Kita Costs and Tax Deductions: A Guide for Parents

For many parents, third-party childcare is a good way to balance work and family life. Under the Swiss tax system, parents can deduct the costs of childcare in Kita centers (Kita), whereas school fees are generally not deductible. However, choosing a suitable Kita often presents challenges for parents: high Kita costs, limited availability, or complex tax regulations. In this blog, we explain the differences between Kita costs and school fees, highlight the main challenges parents face when looking for a suitable Kita, and clarify the different tax deductions available in various cantons.

Many parents wonder why they can deduct Kita costs from their taxes but not school fees. The answer lies in the difference between Kita and school.

Kita vs. Kindergarten vs. School: What’s the Difference?

For newcomers and expats, the distinction between Kita centers (Kita), kindergarten, and primary school is not always clear—especially since many countries do not differentiate between Kita and kindergarten.

• A Kita center (Kita) is a childcare facility for preschool-age children, allowing working parents to go to work. Kita centers typically include nurseries and, in some cases, childminders.
• Kindergarten is often viewed separately, although in some respects, it is considered part of early childhood education. Kita centers do not provide formal education but focus on care, early stimulation, and social interaction. Kindergarten, on the other hand, serves as a transition phase between Kita and school, preparing children for school entry through playful learning and the development of social and cognitive skills.
• School is an educational institution where children are taught according to a structured curriculum, focusing on education rather than care.

Why Are Tax Deductions Different?

The tax treatment of Kita and school costs differs because Kita is considered necessary care for working parents. These costs are classified as work-related expenses and are therefore tax-deductible. School fees, however, are considered educational expenses for children and are not deductible (or already covered by child deductions).

Many parents try to claim extracurricular and leisure activities for their children as tax deductions. Unfortunately, such expenses—such as tutoring, sports clubs, music lessons, or scouting groups—are generally not deductible from taxable income.

Why Do Parents Struggle to Find Good Kita Centers?

Finding a suitable Kita center is a significant challenge for many parents for several reasons. Having a good Kita for their children is important because it impacts parents’ long-term work and life quality.

The main issues when searching for Kita include high demand, limited availability, high costs, and quality differences. Kita centers fill up quickly, especially in densely populated areas like Zurich and Geneva, forcing parents to register early and endure long waiting lists. Limited choices lead to additional challenges, such as price increases. If no Kita spots are available, parents often resort to alternatives like childminders or private childcare, which are also tax-deductible but often come at an even higher cost.

Kita Costs and Tax Progression

An interesting aspect of Kita costs—especially in subsidized Kita centers—is that they are often income-dependent. This means that Kita centers take parents› income into account when determining the individual childcare costs. They typically require supporting documents such as salary statements or tax returns. Based on this information, a personal fee is calculated.

A good example of this practice is found in the city of St. Gallen, where both taxable income and taxable assets play a decisive role in determining the Kita fee. If the taxable assets exceed CHF 100’000 for single parents or CHF 150’000 for married couples, the maximum fee applies regardless of income.

Another example is the Kita fee calculator, which municipalities use to estimate parents› expected contributions based on taxable income and other factors.

The way Kita costs are determined can lead to a negative income effect. Families with higher incomes not only pay higher Kita fees but also benefit disproportionately from tax deductions. Due to tax progression, deductions for external childcare expenses reduce the tax burden more significantly for higher-income households than for lower-income ones.

Tax Regulations of Childcare Costs in Switzerland

Maximum Deductible Childcare Costs per Canton

The following table provides an overview of the maximum deductible childcare costs per child per year across all cantons.

With the right information and careful planning, you can find suitable childcare for your children while also benefiting from tax advantages!

Other interesting articles in this category (in German):

• Immobilien mit Hilfe eines Treuhänders teurer verkaufen: 9 Tipps
• Passive und aktive Rechnungsabgrenzungen: Beispiele und Buchungssätze
• Steuererklärung ausfüllen lassen – Steuerberater Vergleich 2025