ETFs in the tax return: step by step
Even ETFs with no distribution belong in your tax return. Here's how to fill it in.
Want the overview first? What's tax-free and what's taxable with ETFs is on the overview page.What you need
Get the tax statement as of 31 December from your broker. It shows, per ETF, the number of units, the tax value, and, if your broker reports it, the taxable income. For foreign ETFs these figures aren't always in the statement; the Federal Tax Administration's price list at ictax.admin.ch can help.
Declaring ETFs in six steps
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Record ETFs by ISIN
Every ETF has an ISIN. Use it to find the fund in the tax statement and in the price list. Enter the number of units held as of 31 December per ETF.
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Determine the tax value as of 31 December
If the ETF is in the price list, the tax value stated there applies. It determines wealth tax. If the ETF is missing, you need a documented value, such as the closing price on its home exchange converted to francs.
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Declare distributions
For distributing ETFs, enter the distributions received, gross, as income. The tax statement or your broker's statements show the amounts.
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Don't forget accumulated income
With accumulating ETFs nothing arrives in your account, yet the income is still taxable. For ETFs in the price list you'll find the taxable income per unit there. Many tax programs pick it up automatically if you enter the ISIN and quantity.
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Check withholding tax and foreign tax
For Swiss ETFs, state the withholding tax deducted and get it back. For foreign ETFs, say from Ireland, Swiss withholding tax generally doesn't apply, and you usually can't reclaim the tax withheld inside the fund yourself.
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Check and file
Compare holdings and income against the tax statement. If an ETF is missing from the price list, ask your broker or the tax authority how to declare the income, and keep the answer.
An example with sample figures
The figures are made up. The sample fund is domiciled abroad, so there's no withholding tax. The price gain during the year plays no role for tax purposes.
Special cases
Savings plan with many purchases
If you buy monthly, you hold a different quantity on a distribution date than at year-end. The income depends on how many units you held on each relevant date. So know your purchase dates; the tax statement or tax software can often work this out for you.
ETF not in the price list
Some foreign ETFs don't report their income to the tax authority. Then you have to document the tax value and income yourself. Use documents from the fund provider, a letter from your broker, or ask the tax authority.
Custody fees
Costs for asset management by third parties can sometimes be deducted, either as a flat rate or with receipts. Rules vary by canton.
Common mistakes
Accumulated ETF income not declared
Accumulating doesn't mean tax-free. Taxable income can arise even without a distribution.
Wrong year-end value
For wealth tax, the tax value on 31 December counts, not your purchase price. Use the value from the price list or a documented year-end price.
Several brokers not recorded
If you hold ETFs with two providers, you need both tax statements.
Relying on a DA-1
For ETFs domiciled abroad, the withholding tax usually arises inside the fund. DA-1 generally doesn't help there.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to declare an ETF I bought during the year but with no income yet?
Yes, if you still hold it on 31 December. It belongs under wealth, and depending on the ETF, accumulated income must be declared too.
Do I have to declare capital gains from selling ETFs?
Not as a private investor. Capital gains are tax-free as long as you don't count as a commercial securities dealer. The criteria are in the stocks overview.
Do I pay tax on money I never received with accumulating ETFs?
Yes, the taxable income is taxed regardless. Set some money aside for it. But it only concerns the income portion, not the capital gain.
Further reading: Reclaiming foreign withholding tax, Stocks in the tax return and Crypto in the tax return.