from CHF 120
Tax return for homeowners and property owners in Winterthur
If you own your home, you pay tax on its imputed rental value (Eigenmietwert — a notional rent treated as income) and in return can deduct mortgage interest and property maintenance. Maintenance can be claimed either as a flat rate or at actual cost — and that is where money is left on the table every year.
We calculate both options and choose the one that works out better for you. For larger renovations we also check whether it pays to spread the work over two tax periods.
Who this service is for
- Owners of detached and semi-detached houses
- Condominium (Stockwerkeigentum) owners
- Owners of investment properties and holiday homes
- Anyone who has inherited or bought a property
What we actually do
Flat rate or actual costs
We compare the flat-rate deduction with your actual maintenance costs and claim whichever is better for you — decided afresh every year.
Maintaining vs. increasing value
Only costs that maintain the property's value are deductible; value-enhancing investments only become relevant for property gains tax when you sell. We split the invoices line by line.
Energy-saving measures
Investments in energy saving and environmental protection are treated like maintenance costs and can be spread over several tax periods. We help plan the split.
Property outside the canton
For properties in other cantons or abroad, the tax has to be allocated between jurisdictions — we prepare this allocation correctly.
Example: family home with a new heating system
An owner replaces an oil heating system with a heat pump for CHF 38,000. The replacement maintains the property's value and is also an energy-saving measure — so the amount is deductible in principle.
If the deduction exceeds taxable income, part of it is simply lost. If, however, the invoicing is arranged so that the deposit and the final payment fall into two tax periods, the deduction takes effect twice, in a tax bracket where it actually counts. We clarify questions like this before the renovation, not after.
The documents we need
The more complete your documents, the faster it goes — and the lower your tax bill tends to be in the end. If anything is missing, we get back to you with a specific list.
- Mortgage statement as at 31 December showing interest paid
- Tax value and imputed rental value of the property (from the last assessment)
- All maintenance invoices for the year
- Service charge and heating cost statements for let properties
- Rental income statement for investment properties
- Purchase contract if the property was acquired during the tax year
FAQ: 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.
More services
Is something else a better fit?
Individuals
Employed, one salary certificate, perhaps a Pillar 3a account: the classic Swiss tax return — from CHF 59, with no surprises.
Viewfrom CHF 100Families & couples
Two salary certificates, children, childcare costs, perhaps maintenance payments — every deduction is checked individually.
Viewfrom CHF 60 / hourSelf-employed
Sole trader, side business or partnership: accounts, supplementary form A and private-use shares prepared correctly.
ViewCan 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.