"Is filing a tax return on time essential when using an accountant in Switzerland?"
Choosing a tax advisor in Switzerland can be a crucial decision, especially for individuals aiming to prevent late and error-filled tax declarations. Here are some key points to consider when selecting a reliable tax advisor.
Established Swiss Tax Law Firms and Specialised Advisory Services
Opt for well-established Swiss tax law firms or specialized advisory services with expertise in individual taxation and personalized service. Firms such as Bär & Karrer, Pestalozzi, and ADB Altorfer Duss & Beilstein AG are well-known for their comprehensive and tailored tax advice covering individual and complex tax matters [1][3][5].
Practical, Strategic, and Personalized Advice
Look for advisors offering practical, strategic, and personalized advice that considers each client’s individual circumstances to reduce errors and late filings. These firms emphasize close collaboration with clients and authorities to ensure compliance and optimize outcomes [1][5].
Full Tax Compliance Services
Consider firms that provide full tax compliance services, including preparation, review, and filing of tax returns to minimize errors. Pestalozzi, for example, combines tax advice with tax compliance and litigation services, including project management for cross-border issues, which can be valuable if you have international tax aspects [3].
Reviews and Client Testimonials
Reviews and client testimonials can inform reliability. While more focused on expatriates and international taxation, Taxes for Expats offers review services called “Check My Return,” which examines past returns for errors and filing issues, suggesting that getting a second opinion on your declaration is beneficial even if you have a preparer already [4].
Personalized Consultation
Many reputable firms provide a personalized consultation to assess your specific needs before engagement, which helps prevent misfilings due to generic advice or oversight [1][5].
Important Considerations for Choosing a Tax Advisor
- Prioritizing corporate clients over individual ones is a possible explanation for poor service experienced by some individuals.
- Since 2020, most accounting firms operating in Switzerland must be licensed by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). A FINMA license indicates that a company is trustworthy and follows established rules.
- The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) requires trustees to meet various financial, personnel-related, and organizational requirements.
- Sending all relevant paperwork to the tax preparer as early as possible (preferably in January) can help ensure timely filing.
Filing a Complaint with the Ombudsman
If a tax declaration is not filed in a timely manner despite guarantees, clients can file an official complaint with an ombudsman recognized by the Federal Department of Finance (FDF). The process for filing a complaint can be found on this FDF page. Late tax filing can result in penalties, and the intervention of an ombudsman could help save clients from extra incurred fees.
Case Examples
The first firm filed a declaration late with errors and did not address queries from authorities, resulting in a fine and additional bills. The second firm has yet to file a reader's tax declaration, despite several months passing since the deadline. A reader from Vaud had a disappointing experience with two different accounting firms handling their taxes.
In summary, select a Swiss tax advisor with proven expertise in individual tax law, personalized services, and strong client and authority relations. Firms like Bär & Karrer, Pestalozzi, and ADB exemplify these qualities. Additionally, consider services that offer review and correction of previous tax returns to reduce risks of errors [1][3][4][5].
- For your personal finance and business tax needs, consider well-established Swiss tax law firms like Bär & Karrer, Pestalozzi, and ADB Altorfer Duss & Beilstein AG, known for providing comprehensive, tailored tax advice covering individual and complex tax matters.
- To avoid errors and ensure timely filing of tax returns, look for advisors who offer practical, strategic, and personalized advice that takes into account each client's individual circumstances and maintains close collaboration with clients and authorities for optimal outcomes.
