How do I calculate my taxes as a cross-border commuter?
September 22, 2022 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Paula Bauer
Dear tax consultant for cross-border commuters,
My name is Jenny Bergner and I work as a cross-border commuter in Switzerland. I have been in this situation for several months now and have realized that I am not sure how to calculate my taxes. So far, I have simply received my salary statements and not paid much attention to anything else. However, I am now worried that I may be paying too much or too little in taxes.
My current situation is as follows: I live in Germany and work daily in Switzerland. My employer has informed me that as a cross-border commuter, I need to pay attention to special tax regulations, but he could not provide me with specific information. I do not understand the differences between the tax systems of the two countries and do not know how to correctly declare my income.
I am concerned because I do not want to be surprised at the end of the year and have to pay back taxes or give away taxes that I should not actually have to pay. I want to better understand my financial situation and ensure that I fulfill my tax obligations correctly.
Could you please explain to me how I can calculate my taxes as a cross-border commuter? Are there specific forms that I need to fill out? What information do I need to provide and who should I contact for assistance? I would greatly appreciate it if you could help me clarify my tax situation and provide me with possible solutions.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Jenny Bergner
Dear Ms. Bergner,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding taxation as a cross-border commuter in Switzerland. As a tax advisor for cross-border commuters, I can provide you with detailed answers to your concerns and assist you in clarifying your tax situation.
As a cross-border commuter who resides in Germany and works in Switzerland, you are subject to the tax regulations of both countries. Switzerland has concluded a double taxation agreement with Germany to prevent income from being taxed multiple times. This means that you are generally taxed in Switzerland, but your income must also be declared in Germany.
To correctly calculate your taxes as a cross-border commuter, you usually have to submit a tax return in both Switzerland and Germany. In Switzerland, you must fill out the "Tax return for cross-border commuters" form. Here, you must declare your income, deductions for work-related expenses, and any other deductions. It is important that you have all relevant documents such as salary slips, receipts for work-related expenses, and other income available.
In Germany, you must declare your income from Switzerland in the "Attachment N-AUS" of your tax return. You must ensure that you convert the Swiss income correctly and, if necessary, claim allowances and credit methods.
To receive assistance in calculating your taxes as a cross-border commuter, I recommend that you consult a specialized tax advisor or contact the relevant tax office. There, you can seek advice and clarify any outstanding questions. It is important that you fulfill your tax obligations correctly to avoid unpleasant surprises at the end of the year.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you, and I am available to answer any further questions you may have. I wish you success in clarifying your tax situation as a cross-border commuter.
Best regards,
Paula Bauer, Tax Advisor
