PERSONAL FINANCE
Voluntary Disclosure in Zurich
Take control and ensure peace of mind. Resolve undeclared taxes in a penalty-free, transparent process with our specialized support.
How we can help
We guide you safely through the voluntary disclosure process.
VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE SERVICES IN ZURICH
A voluntary disclosure allows taxpayers in Switzerland to correct past omissions by retroactively declaring previously undeclared income or assets. This penalty-free process is available to those in the canton of Zurich and has become increasingly relevant with enhanced international tax transparency and automatic exchange of financial information.
We support individuals and families throughout the entire procedure, closely mirroring the protocols followed by the Zurich tax authorities. Our team ensures that you fulfill all legal requirements for a penalty-free outcome.
Legal Security
Correct past mistakes and avoid criminal proceedings.
Peace of Mind
Regularize your tax situation before new information exchange measures reveal undeclared accounts or assets.
Expert Local Guidance
Our Zurich office offers the same processes and standards as the cantonal tax authorities, providing a seamless experience for residents and expats alike.
SERVICES AT A GLANCE
Comprehensive Case Analysis
Our experts conduct a thorough review of your tax position to identify all undeclared assets, income, and potential compliance gaps. We analyze your financial history for up to ten years, ensuring no detail is overlooked in the disclosure process.
This includes evaluation of foreign bank accounts, real estate holdings, investment portfolios, and other assets that may have been inadvertently omitted from previous tax declarations. Our analysis also considers the impact of double taxation treaties and international agreements.
Documentation & Preparation
We compile all necessary documents and prepare a comprehensive disclosure package that meets the strict requirements of the Zurich tax authorities. This includes detailed asset listings, income calculations, and supporting documentation spanning the relevant periods.
Our preparation service covers bank statements, investment records, property valuations, and foreign tax documents. We ensure all values are correctly converted to Swiss francs using official exchange rates and properly categorized according to Swiss tax law requirements.
Tailored Communication
We liaise directly with Zurich's tax office to ensure smooth processing. Our team maintains professional relationships with tax authorities and understands the specific procedures and expectations in Canton Zurich, ensuring your case is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
This includes submitting the formal disclosure letter, responding to follow-up inquiries, and negotiating settlement terms. We ensure all communications are properly documented and that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Multilingual Advice
Assistance in German and English, ensuring clear understanding for expats and locals alike. We explain complex Swiss tax concepts in accessible language and provide ongoing support throughout the disclosure process, making the journey as smooth as possible.
Our international perspective helps clients understand the broader implications of their disclosure, including potential impacts on other tax jurisdictions and future compliance requirements in an increasingly connected global tax environment.
VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE: KEY CRITERIA & PROCESS
Crucial conditions for a penalty-free voluntary disclosure:
- First-time disclosure: Penalty-free only possible once in a lifetime.
- Authorities unaware: Tax authorities must not already be aware of the undeclared assets or income. No ongoing investigation must exist.
- Full cooperation: You must fully disclose all relevant income and assets from the past ten years, and cooperate unconditionally with the tax office.
- Payment of supplementary taxes and interests: Taxes owed for up to the past ten years (or the year you became tax liable in Switzerland) must be paid, along with default interest. No criminal penalty will apply for a first, valid disclosure.
Step-by-step process in Zurich:
Important notes:
- Each individual is liable for tax on their own concealed or undeclared income/assets.
- A silent declaration in the tax return does not qualify as a voluntary disclosure and may lead to a penalty.
- For heirs, a simplified process applies (covering only the last three tax years if declared promptly).
- If tax authorities are already aware (e.g., due to the Automatic Exchange of Information), a penalty-free disclosure may no longer be possible.
- A second or further voluntary disclosure is not penalty-free, but the fine may be reduced if all other criteria are met (typically to one-fifth of the evaded tax).
