A tax return rarely costs money, but it often costs nerves and missed deductions. With a little preparation, it becomes predictable.
Deadlines: when does the return have to be filed?
Each canton sets its own ordinary filing deadline. In most cantons it falls in spring; in Aargau the deadline for individuals is generally 31 March. If you need more time, you can request an extension, usually straightforward and for several months.
What matters is requesting the extension on time, before the original deadline expires. For our clients we handle this automatically, so there is no reminder and no discretionary assessment.
In practice, missed deductions usually cost more than the fee for a properly prepared tax return.
Documents: what to gather
The more complete your documents, the faster and more accurate the return. This includes the salary statement, bank and securities statements as at year-end, receipts for pillar 3a, continuing education, medical and property costs, and your last assessment.
Self-employed people and SMEs also need the annual accounts with balance sheet and income statement. Clean, ongoing bookkeeping saves a great deal of searching at year-end.
Deductions: where money is most often left behind
Most people don't overpay because the system is unfair, but simply because deductions are forgotten. Professional expenses, pillar 3a, continuing education, meals away from home, property maintenance and medical costs above the deductible threshold all deserve a systematic check.
Changes in life circumstances — marriage, a child, home ownership, retirement, also change the available deductions. This is exactly where an outside review pays off most.
Checklist before filing
- Have the salary statement and all bank statements as at 31 December ready
- Collect receipts for pillar 3a, continuing education and medical costs
- Document property and maintenance costs
- Check the deadline: request an extension in good time if needed
- Include the last assessment for comparison
Those who gather early and review deductions systematically end up calmer, and usually better off. We are happy to prepare the return in full for you.
