Disclaimer: At Albatross, we're your expert accountants, demystifying the labyrinth of taxes without the jargon. But remember, the info here may not be a one-size-fits-all for your situation. Reach out to us for the latest tailored advice. The article below is only applicable to residents living in Canton Vaud.
Before we dive into this month’s topic, a quick reminder:
If you haven’t filed your 2024 tax return yet, make sure to request an extension before 30 June 2025 to avoid a CHF 50 fine. In Canton Vaud, extensions are free and will give you until 30 September 2025 to file.
To request an extension, you’ll need your 2024 tax form, which was sent by post in February or March. If you’ve misplaced it, you can request a copy by emailing aci@vd.ch. Be sure to include your personal tax number and full name.
Now onto this month’s question:
To marry or not to marry—from a tax perspective.
This article won’t cover the emotional, legal, or social aspects of marriage, but rather takes a closer look at how marital status can affect your income taxes in Switzerland—specifically in Canton Vaud.
While every situation is different, here are two simplified examples to give you a general idea:
Scenario A: Equal incomes, less advantage
John and Barbara are married, live in Lausanne, have no children, and both earn CHF 90,000 annually.
Because they’re married, their combined income is taxed together—placing them in a higher tax bracket. As a result, they pay between CHF 2,000 and 4,000 more in taxes than if they were unmarried.
Scenario B: Unequal incomes, more advantage
Tamara and Nicolas are also married and live in Lausanne. Only one of them earns an income—CHF 90,000 per year.
In their case, combining incomes actually lowers their overall tax burden, saving them between CHF 2,000 and 3,000 compared to an unmarried couple with the same income setup.
So, does it make financial sense to marry?
It depends. Income distribution between partners plays a big role. These examples are based on current tax rates and standard deductions, but every case is unique, and generalizing is difficult.
What we do know is that the Swiss tax system still tends to favour certain family models over others—something that’s increasingly being debated in political circles. There are active proposals at the federal, cantonal, and communal levels aimed at addressing these inequalities. Notably, the Federal Council supports the idea of separate taxation for spouses as a potential solution.
If you're considering marriage and wondering what impact it might have on your tax situation, it’s worth getting personalized advice.
Albatross can help you run a simulation based on your exact circumstances—because love may be complicated, but taxes don’t have to be.
