Have Someone Fill Out Your 2025 Tax Return

The Extension of the Deadline

Haven't gathered all your documents yet? No problem—the filing deadline can usually be extended without any issues. You can submit your application directly to the relevant cantonal tax office—online in just a few minutes or in writing by mail.

To submit the application, you will need: your name, your address, your tax ID number, and a brief explanation (e.g., missing documents, illness, or a stay abroad). If the application is submitted on time, the extension is generally granted through the end of September; in justified exceptional cases, it may be granted beyond that date.

As a steuermacher.ch customer, we handle this automatically for you —you don’t need to submit an application. We’ll notify the tax office immediately after receiving your request.

What's new for the 2025 tax year?

The 2025 tax year brings several officially confirmed changes that will directly affect your deduction:

• Pillar 3a: New maximum amount of CHF 7,258 for employees, CHF 36,288 for self-employed individuals without a pension plan (Source: BSV, effective January 1, 2025)
• Third-Party Childcare: Deduction Increased to CHF 25,500 per Child Under 14 Years of Age (Art. 33, para. 3, DBG)
• Cold Progression: Federal Tax Rates Adjusted for Inflation—Middle-Income Earners to See Tax Relief (ESTV 2025)
• Travel Expense Deduction: Federal Tax Limit Remains at CHF 3,200 – Cantonal Limits Are Often Higher or Unlimited
• AHV 21: Gradual transition to a retirement age of 65 for women—please note the transitional provisions for those born between 1961 and 1969

Our experts are familiar with all of these changes and will apply them correctly to your tax return.

The costs of your daily commute are deductible on your 2025 tax return—regardless of whether you use public transportation, a car, or a bicycle. The number of workdays and the mode of transportation used are the determining factors. For direct federal tax, the maximum deduction is CHF 3,200. Many cantons (e.g., Zurich, Bern, Aargau) allow higher or unlimited deductions at the cantonal level—a difference that can amount to several hundred francs, depending on the commute distance.

You can claim business expenses such as work clothing, public transportation tickets, transportation costs, or home office infrastructure on your 2025 tax return. The flat-rate deduction is approximately 3% of your net salary, up to a maximum of CHF 4,000 —no receipts required. If your actual work-related expenses are higher, it’s worth providing proof of those expenses: We’ll calculate which method will result in the greater tax savings in your specific case.

Contributions to Pillar 3a are fully deductible from taxable income. New for 2025: The maximum amount for employees with a pension fund is CHF 7,258 (2024: CHF 7,056). Self-employed individuals without a pension fund can contribute up to CHF 36,288 and deduct the full amount.

Tip: If you make your contribution by December 31, 2025, you’ll still benefit during this tax year. The amounts you contribute pay off twice—as retirement savings and as immediate tax savings. We’ll make sure your contributions are reported correctly and in full.

Voluntary contributions to a pension fund (Pillar 2) are fully deductible from taxable income with no upper limit —a key difference from Pillar 3a. Anyone with a pension gap shown on their pension fund statement can close it through voluntary contributions and, depending on their income level, save several thousand francs in taxes.

Important: The purchase must be made at least 3 years before retirement in order for the benefits to be tax-free. Our experts will review your pension statement and calculate whether a purchase is worthwhile for you.

Health insurance premiums and life insurance premiums can be deducted from federal taxes at a flat rate: CHF 3,600 per adult and CHF 1,800 per child. For individuals not enrolled in a pension fund, the deduction increases to CHF 7,200. Cantonal deductions vary by canton and may be higher. We’ll check which deduction applies in your canton and ensure that it is claimed in full.

Tax deductions of up to CHF 12,000 per year are available for career-oriented continuing education—including course fees, teaching materials, professional literature, and exam fees. Initial training and undergraduate studies, as well as courses taken for personal reasons that are unrelated to your current job, are not tax-deductible. Tip: Keep all receipts and course certificates—the tax office often requests them.

Anyone who cannot eat at home for work-related reasons may claim a deduction for meal expenses. The flat rates for 2025 are: CHF 15.– per workday without access to a company cafeteria, and CHF 7.50 if the employer provides a subsidized meal. Prerequisite: Returning home for lunch must be impractical—in practice, this applies when the commute is approximately 10 km or more. We’ll check whether your situation meets the requirements and whether the tax office will recognize the deduction.

Out-of-pocket medical and accident expenses are tax-deductible—but only the portion that exceeds 5% of your net income (federal tax). Deductible expenses include, for example, dental costs, eyeglasses and contact lenses, physical therapy, hearing aids, and recognized complementary medicine with a doctor’s prescription. Only costs that were not reimbursed by your health insurance plan count. We systematically review all your receipts and calculate whether you are eligible for the deduction and, if so, the amount.

Interest on debt from bank loans, private loans, or mortgages is deductible—only the interest, not the principal payments. For federal tax purposes, interest on debt is deductible up to an amount equal to the income from assets plus CHF 50,000. Financed vehicle purchases (loans) are deductible—leasing agreements, however, are not. We review all your interest-bearing debt items and ensure that they are reported correctly and in full.

If both spouses are employed full-time, they can claim the dual-income deduction. The federal tax maximum was adjusted to CHF 13,900 in 2025 (inflation adjustment). Cantonal regulations vary considerably—some cantons have significantly higher maximum amounts. We will calculate the optimal approach for you, taking into account both cantonal and federal tax regulations.

2025 Tax Return for Married Couples

Married couples file their tax returns jointly—which sounds simple at first glance but involves some tax pitfalls: the so-called “marriage penalty,” the dual-income deduction (up to CHF 13,900 for federal taxes), and the question of how best to allocate deductions between the partners all require careful planning.

Our tax advisors review all possible combinations and select the most tax-efficient option for you and your spouse. We ensure that your joint residence, tax ID number, and cantonal requirements are correctly recorded—so you can relax and get the most out of it.

Have Your 2025 Tax Return Filed for Individuals

Whether you’re an employee, a renter, or a homeowner, your potential savings often lie in the details: a forgotten work-from-home deduction, unreported continuing education expenses, or an overlooked medical bill. People who file their own tax returns miss out on an average of CHF 300–800 in deductions.

Our tax advisors conduct a comprehensive analysis of your personal situation—not just to file your tax return, but also to assist you with tax assessment notices, securities-related issues, and tax debts. Transparent, professional service, starting at CHF 99.

2025 Tax Return for Self-Employed Individuals

For self-employed individuals, the 2025 tax return is complex: business expenses, depreciation, AHV contributions, and voluntary pension fund contributions (deductible without a maximum limit!) must be correctly categorized. Errors can result in additional tax assessments or lost deductions.

We can assist you with your tax return, annual financial statements, choosing a legal structure, and ongoing tax matters. Self-employed individuals benefit particularly from the Pillar 3a maximum contribution of CHF 36,288 (2025)—a deduction that can significantly reduce your tax burden. Focus on your business; we’ll take care of the rest.