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Home/Tools/Quellensteuer Rechner

Quellensteuer, simplified.

If you work in Switzerland without a C permit, your employer deducts tax directly from your salary. This calculator shows you exactly how much — by canton, tariff, and household situation.

Calculate now Read the FAQ
What's included
All 26 cantonsTariff codes A, B, C, HChurch tax adjustmentChild deductionsMonthly & annual view
Calculator

Your withholding tax, estimated.

Quellensteuer Rechner

Swiss withholding tax for foreign workers

CHF
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Who is affected

Not everyone pays Quellensteuer.

Quellensteuer applies to specific groups of foreign workers. If you have a C permit, you file regular taxes instead.

B permit holders

Foreign nationals with a residence permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung B). This is the most common case for expats working in Switzerland.

L permit holders

Short-term residents (Kurzaufenthaltsbewilligung L) staying less than a year. Tax is withheld at source for the entire stay.

G permit (Grenzgänger)

Cross-border commuters living in a neighboring country but working in Switzerland. Special bilateral agreements may apply (e.g., with Germany or France).

Switching to regular taxation

Once you receive a C permit (permanent residence), you switch to ordinary taxation. Also, if your gross income exceeds CHF 120,000/year, you must file a regular tax return in addition to Quellensteuer.

Understanding tariff codes

A, B, C, or H — which one are you?

Your tariff code determines your base rate. It reflects your household situation and how many incomes contribute.
A

Tariff A: Single person without children. This is the standard rate for single expats. The highest withholding rate since there are no household deductions.

B

Tariff B: Married with a single household income. Your spouse doesn't work or earns very little. Lower rates due to household splitting — similar to Germany's Steuerklasse III.

C

Tariff C: Married with two household incomes. Both spouses work. Higher rate than B but lower than A, reflecting the dual-income household.

D

Tariff H: Single parent with children. Lower rates than A to account for childcare costs and single-parent household challenges.

FAQ

Common questions.

What exactly is Quellensteuer?+
Quellensteuer (literally 'source tax') is a withholding tax deducted directly from your salary by your employer. Instead of filing an annual tax return, your income tax is paid monthly at source. It covers federal, cantonal, and municipal taxes in one rate.
Can I get a Quellensteuer correction?+
Yes. You can file a Quellensteuer correction (Nachträgliche ordentliche Veranlagung) by March 31 of the following year. This lets you claim deductions like commuting costs, pillar 3a contributions, and professional expenses — and potentially get a refund.
Does Quellensteuer include social contributions?+
No. AHV/IV/EO, ALV, and BVG pension contributions are deducted separately from your gross salary before the Quellensteuer rate is applied. The Quellensteuer rate covers only income taxes.
What happens when I earn over CHF 120,000?+
If your gross annual income exceeds CHF 120,000, you're obligated to file a regular tax return (ordentliche Veranlagung). The Quellensteuer already paid is credited against your final tax bill. You may owe additional tax or receive a refund.
How does church tax affect Quellensteuer?+
Church membership increases your Quellensteuer rate by approximately 1-1.5%, depending on the canton. If you're not a member of a recognized church, inform your employer's HR department to use the non-church tariff.
Do children reduce my Quellensteuer?+
Yes, but only for tariff codes B (married, single earner) and H (single parent). Each child typically reduces the effective rate. Inform your employer about the number of children to get the correct tariff applied.
What about cross-border commuters?+
Grenzgänger with a G permit are subject to Quellensteuer, but bilateral tax agreements (with Germany, France, Italy, Austria) may modify the rates or allow credits. The rules vary significantly by country — consult a cross-border tax specialist.
When do I switch from Quellensteuer to regular taxes?+
When you receive a C permit (usually after 5-10 years of residence), you switch to ordinary taxation. You'll then file an annual tax return like Swiss citizens. The transition happens at the start of the next tax year after receiving your C permit.
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