If you missed your tax deadline in Switzerland, can you ask for an extension. However, each canton has a different one.
If your tax return is prepared by an accounting firm, they automatically file every year for extension for all their clients.
You should have received a confirmation letter or email from the firm to that effect.
But if you prepare your tax declaration yourself and you didn’t meet the deadline, you must ask the tax authorities in your canton of residence for an extension.
These requests are almost always granted.
While in some places you will have to submit the request in writing, in most cases you can do so online.
How do you go about it?
This website has a window where you can insert your postal code. It then leads you to a cantonal site where there is a link which you can click to see how you can submit your request and what information you need to supply.
Each canton has its own rules, but in most cases you will have to include the bar code included with the tax paperwork your canton sent you.
Again, depending on your canton of residence, the extensions granted will vary. Not only that, but more than one extension can be given if you have valid reasons for such a request — an illness or another serious impediment to filing your taxes on time.
In some cases, the canton will charge a fee (usually 20 francs) for requesting several delays.
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Here’s the list of dates for the extensions for filing taxes:
April 30th: Neuchâtel
May 15th: Bern
May 31st: Appenzell-Ausserrhoden, Luzern, Schwyz, St. Gallen, Uri, and Valais.
June 30th: Aargau, Basel-Country, Fribourg, Nidwalden, Schaffhausen, Ticino, Vaud, and Zug.
July 31st: Geneva, Jura, and Solothurn.
September 30th: Zurich, Basel-City
Keep in mind that these rules apply only to permanent residents.
Non-residents and cross-border workers have their taxes deducted directly from their payroll each month, a system called taxation at source, or withholding tax.
