Tax Return Checklist: How to Properly Prepare Your Tax Return
Proper preparation is the most important step for an accurate and stress-free tax return.
With a structured tax return checklist, you can keep track of all required documents,
avoid inquiries from tax authorities, and ensure that no eligible deductions are missed.
The following checklist will help you prepare your tax return systematically—regardless of
whether you file it yourself or have it professionally prepared.
Tax Return Checklist: Documents You Should Have Ready
This checklist is intentionally neutral across Switzerland. Deductions and specific rules vary by canton. The goal is to ensure you have all relevant documents fully and neatly prepared before filling out or submitting your tax return. This checklist is based, in part, on the Wegleitung des Kantons Zürich.
1) Personal & Household
- Identification documents / AHV number (if required)
- Civil status and any changes during the tax year (marriage, separation, divorce)
- Children / Support payments: relevant proof (e.g., custody arrangements, alimony, childcare costs – depending on the situation)
- Relocations (moving in/out) or residency status (if relevant)
2) Income (All Sources)
- Salary certificate(s) and/or pay stubs (if you changed jobs: all employers)
- Pensions / Daily allowances / Insurance benefits (if applicable)
- Alimony and other recurring payments (if relevant)
- Interest income and dividends (bank/brokerage statements, tax certificates, annual summaries)
- Side income / Professional fees / Commissions (if applicable)
- Other tax-relevant income (depending on the situation)
3) Assets (As of the Reporting Date)
- Bank and postal accounts: Balances as of the reporting date (e.g., Dec 31)
- Securities/Brokerage accounts: Account statements, tax reporting, year-end holdings
- Outstanding balances (e.g., loans to third parties, security deposits – if relevant)
- Cash holdings (if relevant)
- Cash surrender value of life insurance/annuity policies (if relevant)
- Additional assets (depending on the situation)
4) Debts & Interest
- List of debts (mortgages, personal loans, credits, leases – if relevant)
- Interest statements / Annual certificates for interest paid
5) Professional Expenses (Employees)
- Information/Receipts for work-related expenses (regulated by canton)
- If applicable: Proof of continuing education (job-related) and associated costs
6) Retirement & Insurance
- Certificate(s) for contributions to Pillar 3a
- Proof of pension contributions, if relevant and not covered elsewhere
- Insurance records (e.g., premium confirmations), if relevant in the respective canton/deduction category
7) Health, Donations & Other Deductions
- Receipts for medical and accident costs (if applicable; regulated by canton)
- Donation receipts (charitable contributions)
- Proof of management fees for movable private assets (if claimed)
- Disability-related costs (if relevant)
- Contributions to political parties (if applicable; regulated by canton)
8) Real Estate (If Applicable)
Detail rules for real estate vary significantly by canton. The following documents should be available in any case:
- Mortgage documents and interest certificates
- Ownership documentation / Basic property data (if required)
- In case of rental/subletting: Rental income records and relevant breakdowns (if applicable)
- Additional property-related proof according to cantonal practice
Official Sources (Details per Canton)
For specific deduction rules, limits, and forms, the cantonal guidelines and the respective tax office always apply. Typical starting points are:
- Website of the cantonal Steueramt (Guidelines / Fact sheets / eTax portal)
- Federal Administration: Overview and legal basis for taxes (ESTV)
Links to all cantonal Steuerämter
Pro Tip: How to Use the Checklist Without Stress
- Sort all documents according to the sections above (PDF/folder structure).
- Request missing proofs early (bank, insurance, pension).
- If in doubt: It is better to check with your tax office or trustee than to make assumptions.
The more complete your documentation is, the more efficiently your tax return can be prepared or reviewed.
Why Is Professional Assistance for Your Tax Return Useful?
Filing a tax return is time-consuming and prone to errors—especially with multiple income sources, assets, securities, or special cases. Tax laws change regularly and are often difficult for non-experts to navigate.
Professional support helps you save time, avoid mistakes, and ensure your tax situation is accurately and fully represented. At the same time, you ensure that all eligible deductions are taken into account.
Preparing Your Tax Return: The Typical Process
A well-prepared tax return follows clear steps:
- Collecting and organizing all relevant documents
- Clarifying open questions regarding income, assets, and deductions
- Preparing or reviewing the tax return according to current tax laws
- Submission to the competent tax authority
Structured preparation reduces inquiries and accelerates the assessment process.
Benefits of Professional Tax Return Support
Experts are familiar with current legal requirements and know what matters when declaring income, assets, and deductions. This helps avoid errors that could lead to corrections or delays.
Additionally, you benefit from an objective assessment of your tax situation and receive advice on optimization opportunities within the framework of applicable laws.
Tips for a Smooth Tax Return
- Collect documents throughout the year instead of searching right before the deadline
- Keep receipts complete and organized
- Use digital filing to maintain an overview
- Check and meet deadlines early
- Seek professional support in time if you have uncertainties
Tax Return: Employee vs. Self-Employed
The scope and complexity of a tax return vary depending on the type of employment. Employees typically declare salary income and deductions, while self-employed individuals must also account for profit and loss statements as well as business assets.
Especially with mixed types of income, clear separation and correct declaration are crucial.
Costs and Benefits of Professional Tax Help
The cost of professional support depends on the scope and complexity of the tax return. In many cases, however, the expense is offset by clear benefits: time savings, fewer inquiries, and greater security in your filing.
A correctly prepared tax return reduces the risk of back taxes or fines and provides clarity about your own financial situation.
Why Timely Submission Is Crucial
If a tax return is not submitted on time, you risk reminders, estimated assessments, or fines. In more complex cases, this can lead to financial disadvantages.
If timely submission is not possible, an extension should be requested in advance.
Digitalization and the Tax Return
Digital submission and electronic receipts significantly simplify the tax return process. Documents can be filed in a structured manner, previous year data can be imported, and processes can be made more efficient.
This leads to a better overview, fewer inquiries, and an overall smoother process.
Special Tax Situations and Unusual Cases
Certain life situations such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, real estate ownership, foreign assets, or capital investments bring additional tax requirements.
In such cases, it is particularly important to address the tax implications early and ensure all relevant information is recorded correctly.
Tax Planning Beyond the Current Year
A good tax return not only looks at the past year but also serves as the basis for future tax decisions. Those who plan ahead can use deductions strategically and avoid financial surprises.
Tax Consulting as Part of Overall Financial Planning
Beyond the tax return, professional consulting can help place financial decisions in a tax-efficient context. This includes retirement planning, asset structure, investments, and long-term planning.
A holistic view ensures that tax aspects are not considered in isolation but are meaningfully integrated into personal financial planning.
