Tax return 2023: tips on deadlines, your bill and tax advisors
Tips for your 2023 tax return: when do I need to complete it by? Can I extend the deadline, and do I need tax advice? Comparis explains.
20.02.2024
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1. Deadline for tax return 2023
The exact dates for filing your taxes vary from canton to canton. In most cases, you must file your tax return with the responsible tax authority by the end of March.
Are you unable to complete your tax return by the deadline? If so, you can apply for an extension.
2. How can I extend the filing period for my 2023 tax return?
You must apply to extend the filing period before the initial deadline. You may sometimes have to pay a fee to do so.
Most municipalities allow you to extend the deadline online. Here are some examples:
Tax return deadline extension, canton of Basel-Stadt tax administration
Tax return deadline extension, canton of Bern (note: usual submission deadline is 15 March).
The maximum extension given varies from canton to canton. Find out more from your tax authority.
3. Tax return not filed: what happens?
You may have to pay extra costs if you don’t submit your tax return on time:
The tax office will send you a reminder, which is often subject to a fee. How much time you have to file your tax return after receiving a reminder depends on the canton.
Your tax authority assesses you at its own discretion. This means the tax authority estimates your income and assets according to its own assumptions. These estimates are often rather high. As a result, you end up paying too much tax.
You can object to the official assessment within 30 days. You will have to prove the tax office has miscalculated your tax situation. Among other things, you will have to submit the unfiled tax return.
If you don’t submit a tax return, expect a fine. In serious cases or in cases of repeated failure to submit your tax return, this fine can be up to 10,000 francs.
If the tax office estimates your taxes too low, you may be fined for tax evasion. You will also be re-taxed. Therefore, you should also object if the assessment is too low.
4. What documents do I need to submit for the 2023 tax return?
To declare your income and assets, you need to submit the following documents:
Employees: salary statement
Self-employed people: bookkeeping records
Retirees: pension records
Account statements
Receipts for securities
You will also need receipts for any deductions you wish to claim.
5. Pay your tax bill on time
Comply with the deadlines set by your tax authority – both when submitting your tax return and when extending the deadline. Also note the deadline for paying your tax bill.
The exact dates for filing your taxes, extending deadlines and payment can also vary from canton to canton.
The procedure after a missing payment depends on the canton. In any case, you will receive at least one reminder. An exception applies if you live abroad or have seized assets.
If you don’t pay after the final reminder, you risk debt collection.
Is it worth paying taxes early?
Some cantons pay interest to receive tax money early. It’s well worth considering.
6. Getting help with your tax return from a tax advisor
Are you employed and don’t have a high net worth? It’s usually not worth seeking tax advice. However, a specialist can be helpful in the following cases:
You have complicated tax conditions, for example due to inheritance or large assets.
Your tax situation has changed, for example after marriage or divorce.
You want someone to check whether you have completed your tax return correctly.
You have no desire to deal with taxes.
You want to save time.
Seeking tax advice often pays off financially. This is because even with supposedly simple tax returns, tax advisors find possible deductions.
A one-time consultation may also be worthwhile if you complete your tax return yourself. This will allow you to optimize your tax return for many years to come.
7. How do I find a good tax advisor?
Have you decided to get help completing your tax return? Choose your tax advisor carefully. Here are a few tips.
Qualifications: check the tax advisor’s qualifications and titles. This information should be presented on their website. Certain titles may only be used by advisors who have passed a professional examination. This guarantees a minimum level of expertise.
Industry association: many specialists are members of one of two associations: Treuhand Suisse or Expertsuisse.
Expertise: ask about their knowledge of cantonal legislation and jurisprudence.
Likeable: listen to your gut feeling as to whether you feel someone is honest and likeable. This is because trust is important when giving a person insights into your financial situation.
Recommendations: listen to positive experiences from your friends and family.
Cooperation with a tax specialist
Have you found a tax advisor who meets your requirements? When you do:
Request a quote.
Make the task clear.
Submit correct and orderly documents.
Important: even with a specialist’s help, you are ultimately liable for what is entered into your tax return. Check your tax return before you sign it. You are also responsible for filing your tax return on time.
This article was first published on 25.02.2019
