Expat Savvy Tax Guide

Expat Savvy’s tax section is among the clearest free explanations of the Swiss tax system in English. It covers the most important distinction for newcomers: B permit holders typically pay withholding tax (Quellensteuer) deducted directly from salary, while C permit holders and those self-employed file the ordinary cantonal and federal tax return. The practical implications of each are explained without assuming a background in Swiss law.

The guide also covers the inter-cantonal differences in income tax rates, which are significant enough that the canton of residence matters for tax purposes and is worth considering before signing a long lease. It links through to the official cantonal tax calculators, which let you run the numbers for your specific income level before deciding between, say, Zurich and Zug.