Skip to content
Get in touch

Glossary

Wealth Tax

Wealth Tax is a periodic tax on the net assets of natural persons. The basis of assessment is total worldwide assets less documented debts. In Switzerland it is levied by the cantons and municipalities, not by the Confederation. Rates, social deductions and tax-free amounts are set by each canton, so the burden varies considerably depending on the place of residence.

At a glance

  • The basis of assessment is net wealth, that is gross assets less documented debts (StHG Art. 13).
  • Wealth Tax is levied only by cantons and municipalities; the Confederation does not levy a wealth tax.
  • Tax rates, social deductions and tax-free minimum amounts differ from canton to canton.

Frequently asked questions

In principle all movable and immovable assets are covered, for example bank balances, securities, real estate, vehicles and the surrender values of insurance policies. The decisive figure is net wealth, that is the amount after deducting documented debts. Pension assets in Pillar 2 and Pillar 3a remain untaxed until they are drawn.
Wealth Tax is levied exclusively by the cantons and municipalities. The Confederation does not levy a wealth tax. Because each canton sets its own rates and deductions, the burden differs considerably depending on the place of residence.

Part of the topic

Personal Taxes

Sources: Eidg. Steuerverwaltung (ESTV) · Systematische Rechtssammlung (fedlex)

This entry is for general information purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal or tax advice. It is a simplified summary of the legal position and tax treatment.