Have Your Tax Return for the Canton of Zurich Filed

Whether you’re a commuter on the Gold Coast, an expat in the city of Zurich, or a family in Winterthur—we’re familiar with Zurich’s unique tax rules and will help you get the most out of your taxes. Fixed price starting at CHF 35, response within 24 hours.

Personal consultation, at your location or by phone
VBV-certified tax advisors, FINMA-registered
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 Zurich – 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 Zurich 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 Zurich.

4

Submission by the Deadline

We'll file your tax return with the Zurich 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 Zurich

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 Zurich – What You Need to Know

160 municipalities, one tax law—but major differences

With a population of approximately 1,600,000, the Canton of Zurich is the most populous canton in Switzerland. As an economic and financial hub, Zurich attracts many international professionals—at the same time, hundreds of thousands of workers commute daily between its 160 municipalities. The range of tax rates is enormous: While the “Gold Coast” municipalities of Kilchberg (72%) and Zumikon (71%) are among the lowest-taxed in Switzerland, Winterthur’s rate stands at 125%. The cantonal tax rate is a uniform 95%. Those who have their tax returns prepared by a professional benefit from the full and correct utilization of all Zurich tax deductions—especially the commuter, dual-income, and child care deductions.

ZHprivateTax – the electronic tax return

The ZHprivateTax web application has been available in the Canton of Zurich 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 via the cantonal service portal (My Account). ZHprivateTax 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 Zurich’s tax forms.

Common Mistakes That Cost Zurich Taxpayers Money

In our practice, we see the same mistakes time and again in Zurich tax returns: Commuters who travel between Winterthur and the city of Zurich claim car expenses without refuting that public transportation is a reasonable alternative—and lose the entire travel expense deduction (max. CHF 5,200 at the cantonal level). Married couples with two incomes forget to claim the dual-income deduction, which can amount to up to CHF 6,200 in the canton of Zurich. Homeowners on the Gold Coast underestimate the imputed rent, which in the Canton of Zurich is 3.5% of the wealth tax value (single-family homes) or 4.25% (condominiums). And many taxpayers are unaware that medical expenses are deductible only if they exceed 5% of net income—and they miscalculate the deductible.

Good to Know

In the Canton of Zurich, the cantonal tax rate is 95%. Combined with the municipal tax rate, this results in the total tax burden. The differences between municipalities are considerable: While Zumikon has the lowest tax rate at 71%, taxpayers in Winterthur pay 125%. Anyone planning to move should definitely compare tax rates.
For taxpayers in the Canton of Zurich, the wide range of municipal tax rates offers significant savings potential: Moving from Winterthur (125%) to Zumikon (71%) can save several thousand francs per year on a taxable income of CHF 100,000. Of particular interest are the “Gold Coast” municipalities along the left shore of Lake Zurich, as well as the municipalities in the Meilen district. We recommend that you review your total tax burden with us before planning a change of residence.

Tax Deductions in the Canton of Zurich –
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 Zurich. 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 Zurich, commuting expenses between home and work are deductible up to a maximum of CHF 5,200 per year (cantonal). Public transportation costs are generally recognized. Car expenses (CHF 0.75/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 Zurich up to a maximum of CHF 2,600 (for 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 a pension fund (Pillar 2) are also fully tax-deductible and directly reduce your tax burden in the Canton of Zurich.

Child Deductions & Third-Party Child Care

In the canton of Zurich, 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 Zurich, 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 Zurich 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 Zurich includes additional items such as interest on debt, alimony 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 Zurich 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 Zurich

Important Deadlines for the 2025 Tax Year

Regular Filing Deadline

March 31, 2026

Extension of the Deadline

Initially available through September 30; upon request, through November 30—via the cantonal tax office’s online form or in writing

Electronic Tax Return

ZHprivateTax (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 Zurich is March 31. If you need more time, you can request an extension. In the Canton of Zurich, 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 you at no additional cost. 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 Zurich

As Switzerland’s economic hub, Zurich has a high proportion of foreign workers with a B or L residence permit. These individuals are subject to withholding tax in the Canton of Zurich. Withholding tax is deducted directly from wages and takes into account marital status, number of children, and religious affiliation. For gross annual incomes of CHF 120,000 or more, a regular retroactive assessment (NOV) is conducted automatically. For incomes below this threshold, the NOV can be requested voluntarily—in many cases, this is worthwhile because it allows for additional deductions to be claimed.

Who is subject to withholding tax?

Foreign employees without a C residence permit in the canton of Zurich 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 Zurich, 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 Zurich

Property owners in the Canton of Zurich 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 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 Zurich.
Since 2016, the Canton of Zurich has had a hardship provision for AHV pensioners: 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
  • Underutilization Deduction and Hardship Provision Reviewed

Additional fee: CHF 65 per property

Have Your Property Tax Reviewed - Request a Quote Now

Municipal Tax Rates in the Canton of Zurich

The tax rate varies considerably across the canton of Zurich, depending on the municipality. Here you will find a selection of the most important municipalities. The cantonal tax rate is a uniform 95%. The total tax rate is calculated based on the cantonal, municipal, and church tax rates.

Community Tax Rate
Zurich119 %
Winterthur125 %
Uster110 %
Dübendorf106 %
Dietikon114 %
Wädenswil110 %
Kilchberg72 %
Zumikon71 %
Rüschlikon76 %
Miles80 %

As of the 2025 tax year. All information is provided without guarantee. For the most up-to-date tax rates, visit [zh.ch](http://zh.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 Zurich.

Complete overview of tax rates for all 160 municipalities at [zh.ch](http://zh.ch)

What Our Customers Say

Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Returns in the Canton of Zurich

By when must the tax return be filed in the Canton of Zurich?

The standard filing deadline in the Canton of Zurich is March 31. If you need more time, you can request an extension—initially until September 30, and upon request until November 30. 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 Zurich?

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 Zurich?

The most important deductions in the Canton of Zurich are: occupational expenses and the commuter deduction (cantonal maximum of CHF 5,200; 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 ZHprivateTax, and how does it work?

ZHprivateTax is the Canton of Zurich’s web application for filing tax returns electronically. You can fill out your tax return directly in your browser and submit it electronically. Supporting documents can be uploaded via drag-and-drop or by taking a photo with your smartphone. The application is updated annually.

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 Zurich—from 71% in Zumikon to 125% in Winterthur. The cantonal tax rate is a uniform 95%. You can find a complete overview of all 160 municipalities further up on this page or directly from the Canton of Zurich.

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

No, electronic filing via ZHprivateTax is optional. You can still submit your tax return on paper. We recommend the electronic option, as it is processed more quickly.

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

Yes. We accurately calculate the imputed rental value, optimize property costs, and review the underutilization deduction as well as the hardship provision for individuals of AHV retirement age. 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 Zurich?

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.