Modernizing the tax system

The tax return can be filled out digitally today, but the data still have to be compiled by each person themselves. Moreover, you will only be reprimanded if you forget to provide information that leads to higher taxes. In contrast, there is no warning for potential deductions. Therefore, the tax system should be modernized through digital interfaces. Relevant data should be transmitted automatically and possible deductions should be actively displayed.

Problem

• High administrative effort Taxpayers must gather many pieces of information an…: High administrative effort Taxpayers must gather many pieces of information and documents themselves and manually record them. This costs time and increases the likelihood of errors.
• Missing support for deductions Today's system usually only points out errors t…: Missing support for deductions Today's system usually only points out errors to people when it would result in paying too little tax. Possible deductions or savings potentials, however, are often no…
• Data silos and lack of connectivity Many relevant data already exist digitally…: Data silos and lack of connectivity Many relevant data already exist digitally with employers, banks, or insurers, but are not automatically linked to the tax system. This leads to duplicate data co…
• The lack of transparency regarding state expenditures undermines trust in public…: The lack of transparency regarding state expenditures undermines trust in public institutions. Those who cannot understand how taxes are used accept tax decisions less and participate less informed in…

Solution

• Employers, banks, and insurance companies should transmit tax data digitally. Au…: Employers, banks, and insurance companies should transmit tax data digitally. Authorities will only see them after confirmation of the taxpayer. This makes the tax return simpler, faster, and error‑fr…
• The tax system should automatically detect possible deductions and actively poin…: The tax system should automatically detect possible deductions and actively point them out. This way all taxpayers are treated fairly and overlooked deductions are reduced.
• Bund, Kantone und Gemeinden sollen eine gemeinsame digitale Steuerplattform betr…: Bund, Kantone und Gemeinden sollen eine gemeinsame digitale Steuerplattform betreiben. Dadurch werden Prozesse vereinheitlicht, Doppelspurigkeiten reduziert und der Datenaustausch vereinfacht.
• Citizens should be able to view their tax data transparently at any time. Every …: Citizens should be able to view their tax data transparently at any time. Every data release to authorities should be displayed in a traceable manner.
• Uniform digital standards between cantons should simplify tax filing and reduce …: Uniform digital standards between cantons should simplify tax filing and reduce differences in usage.

Benefit

• Less administrative effort Automated data transmission and digital processes sa…: Less administrative effort Automated data transmission and digital processes save time and reduce the effort for citizens and authorities.
• Fewer errors and more fairness Automatic prompts for missing information or po…: Fewer errors and more fairness Automatic prompts for missing information or potential deductions help avoid mistakes and ensure a fairer taxation.
• More transparency and control Taxpayers retain control over their data, as inf…: More transparency and control Taxpayers retain control over their data, as information is only forwarded to authorities after their confirmation.