How do foreigners apply for expat tax benefits within the Swiss pension scheme?

Expats Tax Benefits: Expats working in Switzerland can buy into the second pillar. The amount is limited within the first five years. They can also contribute to pillar 3a and benefit from the respective tax deductions. If the foreign individual is subject to withholding tax but is not required to file a tax return, the tax benefits need to be applied for by filing a tariff correction request to the appropriate tax authority. Based on this tariff correction request, the withholding tax burden shall be reduced accordingly.

Please note that the deadline for filing the tariff correction form in most of the cantons is at the end of March of the following calendar year. This deadline cannot be extended. If a foreign individual is required to file a tax
return, the respective tax benefits can be applied for in the tax return.

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