How can I optimize my commuter allowance as a cross-border commuter?
May 26, 2024 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Helma Fischer
Dear tax advisor,
I am Franceska Melzer and work as a cross-border commuter in Switzerland. For some time now, I have been thinking about how to best utilize my commuter allowance to reduce my tax burden. I have already included the allowance in my tax return, but I wonder if there are other ways to benefit from tax advantages as a cross-border commuter.
Currently, I commute daily from my residence in Germany to work in Switzerland. This incurs high travel costs regularly, which I would like to claim for tax purposes. As I am not sure if I am doing everything right, I am worried that I might be missing out on tax benefits.
My question to you as an expert in cross-border tax matters is how I can optimize my commuter allowance to minimize my tax burden. Are there specific requirements I must meet to fully utilize the allowance? Are there additional ways to deduct my travel expenses for tax purposes? What tips and tricks can you provide to optimize my tax situation as a cross-border commuter?
I would be very grateful if you could provide me with specific recommendations on how to effectively use my commuter allowance and improve my tax situation.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Best regards,
Franceska Melzer
Dear Mrs. Melzer,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the optimal use of the commuter allowance as a cross-border commuter in Switzerland. As a tax advisor specializing in cross-border tax matters, I would be happy to assist you with this.
First of all, it is important to know that the commuter allowance is treated differently in Germany and Switzerland. As a cross-border commuter, you can claim the commuter allowance of currently 0.30 euros per kilometer of distance between your place of residence and your place of work in Switzerland. It should be noted that the costs for the actual kilometers driven can be claimed, but only up to the amount of the allowance.
In order to make the most of the commuter allowance, it is important that you collect all relevant evidence of your travel expenses and include them in your tax return. This includes, for example, fuel receipts, toll fees, or parking tickets. These receipts should be kept safe so that you can prove, in case of an audit by the tax office, that the claimed costs were actually incurred.
In addition to the commuter allowance, as a cross-border commuter in Switzerland, you can also deduct other travel expenses for tax purposes. This includes, for example, the costs of public transportation used to commute to work, or expenses for maintaining your car, such as repairs or insurance premiums. These costs should also be included in your tax return to minimize your tax burden.
To optimize your overall tax situation as a cross-border commuter, I also recommend that you look into other tax benefits that may be available to cross-border commuters. These may include the possibility of double household management or the tax treatment of work-related items that you need for your job in Switzerland.
In summary, there are various ways to maximize the use of the commuter allowance and reduce your tax burden as a cross-border commuter. It is important to document all relevant costs clearly and include them in your tax return. If you have any further questions, I am happy to help.
I hope that my tips are helpful to you and wish you success in optimizing your tax situation as a cross-border commuter.
Best regards,
Helma Fischer
