Hoxha
Hello!
Yes, this situation can happen, and you're definitely not alone in experiencing it. Here’s a bit more detail to help clarify why this might be the case:
Quellensteuer (withholding tax) is based on an estimate of your income, and it’s usually calculated on a monthly basis. However, when you file a full tax return, the authorities look at your total annual income and any other taxable sources (such as assets, investments, bonuses, or foreign income) that may not have been accounted for when the withholding tax was calculated. If your full declaration reveals higher earnings or more assets than estimated, you could owe more.
Additionally, the tax rates might be slightly different depending on your specific canton or personal situation (like marital status or if you have children). The withholding tax might not always perfectly match the actual final tax rate based on your circumstances.
Generally, the tax office won’t reduce your tax simply because you owe more after filing your declaration. However, there are a few things you can check that might help:
Check for deductions: Make sure you’ve claimed all the possible deductions you're entitled to, such as work-related expenses, health insurance, childcare, pension contributions (like Säule 3a), or even travel expenses. Deductions can reduce your taxable income and lower the final tax bill.
Payment plans: If the amount you owe is too much to pay all at once, you can usually arrange a payment plan with the tax office. They’re generally understanding as long as you communicate early.
Re-check calculations: It might be worth reviewing your tax declaration or consulting a tax advisor to ensure everything was calculated correctly. Small errors or missed deductions can sometimes result in higher tax liabilities than necessary.
Unfortunately, if the tax declaration shows you owe more, there’s usually no getting around paying it unless you discover missed deductions or inaccuracies in your filing. But, making sure you’ve claimed everything you’re entitled to can help minimize the total amount.
Let me know if you need more details on any deductions or processes!
Cheers!
