Hello guys,
Recently I’ve received the definitive tax assessment form the tax office. I was attending a sailing course last year and deducted the costs for the course as education costs. To my surprise, the tax office didn’t accept the deduction. I think it’s a mistake. What do you think, should I object to this decision?
Best regards,
Unhartig
Hi Unhartig
From my point of view, it’s not a mistake. I assume your work has nothing to do with ships or yachts. In this case, the tax office considers this course a hobby. And the costs associated with hobby are actually cost of living and not education costs. Living expenses are not tax-deductible.
Thus, the sailing course can be deducted only if the sailing is your profession. For example, if you organize ship tours for tourists and you sail a ship.
Bests,
WeaverAware
Hello WeaverAware
Thank you. Now, I am a bit confused: German lessons were accepted as a deduction. However, this is not my profession. Could you explain that?
Best regards,
Unhartig
Hi Unhartig
Language courses, especially, German lessons, are usually accepted as a deduction, because the improvement of your language skills would support you in your professional life in Switzerland.
If you learned Japanese or Hindi just because you like it (no professional need), you wouldn’t be able to deduct the costs for these courses - no deduction for hobby courses.
Bests,
WeaverAware
Hi Unhartig
I recommend you to include all possible educational costs in your tax return. The worse scenario is cancellation of these deductions from the tax office.
In 2018 I added my expenses for aviation training courses and my tax office accepted them. Furthermore, my profession does not provide for the use of such skills.
Just try.
Be a good boy and Santa will bring you a present. 
Best regards,
Santa
