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On the 8 of March 2026, Swissvoters approved the introduction of individual taxation with 54.23% voting in favour.
Below are the key points to note, along with some initial considerations.
For further details, please see our previous article on this subject:
Timetable for entry into force
The reform will not come into force immediately and will require a significant transition period:
- At federal level, implementation could take place before 2032, with the final decision resting with the Federal Council.
- At cantonal level, the cantons will have to amend their tax legislation by 1 January 2032 at the latest.
Upcoming deadlines and the end of the debate
Despite the public’s approval of the proposal, the political debate surrounding the taxation of married couples is not yet settled.
The “Le Centre” party has tabled a popular initiative entitled “Yes to fair federal taxation for married couples”. This initiative aims to enshrine in the Constitution the principle of joint taxation for direct federal tax.
The text stipulates that the tax authorities must compare two methods of calculation – joint taxation and separate taxation – and select the one that is most advantageous for each married couple.
Having already been rejected by the Federal Council and the National Council, the initiative still has to be examined by the Council of States. If accepted, it will have to be put to a public vote.
Regardless of the outcome of these decisions, the new tax system must come into force in its final form by January 1st, 2032, at the latest.
Update on other major reforms
- Changes to the Vaud tax cap
- The amendment to the tax shield is conditionally linked to the ‘12%’ tax cut initiative. The date of the referendum depends on the ongoing procedures, and no specific date has yet been announced. For the time being, the status quo remains.
- Should this initiative be rejected in the referendum, the amendment to the tax shield will come into force. This amendment should once again provide a more attractive tax shield for entrepreneurs with significant qualified dividend income.
- Increase in taxation on lump-sum pension withdrawals
- Following the rejection of the bill by the Council of States in December 2025, and subsequently by the National Council in March 2026, the increase in taxation on lump-sum withdrawals, proposed by the Federal Council as part of its budget relief program, will not be implemented under this bill in any case.
- Rental value – reminder
- On 28 September 2025, the Swiss people voted in favour of abolishing the rental value. The measure is due to come into force in 2028. Please see our previous articles on this subject for further details:
