Having a tax return prepared: records, process and prices
The correct tax year, responsible authority and complete account of your circumstances matter. A professional can prepare a return or check a draft. An overview is enough initially to compare quotations. Tax calculations and document review follow within the agreed appointment.
Preparation, checking or advice?
Preparation processes your information and documents into a return. Checking concerns an existing draft; advice may first resolve a question or unusual event. Agree whether filing, authority queries and review of the later assessment are included. An AG or GmbH return is a separate corporate appointment.
Specify the tax year and tax domicile
Give the tax year, rather than only a preferred processing date. Several years or a change of canton require their respective circumstances. Your current home may not be the relevant place for an older return. Choose experience with the relevant cantons; cross-border cases need appropriate specialist expertise.
Gather records early
Gather records relevant to your circumstances. Previous figures help preparation but need checking and updating. An earlier return does not prove nothing has changed. The professional’s checklist should fit the year and canton; a quotation request does not require complete tax files.
| Circumstances | Typical records |
|---|---|
| Salary / pension | Certificates for the relevant income |
| Accounts / securities | Tax statements and relevant annual reports |
| Pensions / deductions | Certificates and applicable evidence |
| Property | Property, financing and work records |
| Self-employment / abroad | Business figures and foreign evidence |
Complications affect the work
Self-employment, several properties, an extensive securities list or foreign income and assets can increase work. Inheritance, separation, retirement or moving should be mentioned where relevant. A short overview is enough initially; detailed wealth, health or family records are not needed for matching.
Distinguish filing deadlines from appointment dates
Check the actual deadline in your documents and cantonal rules. Arrange any extension in time with the responsible authority; not every application or appeal deadline can be extended. For withholding tax, distinguish an application for subsequent ordinary assessment from the later return. Requesting quotations does not extend an official deadline.
Compare prices and scope
Two tariffs viewed in October 2026 use different bases: one lists CHF 75 per person excluding VAT; another CHF 150 including VAT for one person without property. These are examples, not a Swiss average or confirmed quotations. Compare people or returns, included work, extras and VAT; a base fee does not cover every complex case.
| Item | Comparison question |
|---|---|
| Return | Which years and how many separate returns? |
| Additional work | Property, self-employment and foreign matters included? |
| Filing / queries | Preparation only or further support? |
| Fees / tax | Separate service charges from tax payable |
Check the draft and confirm submission
Check completeness and relevant changes. Have outstanding issues and required evidence explained. Agree approval, representation and confirmation of actual filing. A prepared file or accepted quote does not mean the return has been filed with the responsible authority.
Choose an appropriate professional
Check experience with your canton and particular circumstances. Agree secure exchange of later records and a clear contact. Confirm whether the quote covers only the return or further investigations. A promised amount of tax savings does not replace assessment of your situation.
- Overview. State year, domicile and required help.
- Comparison. Compare equivalent work and extras.
- Appointment. Agree secure handover, approval and filing.
Frequently asked questions
Is tax payable included in the preparation fee?
No. Fees cover the service; the tax bill is separate. The quote should specify included work and extras.
What information is needed for an initial quote?
Year, people or returns, domicile and complications form the basis. Income amounts, health records and complete files are not needed initially.
Must I upload every document for a quote?
No. State record readiness. Supply necessary evidence later through a specific secure process.
Can several tax years be handled?
That can be agreed. State years and complications for each period. Clarify deadlines and prior submissions separately.
Can deadlines always be extended?
No. The actual deadline and responsible authority govern. Some application or appeal deadlines cannot be extended; check before they expire.
Are property or self-employment included in a base fee?
It depends on the quote. Those circumstances may require extra work. Specify included returns and additional charges expressly.
