How long does a tax declaration in Switzerland take to process?

harrywalsh

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Jun 3, 2025
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In Switzerland, the canton and specific conditions can affect how long time it takes to prepare a tax declaration. Generally, once you submit your completed tax return, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months for the tax authorities to process it and send you a final tax assessment.

In most cantons, if you've filed your tax declaration Switzerland electronically and your situation is straightforward (e.g., a salaried employee with no complex assets), you may receive your tax decision within two to three months. However, for more complex cases involving business income, foreign assets, or property, the process can take longer—up to six months or more.
Each canton sets its deadlines and timelines. For example, in Zurich or Geneva, delays might be longer due to the volume of declarations received. If your declaration requires clarification or additional documents, this will naturally extend the timeline.

It’s also worth noting that after you receive the tax assessment, you usually have 30 days to raise any objections if you disagree with the calculations. To expedite the process, ensure that your declaration is complete, accurate, and submitted on time, whether you file online or via paper.

In short, while the exact duration varies, most people can expect their tax declaration in Switzerland to be processed within 2 to 6 months, depending on the complexity and efficiency of the canton.