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Find out about the various Switzerland taxes...
Church Tax
The parishes of the three national churches in almost all cantons collect a church tax from their members.
Value Added Tax
VAT is a consumption tax paid on certain goods and services purchased in Switzerland. There are three rates (2021):
- 7.7 percent: This is the standard rate, and it applies to cars, watches, jewellery, clothing, alcohol and services
- 3.7 percent: This applies to the cost of a night in a hotel, including the breakfast
- 2.5 percent: This applies to consumer goods, such as books, magazines, newspapers, food, non-alcoholic beverages, medicines and other everyday consumer goods
Ch.ch (the public service portal of the Swiss authorities) has detailed information about taxes.
Foreign nationals may request a refund of the Swiss VAT they pay on goods in the country, if the value is at least CHF 300.
- Understand how to get a VAT refund
The Swiss Customs Administration won’t refund foreign VAT, but this might be refunded where the product is bought.
- Understand how to get a refund of a foreign VAT
Vehicle Tax
An annual tax is due on all registered vehicle. The cantons calculate the tax and its amount differently.
- Find out more about vehicle tax in the different cantons
Dog Tax
Dogs must be registered in the municipality and an annual tax is due for each dog. This is levied either by the canton or the municipality. The size and weight of the dog determines the tax.
- Learn more about dog tax and how to register a dog
Further Information
- Taxes in Switzerland
- Federal Department of Finance FDF
- Income Taxes Abroad on Your Europe
- Zürich Tax Authority (in German)
- Geneva Tax Offices (in French)
- Vaud Tax Offices (in French)