Steuer-Spar-Paket 2026

What a single lever is worth

A full pillar 3a payment of CHF 7,258 saves roughly this much tax at CHF 90,000 taxable income:

• ZurichCHF 1'880
• BernCHF 2'220
• VaudCHF 2'280
• GenevaCHF 2'300

The pack costs CHF 29. A single full pillar 3a payment saves many times that, and pillar 3a is only one of many levers in the pack.

Estimate: single, no church tax, in the cantonal capital, 2026 cantonal and municipal tariff. Same calculation as the 3a tax calculator on finanzli.ch. Pillar 3a is just one part of the pack.

A look inside

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  Chapter 1: what a full 3a payment saves

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  Chart: what the payment really costs you

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  Worksheet: year-end checklist

What's inside

1. Year-end planEvery deadline from health insurance on 30 November to the tax return in March, on one page.
2. Max out pillar 3a2026 limits, savings for all 26 cantons and the new rule that lets you pay in for missed years.
3. Split your 3a accountsHow several accounts save tax on withdrawal and which mistakes to avoid.
4. Pension fund buy-insWhy spreading a buy-in pays off, with a table for 8 large cantons, and which lock-up periods apply.
5. More year-end leversBundling medical costs, donations, home maintenance and further education.
6. For the self-employedThe large pillar 3a up to CHF 36,288, voluntary pension funds and OASI advance contributions.
7. Deduction checklistEvery important deduction in the tax return to tick off, with the documents you need.
8. Withholding taxHow to claim deductions such as pillar 3a through a subsequent ordinary assessment.
9. The most common mistakesFrom lost withholding tax refunds to a missed objection deadline.
10. 5 worksheetsYear-end checklist, document list, 3a plan, buy-in plan and a savings estimator.

Who it is for

• Employees who pay tax every year and are not sure they use every deduction.
• Self-employed people who want to handle the large 3a deduction and their OASI reserve.
• Homeowners who want to plan maintenance work smartly.
• People taxed at source who want to claim back tax with pillar 3a or a pension fund buy-in.

Frequently asked questions

Does it apply to my canton?

The rules in the guide apply across Switzerland. Where cantons differ, it says so. The tax savings are worked out for the capitals of all 26 cantons, using the 2026 tariffs. The examples in the chapters show Zurich, Bern, Lucerne, Aargau, St. Gallen, Vaud, Geneva and Ticino; all other cantons are in the appendix.

I already pay into pillar 3a. Is it still worth it?

Yes. Pillar 3a is just one part. There is also the pension fund buy-in, medical costs, donations, home maintenance, the full deduction checklist and the new rule that lets you pay in for missed 3a years.

I use tax software or a tax adviser. Do I still need this?

Software and advisers help you fill in the tax return. Many levers only work if you act before 31 December, such as pillar 3a, a pension fund buy-in or bundled medical costs. That is what the year-end part of the pack is for, and the deduction checklist helps you hand your adviser every document.

I am taxed at source. Does this help me?

Yes. A dedicated chapter shows how to claim deductions such as pillar 3a through a subsequent ordinary assessment. For 2026 the request must be filed by 31 March 2027.

Is the pack up to date?

Yes. 2026 edition, as of October 2026: limits, deadlines and the cantonal tariffs for tax year 2026, taken from the official ESTV tax calculator.

How do I get the PDF?

After payment you receive the download link by e-mail right away.

Can I read the PDF on my phone?

Yes, on phone, tablet and computer. The worksheets are best printed or filled in with a PDF app.

Is this tax advice?

No. The guide explains the rules and works through examples. It does not replace personal advice. For large amounts, such as a pension fund buy-in, check with your pension fund.