

In the canton of Lucerne, taxes are calculated based on a progressive cantonal tax rate. Combined with the municipal tax rate, this results in the total tax burden. The differences between municipalities are considerable: While Meggen has the lowest tax rate at 0.90, taxpayers in Emmen pay 2.15. Anyone planning to move should definitely compare tax rates.
Thanks to targeted tax cuts, the canton of Lucerne ranks among the more attractive locations in Central Switzerland. The lakeside municipalities stand out in particular: Meggen (0.90), Vitznau (0.85), and Weggis (1.05) offer low tax rates combined with a high quality of life. The city of Lucerne ranks in the middle of the pack at 1.75, while Emmen (2.15) is significantly more expensive. For families and newcomers, it’s worth taking a closer look at the municipalities around Lake Lucerne.

Tax Deductions in the Canton of Lucerne –
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 Lucerne. 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 Lucerne, commuting expenses between home and work are deductible up to a maximum of CHF 6,500 per year (cantonal rule). Public transportation costs are generally recognized. Car expenses (CHF 0.70/km) 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 Lucerne up to a maximum of CHF 2,600 (for single individuals) or CHF 5,200 (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 the pension fund (Pillar 2) are also fully tax-deductible and directly reduce your tax burden in the Canton of Lucerne.

Child Deductions & Third-Party Child Care

In the canton of Lucerne, third-party childcare costs of up to CHF 25,000 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 Lucerne, expenses for job-related continuing education and retraining are tax-deductible up to CHF 12,000 per year. This includes course fees, teaching materials, exam fees, and travel expenses to the course location.

Donations & Charitable Contributions

Voluntary contributions to tax-exempt institutions in the canton of Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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 Lucerne

Important Deadlines for the 2025 Tax Year

Regular Filing Deadline

August 31, 2026

Extension of the Deadline

Available through December 31 at the latest—manage online via the steuern.lu portal

Electronic Tax Return

steuern.lu (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 tax returns in the canton of Lucerne is August 31. If you need more time, you can request an extension. In the canton of Lucerne, this is easy to do: Scan the QR code on your tax return, use the cantonal ePortal, or use the eGov bot. Our service: If you hire us, we’ll take care of the extension for free. 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 Lucerne

In the canton of Lucerne, foreign employees with a B or L residence permit are subject to withholding tax. The proportion of individuals subject to withholding tax is particularly high in the tourism and hospitality industries around Lake Lucerne. Under certain conditions, it may be worthwhile to file a retroactive regular tax assessment (NOV), which allows for additional deductions to be claimed. For gross annual incomes of CHF 120,000 or more, the NOV is carried out automatically.

Who is subject to withholding tax?

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

NOV - Retroactive Assessment

In the canton of Lucerne, 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 Lucerne

Property owners in the canton of Lucerne must pay taxes on the imputed rental value as income. This is generally set at 70% of the market rental value. In return, mortgage interest, maintenance costs, and administrative costs can be deducted on the tax return. There is no cantonal underutilization deduction in the canton of Lucerne. However, a hardship provision for AHV pensioners has been in effect since 2016: If the imputed rental value represents a disproportionate financial burden, a reduction may 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
  • Flat-Rate Deduction and Property Maintenance Optimized

Additional fee: CHF 65 per property

Have Your Property Tax Reviewed - Request a Quote Now

Municipal Tax Rates in the Canton of Lucerne

The tax rate varies considerably across the canton of Lucerne, depending on the municipality. Here you will find a selection of the most important municipalities. The tax is calculated based on the cantonal tax schedule and multiplied by the municipal tax rate. The total tax rate is the sum of the cantonal, municipal, and church tax rates.

Community Tax Rate
Lucerne1.75
Emmen2.15
Kriens1.85
Horw1.65
Ebikon1.70
Sursee1.80
Meggen0.90
Vitznau0.85
Weggis1.05
Adligenswil1.50

As of the 2025 tax year. All information is provided without guarantee. For the most current tax rates, visit steuern.lu.ch (information provided without guarantee).

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 Lucerne.

Complete overview of tax rates for all 79 municipalities on steuern.lu.ch

What Our Customers Say

Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Returns in the Canton of Lucerne

When is the deadline for filing a tax return in the canton of Lucerne?

The standard filing deadline in the Canton of Lucerne is August 31. If you need more time, you can request an extension—up to December 31 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 Lucerne?

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 Lucerne?

The most important deductions in the canton of Lucerne are: occupational expenses and the commuter deduction (cantonal maximum of CHF 6,500; car expenses only if necessity is proven), insurance premiums up to CHF 2,600 or CHF 5,200 for married couples, Pillar 3a contributions, continuing education expenses up to CHF 12,000, child care expenses up to CHF 25,000 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 steuern.lu, and how does it work?

steuern.lu is the Canton of Lucerne’s web application for filing tax returns electronically. You can fill out your tax return directly in your browser and submit it electronically. You can log in using your personal login credentials from the tax administration.

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 widely within the canton of Lucerne—from 0.85 units in Vitznau to 2.15 units in Emmen. The cantonal tax rate is 1.55 units. You can find a complete overview of all 79 municipalities further up on this page or directly from the canton of Lucerne (information provided without guarantee).

Do I have to file my tax return electronically in the canton of Lucerne?

No, filing electronically via steuern.lu is optional. You can still submit your tax return on paper. We recommend filing electronically, as it is processed more quickly.

Can steuermacher.ch also prepare my real estate tax return for the canton of Lucerne?

Yes. We calculate the imputed rental value correctly and optimize the flat-rate deduction and the actual property expenses. Although there is no cantonal underutilization deduction in the Canton of Lucerne, there is a hardship provision. 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 Lucerne?

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.