FAQ
Everything our clients want to know.
36 questions and answers on costs, deadlines, documents and the particulars of each tax situation. Can’t find your question? Give us a call — asking costs nothing.
General
How much does it cost to have my tax return done?
Our prices are starting prices, because every tax return is individual: from CHF 59 for individuals, from CHF 100 for families and married couples, and from CHF 60 per hour for the self-employed. If any extra work is needed, we tell you before we start — not with the invoice.
How long does it take until my tax return is ready?
Once your documents are complete, you will usually receive your completed tax return for review within three working days. In the peak season of February and March it can take a few days longer. Nothing is filed until you have approved it.
What is the tax return deadline in the Canton of Zurich?
31 March of the year following the tax period. If you cannot meet this deadline, request a filing extension beforehand — a first request submitted in time to your municipal tax office is deemed approved even without a reply, up to 30 November at the latest. We submit the request for you.
Which documents do I need?
The essentials: your last tax return and tax assessment notice, all salary certificates, bank and custody account statements as at 31 December, your Pillar 3a certificate, your health insurance premium certificate and receipts for medical costs, further training and donations. You will find the complete checklist under «Process».
Do I have to come in person?
No. You can submit everything online using our form or send your documents by post to Archplatz 2 in Winterthur. A personal appointment is possible if you prefer to talk face to face — Saturdays too, by arrangement.
What happens to my data?
Your documents are used solely to prepare your tax return, processed on servers in Switzerland or the EU, and archived after completion in line with the statutory retention periods. We do not pass any data on to third parties.
Do you also handle objections to a tax assessment?
Yes. We check the tax assessment notice against the return that was filed and, if necessary, lodge a reasoned objection within the 30-day deadline. This is charged by time, from CHF 60 per hour.
Do you also work for people outside Winterthur?
Yes. We look after taxpayers throughout the Canton of Zurich and beyond. As returns are filed electronically, where you live makes no difference to working with us.
Pricing and billing
Why do you only quote starting prices?
Because every tax return is individual. The starting price applies to a simple situation; if more complex items are involved — several custody accounts, a property, self-employment, an inheritance — we tell you the extra cost beforehand.
Do married couples pay twice?
No. Married couples file one joint tax return; the family rate from CHF 100 covers the whole household, however many salary certificates there are.
When and how do I pay?
By invoice once the work is completed, payable within 30 days. We do not ask for payment in advance.
Are the costs tax-deductible?
In the Canton of Zurich, the cost of having your private tax return prepared is generally not deductible. It is different for the self-employed: the share relating to the business accounts is a business expense.
Individuals
How long does it take?
Once all your documents are complete, you will usually receive your finished tax return for review within three working days. In the peak season of February and March it can take a few days longer.
What if documents are missing?
We get in touch by phone or email and tell you exactly what is still missing. If something cannot be obtained in time, we request a filing extension so that you do not receive a reminder.
Do I have to come in person?
No. You can submit everything online or send it by post. An appointment at Archplatz 2 in Winterthur is possible if you prefer to talk things through face to face.
Is CHF 59 a fixed price?
No, it is a starting price — every tax return is individual. It applies to a simple return without property and without self-employment. If anything out of the ordinary comes up — several custody accounts, an inheritance, home ownership — we tell you the extra cost beforehand, not afterwards.
Families & couples
Do we pay twice for two people?
No. Married couples file one joint tax return — the starting price of CHF 100 covers the whole household, however many salary certificates there are.
We got married last year. What changes?
From the year of your marriage you are assessed jointly — for the whole year, even if the wedding was in December. This can change your tax rate and deductions considerably; we work out the numbers for you.
We are separated. Who declares the children?
What counts is who the children live with and who pays maintenance. Special rules apply to joint custody with alternating care — we clarify this on the basis of your agreement.
Are nursery costs fully deductible?
No — only up to a maximum per child set by the canton, and only if the childcare is needed because of employment, education or incapacity to work. We apply the current maximum automatically.
Self-employed
Do I need proper bookkeeping?
With annual turnover below CHF 500,000, a statement of income, expenses and financial position is sufficient. Above that, full double-entry bookkeeping is required. We tell you what is needed in your case.
What will it really cost in the end?
From CHF 60 per hour. Once we have looked at your documents, you receive an estimate of the time involved. If it turns out to be more than expected, we let you know beforehand — not with the invoice.
Can I carry losses forward?
Yes. In the Canton of Zurich, losses from self-employment can be offset against income for the following seven years, provided they were properly declared and accepted.
When does self-employment become a hobby in the eyes of the tax office?
If no profit is made for years and there is no recognisable intention to make one, the tax office classifies the activity as a hobby — and the losses are then not deductible. We give you a realistic assessment of this risk.
Homeowners
How high is the flat-rate maintenance deduction?
The Canton of Zurich provides a flat-rate deduction as a percentage of the imputed rental value or the rental income, graded by the age of the property. We apply the current rate and compare it with your actual costs.
Is the imputed rental value being abolished?
The change to the system of taxing owner-occupied property has been decided politically; when it comes into force depends on implementation. Until then, the current rules continue to apply unchanged. We will inform our clients as soon as the date is set.
Can I deduct a new kitchen?
Replacing the existing kitchen with one of equivalent standard counts as maintaining value and is deductible. Upgrading to a significantly higher standard is partly value-enhancing. The invoice is therefore split line by line.
I bought the property during the tax year. What applies?
Imputed rental value and deductions are calculated pro rata from the date you took possession. Transfer tax and notary fees are not deductible, but they count later for property gains tax.
Retirees
Is my AHV pension fully taxable?
Yes, AHV and IV pensions are 100 per cent taxable as income. Supplementary benefits (Ergänzungsleistungen), on the other hand, are tax-free.
How is a lump-sum withdrawal taxed?
Lump-sum benefits from Pillar 2 and Pillar 3a are taxed in the year of payment separately from other income, at a reduced rate. Several withdrawals in the same year are added together — spreading them over several years reduces the progression.
Is the medical expenses deduction actually worth it?
Only once the costs you bear yourself exceed five per cent of net income. With a care home stay or Spitex care this threshold is soon reached — and then it quickly adds up to several thousand francs.
Can relatives submit the tax return?
Yes, with a power of attorney. We provide you with a form and then correspond directly with the tax office.
Objections & extensions
How long do I have to lodge an objection?
30 days from receipt of the tax assessment notice. The deadline is set by law and cannot be extended — what counts is the date of delivery, not the date you open the letter.
What does a filing extension cost?
The request to the tax office itself is usually free of charge if submitted in time. For our work we charge by time; a simple request takes a matter of minutes.
Can a final assessment still be changed?
Only in narrow exceptional cases — for example through a revision if significant new facts come to light, or through a correction of obvious calculation or clerical errors. We check whether either route is open to you.
Do I have to pay the tax bill despite my objection?
In principle, an objection does not suspend collection. You pay according to the provisional invoice; the final settlement follows the decision. Any overpayment is refunded with interest.
Look up a term
Confused by the jargon?
Our glossary explains 35 terms of Zurich tax law in plain English — each with a practical example.
Can we help?
Your tax return, done in three days.
Book an appointment — you don’t need any documents yet. We clarify your situation in a conversation, check every deduction and file electronically. All you do is approve.